Nikon has announced the Z 28-75mm F2.8, a new standard zoom lens for its full-frame Z-mount cameras, billed as a more affordable alternative to the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S. According to Nikon, the new zoom offers impressive versatility, ‘capable of everything from impressive portraits with a soft background blur to extremely detailed landscape photos, striking low-light ambience or a small-footprint video production’.
The design, optical makeup and minimum focus specifications point strongly to this being a re-mounted, Nikkor-branded (and corresponding more costly) version of the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di II RXD. Tamron has made zooms for Nikon in the past, which gives further weight to this idea. Interestingly, though, the specifications correspond to the original, stepper motor version of the lens, not the new ‘G2’ version which has a more complex optical design and uses a linear focus motor.
Compared to its more expensive counterpart, the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S, the new zoom is substantially lighter (565 g / 1.2 lbs, compared to 805 g / 1.77 lb: a weight reduction of 30%) and also slimmer, with a narrower filter thread of 67mm, compared to 82mm. Although it lacks the ‘S’ designation of Nikon’s flagship optics, Nikon claims that the 28-75mm F2.8 will still deliver attractive bokeh and good open-aperture sharpness for low-light photography and videography.
Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 samples (Nikon official)
Optically, the Z 28-75mm F2.8 comprises 15 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical elements, one ED (extra low-dispersion) and one ‘Super ED’ element. Minimum focus is 19cm (0.63 ft) at 28mm and 39cm (1.3 ft) at 75mm.
The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 will be available early next year at an MSRP of $1199.95.
Alongside the new zoom, Nikon is also teasing the development of a super tele 800mm F6.3 prime. The Z 800mm F6.3 VR S is set to be the first native Z-mount lens to feature PF (phase fresnel) optics, which Nikon has used before in its popular AF-S 300mm F4 and 500mm F5.6 primes for its D/SLR. Billed as having a ‘highly portable’ compact and lightweight body, that’s all we know about the Z 800mm F6.3 VR S for now.
Press Release:
THE NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 IS THE AFFORDABLE GATEWAY TO FAST APERTURE AND FULL FRAME FIDELITY
Nikon Also Announces Development of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Super Telephoto Prime Lens
MELVILLE, NY (December 13, 2021) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8, the latest lens to expand the impressive NIKKOR Z portfolio, putting the potential for boundless creativity and maximum versatility into the hands of enthusiasts. The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is an affordable and appealing choice for those ready to step up to a full-frame medium zoom lens with the benefits of a constant f/2.8 aperture including gorgeous, softly blurred backgrounds and excellent low light capability.
“Since the beginning of this year, we have announced numerous NIKKOR Z lenses for all levels of creators, which have been commended for their unrivaled quality and edge-to-edge sharpness,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Now we are continuing this winning streak by adding an extremely enticing option for enthusiasts in the rapidly growing full-frame market.”
The new NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is an attractive value for all types of photographers and creators, providing a lightweight lens with a versatile focal range and an f/2.8 constant aperture, all for an affordable price. Capable of everything from impressive portraits with a soft background blur to extremely detailed landscape photos, striking low-light ambience or a small-footprint video production, the 28-75mm f/2.8 covers it all. The fixed aperture of f/2.8 enables a pleasing depth of field with natural bokeh to emphasize the focus on the subject. The lightweight lens weighs only 1.2lbs (565g), making it incredibly easy to pack, carry casually or wield for an all-day event. When paired with a Nikon Z 5, the new 28-75mm f/2.8 creates a compelling combination as a carry-anywhere, cost-effective full-frame kit, or paired with the Z 6II to step up content creation to the next level.
The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 offers many of the benefits of its highly acclaimed sibling, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. While both lenses are extremely versatile options and serve as staples in every photographer’s bag, the 28-75mm f/2.8 is approximately 30% lighter with a slimmer profile. The lens features a control ring for maximum customization, and excels in video creation due to minimal focus breathing and near-silent operation. The new 28-75mm f/2.8 also features a minimum focusing distance of only 0.19m (at 28mm), making it a great option for cuisine, table-scapes and intricate fashion.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8:
- The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 delivers incredible sharpness and a bright f/2.8 aperture, affording the ability to shoot in low light or produce images with a natural and pleasing bokeh.
- The lens weighs only 1.2 lbs oz (565g), which is 8.4 oz lighter than the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. In addition to its portability, the lens is well-suited for gimbal use for content creation and video productions.
- The minimum focus distance of 0.62ft (0.19m) allows users to capture intricate details.
- By employing a stepping motor (STM) with superior response, the lens quickly focuses on moving subjects during still-shooting or video recording. The extremely quiet STM greatly reduces the level of lens drive and operational sounds during focusing and video recording.
- With the control ring, users can focus manually or change ISO sensitivity, aperture and exposure compensation in stills and video. The smooth rotation enables precise focus control. The knurling employed improves operation.
- The lens is sealed to prevent dust and water droplets from entry, enabling use in everyday circumstances without worry.* It also features effective antifouling coating for easy cleaning.
Development of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
Nikon is pleased to announce the development of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, a super-telephoto prime lens for full-frame (Nikon FX-format) Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is an S-Line lens, delivering powerful rendering with outstanding resolution while thoroughly reducing color bleeding. By adopting a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens that enables a compact and lightweight body, it is highly portable despite being a super-telephoto lens. With its high rendering performance and superb mobility, this lens will be an excellent choice for many types of photographers ranging from advanced amateurs to professionals.
Pricing and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens will be available in early 2022 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1199.95**. Additional information about the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S will be available at a later date. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the complete collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 28–75 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Aperture notes | Rounded blades |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Special elements / coatings | Three aspherical elements, one ED element, one Super ED element |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.19 m (7.48″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.34× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | No |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 565 g (1.25 lb) |
| Diameter | 75 mm (2.95″) |
| Length | 121 mm (4.76″) |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Hood product code | HB-93A |
| Tripod collar | No |