Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

£849/$899 www.nikon.co.uk

Joining the 16-50mm and 50-250mm kit lenses for the Z 50 mirrorless, Nikon’s Z 24 200mm f/4-6.3 VR super-telephoto zoom is the third Z-mount lens to include built-in image stabilization. The difference here is that it’s a full-frame optic, rather than being designed for DX bodies, so will work natively on the Z 6 and Z 7 without engaging the 1.5x crop mode.

Stretching from moderate wide angle to moderate telephoto, the Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is pitched as the perfect travel lens. Designed to be one of the most compact tele-zooms around, it weighs 570g and should fit into smaller bags.

Nikon says that the large Z mount enables a unique design that places larger lens elements to the rear, endowing the lens with superior balance and handling, while the optical design ensures sharp images with vivid colour and deep contrast.

Minimum focus distance is just 0.5m at 24mm, and 0.7m at 200mm, making it good for close-ups too. Aspherical ED glass and aspherical lens elements ensure minimal distortion throughout the zoom range, while Nikon’s ARNEO Coat combats ghosting and flare. The lens is sealed to protect from dust and moisture, while a fluorine coat repels dust and dirt, without compromising image quality.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Due to go on sale 16 April, this is Nikon’s first full-frame Z-system lens not to boast S-line credentials – so we’re looking forward to seeing just how it compares when we put it through our vigorous lab tests. It’s also the first full-frame Z lens to include built-in VR – so while it’s not Dx-specific, it’s just as much pitched towards Z 50 users as it is Z 6/7 photographers.