Nikon Z 28mm F2.8 SE. First look. Samples and Quick tests. FT 28mm F1.4E

Hey Everyone
In this video we take a first look at the new Nikon Z 28mm F2.8 SE.
This lens is part fo the Z fc 28mm Kit.
The Nikkor Z 28mm is the first Z compact prime lens that favours size and weight over aperture and quality. unlike the Z 1.8S primes.
we will cover the following topics
00:00 Intro
02:15 the two 28mm lenses
03:22 the Lens design
05:43 Focus breathing
06:32 Sample images
08:03 Image quality compared to F 28mm F1.4E
09:40 Image quality compared to Z 24-70 F2.8S
11:16 Focus speed
11:47 Summery
If you are interested in my photography then follow me on instagram nikonricci
If you have any questions or any suggestions for testing Let me know in the comments
Thank you so much for watching !
Goodbye
#Nikon #NikonZ #Nikon28mm

[@rmcguirephoto]

Very helpful review. It provides a good counter-balance to another reviewer, who cannot be named, who said: "This lens is for people who want a plastic lens that looks like one of Nikon's greatest manual-focus lenses. Personally I prefer practical over cute..." For me, its big selling points are its very light weight as a walkaround lens, its lack of focus breathing (especially for video), and the very practical 28mm focal length. In the past 40 years I've mostly used zooms, but before that I shot with manual primes and I found the 28mm to be ideal for street scenes, photojournalism and other such uses. I appreciated seeing your test shots, even though I'm not a pixel peeper. You've helped to convince me that this is a must-buy lens to go with my new Z6ii, which I bought in part because I'm getting too old to carry around heavy glass.

[@dbarbour1029]

great review.....28 mm is my favourite focal length for street and landscape......50 years with Nikon, switched to Sony...going back to Nikon soon....thank you

[@pascalhibon7928]

I bought this lens (actually the 28mm non SE version) a couple of days ago and I'm amazed at the image quality it produces. This lens punches way above its price range! A no-brainer purchase if you ask me.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

I pre ordered this within an hour or it was posted on Adorama’s site. When Nikon first introduced their full frame Z system, I’ve been waiting for a 28mm lens. For me, I only need two lenses to do everything… a 28mm prime and a 70-200. Those two lenses is all the kit I’d ever need to do anything… weddings, family, events. I used to have the Fujifilm X100F with the wide conversation adapter which made that camera a 28mm equivalent. This was a dream, a small 28mm camera. I feel like my Z 6ii and this lens will be small like the X100F. 28mm is just a do-everything focal length for me. AND this version is retro style. I’m so excited for this to come in.

[@stephenfranklin8258]

Great first look - really looking forward to the Zfc kit on the way with it. Plastic mount is immaterial, there’s plastic and plastic!

[@hokanoi]

I personally love the retro look of this lens and the fact that is compact and light.. a must have for me.. thanks for the great review.. really enjoy your vids✌️

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks for watching them

[@Realletsplaygrey]

Commenting before watching because I'm hyped to hear you talk about this lens, will be back when done watching to comment again because algorithm 😂😂

[@Eklipze]

I'm super excited to get a hold of this lens once its more widely available for my Z5 for a lightweight travel + street setup. Excellent review. Keep it up. The 28mm on the Z7ii looks really sharp.

[@troyphillips1077]

I’m diggin this lens as a lightweight 28 f/2.8 that is like my old 28mm f/2.8 ais that I love . I’m a 28mm freak also and have many Nikkor 28s and the Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 . It’s one I use on my d850 and d810 all the time . I hope Nikon does something crazy and would develop a 28mm f/1.2 . That would be my dream 28 for the live music I shoot . I’ll use it for live music video also .

[@pboytrif1]

I dont even own any Nikon cameras. I just love hearing your depth of knowledge in these lenses and camera.. blows my mind everytime... nice work Ricci. Oh, and your editing is sick af

[@RicciTalks]

Too kind bro !

[@Tricklarock]

I have a 3200 and 4-5 older lenses. I am waiting to see what the a74 offers, but am having a hard time not buying the Z6ii! There's real good deals out there now with the ftz adapter and 28-70 lens. If the new update has real time tracking - its gonna be harder to wait!

[@JoeHoddinott]

Okay so please tell me there is a petition asking Nikon to make the upcoming 40/2 lens in an SE edition. Thanks for the review on this little lens.

[@Realletsplaygrey]

I want to give myself a reason to buy this, I feel like id love it for walk around street stuff. I'm very surprised at how well it stood up with the 24-70. And ugh the aesthetic of the lens. So awesome.

