NIKON NIKKOR Z 24MM F/1.8 S
Kevin Carter puts Nikon’s new FX-format 24mm f/1.8 prime through its paces
This lens is the fourth in the S-series of moderately fast primes for the Z mount. Like the earlier models in the series, it’s quite sober-looking externally, and while quite large in appearance with the characteristic long barrel of Nikon’s f/1.8 primes, it’s relatively lightweight, thanks to the polycarbonate outer barrel.
The extra length means there’s plenty of space for a wide grip, so you’ll find it easy to handle. However, there’s no dedicated programmable control ring. Still, the focus ring can be easily reprogrammed instead, and focusing is internal, which is another plus, as there’s no extending barrel or change in length. It should also improve durability and make it easier to seal against the elements.
Autofocus is a delight – fast, precise, reliable, and quiet. Manual focusing isn’t quite at the same level, though. There’s a slight lag initially, and there’s no linear rotation option, but it’s precise at least.
Optically, there’s a lot to like. Wide open this lens has excellent contrast and resolution in the centre, and it’s sharp right out to the corners when stopped down a couple of stops. It’s also highly resistant to flare and ghosting. It also has low fringing, distortion, and vignetting, though they’re ‘corrected’ via a built-in profile. In third-party apps the corrections are reverse-engineered, with slightly differing results depending on your choice of RAW converter.