Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

£2385/$2397 It’s big and pricey but rather gorgeous

The pro-grade Z 14-24mm is packed full of features, including a tertiary customizable control ring, a customizable Lens-function button and a multi-function OLED display. Optical highlights include four ED elements, and both Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coatings, built into a tough and weather-sealed casing.

The lens is refreshingly compact and lightweight for such a fast, wide-angle zoom. It comes with two alternative hoods, one of which enables the attachment of filters. However, its uncommonly large 112mm thread makes the range of compatible filters somewhat limiting.

Performance

Lab-test scores for sharpness are more impressive than for any other lens in the group and, in real-world shooting, you can be assured of superb results throughout the zoom range, right out to the extreme edges and corners of the frame. Colour fringing and distortions are negligible, while resistance to ghosting and flare is also very good, adding further performance boosts for landscape photography.

N-photo verdict

It’s a top performer and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom, but the huge filter thread is less than ideal and it’s expensive.

Sharpness

Corner-to-corner sharpness is absolutely excellent, which can be a real bonus for landscape photography.

Fringing

There’s extremely little colour fringing, even towards the extreme corners of the image frame.

Distortion

Distortion is a complete non-issue with this lens, right throughout the entire zoom range.