[@TorToroPorco]

Fabulous, I like the 28mm focal length as well and having it alongside my 50/1.8S in my camera bag will be ideal for having less weight and size when I want to pack light with my Z6. I’d be interested in seeing how flare resistant this lens is when shooting into the sun and also the degree of edge coma when shooting at night.

[@aymericb8450]

Great video. I hope I will get this 28mm soon for my Z6.

[@IvanToman]

This might be my first Z mount lens, along the whole F mount army :) Others are too expensive considering that I have everything covered in F mount versions. But this one will be affordable, doesn't need adapter, light, good IQ, seems like perfect choice for "pocket size" combination with my Z6.

[@skyrunr]

The 24-70F4S used (open-box) is a the best value in a Z lens. No reason not to enjoy your f-mount glass on a Z though! ;)

[@IvanToman]

@@skyrunr Good value but not small enough like this one...

[@TheJoejoez]

Pocket Size? Are you wearing MC Hammer Pants? The lens sure, but not the camera :P

[@skyrunr]

@@IvanToman Well I tried the 18mm f8 lens cap lens by funleader. That made my Z50 almost pocket sized, but the minimum focus over 30" wasn't very useful. I'm REALLY looking forward to the 28SE. Just make sure you have vignette control on high with it. ;)

[@khurrammoviesphotos1324]

Its autofocus or manual ???

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks for the image samples and an AWESOME video review with the 28mm! I'm really looking forward to this lens. I didn't think the 28mm focal length was for me until I got a 28-75 2.8 zoom and most of the time, I was at 28mm!

[@billmoyer3254]

Best Nikon information on KZbin!!!

[@paulaquipel7472]

I don’t get why you don’t have over 40k subs already. Come on people let’s go! Ricci’s videos are 👍

[@shlawchablaas]

Wonderful, as expected. I have the Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art which is also terrific, and of course can do all those amazing f/1.4 things, but I think I would really enjoy having the Z lens for the size, convenience, video AF, and picture quality.

[@ronboe6325]

This brings me back to my college days shooting a Pentax film camera; the 28mm was my favorite lens.

[@451804]

Yup. I am drooling for the 28, 40 compact primes. I have the original 28, 50 and 100 E lenses from the 80's on my FE2, so this just feels right.

[@rscotthinkle]

Always the best Nikon content. Keep it up!

[@gerryphilpott9766]

I ordered the kit w 16-50mm because I loved the look and it will be my second camera (first is Z6ii) for lightweight city walks, and the fact that I think my daughter will take the Zfc back to college at some point (She has my old F3 right now). Really liked your review so I ordered given that it will work well on both cameras and can't beat the price given your review. Thanks!

[@64BBernard]

This lens reminds me so much of the late 1970s version called the AI-S E lens. Cheaper versions of the higher-quality 28mm lenses that Nikon had at that time, but still excellent. At that time I used a Minolta SRT-202 (was my mom's but she let me "borrow it"). We had the 50mm 1.7 Minolta-Rokker lens and a 28mm Minolta-Rokker, and I loved the later's focal length.

[@kayreezy]

I was hoping you were going to release a video about the 28 SE...and here it is! Thank you for the video.

[@LarsSkov-h1x]

Just bought it for my Z50 - awesome review :)

[@georgeyoung1591]

Great review and comparison. I cannot wait until the 40mm f/2 comes out. If it has comparable quality to this lens, it'll be a definite winner. Love the idea of an affordable, compact alternative to the 35mm and 50mm f/1.8.

[@filterfreephotography]

I think Nikon should consider an 18mm and 23/24mm for the complete SE line of primes.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

I agree, my first wide angle lens was a 28mm f 2.5 Minolta RC lens back in the 70's and today I have a 28mm F1.8 Nikon F mount lens. You stay what you're used to. Thanks, great video

[@gyozakeynsianism]

4:25 vs. GREATEST LENS EVER AF-S 50mm f/1.8 :-D 19 cm close focusing distance is great. Seems really quite sharp (not surprising for a Z-mount lens) and the bokeh wasn't bad. I'd love to have this on a Zfc! It would just be excellent for street photography. Great video as always, Ricci!

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Is a 28 f/1.8 on the roadmap? I'm sure that'd be amazing, right up your alley Ricci!

[@balintk.9373]

I really hope Nikon releases a telephoto prime soon, or the 200-500 Z version. This 28mm and the ZFc is gonna be a niece product for sure, meanwhile there are 0 superteles if you wanna go mirrorless.

[@RicciTalks]

I’m certainly excited for the Z 200-600 / Z 100-400 But my 500mm PF / 180-400mm / 600mm work fantastically well on my Z7ii

[@dpedrosoliano]

youre the only reviewer that actually figured out how to set aperture mode on tht lens than to nitpick like others do "i only wished the lens has aperture ring on this lens" , im sold because of your review haha ,also if u hate the size of the nikon ftz adapter. try zhongyi lens turbo adapter for z mounts, it gives a few inches back to mimic a full frame without any loss of details in image quality, and it looks better with the previous F mount lens. cheers from Malaysia 😊

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Interesting. Thank you as always, Ricci, for your transparent reviews of these lenses and other gear!

[@KyleClements]

I've always preferred 28mm, 50mm, and 105mm over the more common 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm prime trio. This SE version is a beautiful lens. Can't wait to see the full video with the production version of the lens. Thanks for the sneak peek.

[@ashokan134]

Thanks for reviewing!

[@Cleverconveyence]

i'm excited to try this with my z6ii. having to wait is agonizing!

[@philiptata3607]

You deserve 10 times as many subscribers! Exactly the video I was looking for. Do you think the “Regular’ Z version, to come out eventually, will have the same amount of glass in it? Will it simply be a packaging and construction difference? Thanks again.

[@solomonessix6909]

I’ve been awaiting the 28mm f2.8 and 40mm f2 lens reviews. Thanks!

[@scotth4019]

Great review. I was very curious about this lens but there is not much information on it. Thank you very much.

[@derekenz4185]

Really looking forward to this lens! Thank you! I find it kinda strange Nikon didn't release compact lenses earlier on when the Z system came out.

[@mneedes2]

Agree, the long wait for these compact primes has been disappointing.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

It’s fantastic that Nikon is cool with you making these videos.

[@RicciTalks]

Hey Everyone ! Here it the is the Nikon Z 28mm F2.8SE. Iv been really excited to show you this lens mainly because I can share my love for the 28mm Focal length. I think the picture quality of this lens is great I don't think it will be as good as the 1.8S primes but it certainly does well for its size and weight. Giving a good mix of quality size and weight. if you have any questions let me know ! Thank you so much for watching !

[@HR-wd6cw]

For $300 the 28 2.8 might just be another lens I'd recommend to Z shooters to have in their bag if they plan do any landscape or street photography, or even just as a compliement to a 50mm. I'm for sure going to get one (although after thinking about the Z fc, am going to pass on that camera for now, but I think Nikon is perhaps headed in a good direction with it and hopefully it sells well for them). I do like the idea of a 28mm FF lens, because on a crop body, the lens has a 42mm equivalent perspective which is probably closer to normal human vision I'd say than a 50mm (someone had told me 45mm is approximately what the average human eye perceives or can consiously focus on and so I think the 28mm on a crop sensor body is perfect, so it's like a dual-purpose lens). 28mm on a FF body is also very useful for landscapes and street photography IMO, and it's small size is nice too.

[@pacific-midwest]

Looking forward to this 28mm 2.8 and the upcoming 40mm 2. Focal length aside, I far prefer the rendering of Nikon's 35mm 1.4G and 24mm 1.4G to the 28mm 1.4E.

[@cronufc]

Great review and love how you place it next to other lenses!

[@krazyk57]

Great review… Good luck on the 30,000..!!!😎

[@psoon04286]

This lens is what I’d hoped all the other Z lenses be like - compact and light to go with the mirrorless trend

[@victorlim5077]

I think the compact 40mm F2 is up next and yes, more compact lenses will help the Z system grow. Especially on the DX side.

[@tallaganda83]

If this sells well, I’m sure the trend will continue.

[@psoon04286]

I’m on the pre-order list and now debating whether I should include the ZFc

[@victorlim5077]

@@psoon04286 The Z FC definitely a good looking camera. Very hard to ignore. 😆

[@stanobert3475]

I pre-ordered this lens to use for street photography when I travel when the 24-200 Z lens is too bulky.

[@terrywbreedlove]

For me personally the Z5 and this Lens would be perfect for 99% of my shooting anymore.

[@psoon04286]

My choice too😄

[@9Biloela99]

Brilliant review

[@runcmd1419]

Looking very nice on both formats. Really hoping Nikon comes out with an anodized black FX version of the Zf (to match the S line), with the Z7 sensor (for cropping on compact primes, not worried about video), and a 40/2 SE.

[@nene1964]

It’s so sharp omfgg

[@allee2445]

Would be nice to have a dedicated aperture ring if Nikon wanted to create a retro looking lens

[@NCSTalkid]

This lens along with 40/2 very2 useful for cheapstreet object photography. Very light and quite good at f4-5.6 standard for street

[@ericerickson6537]

Will order it for my z7ii

[@stephenvictor8961]

I appreciate how you work. Thanks for doing what you do how you do it.

[@martyntorode7126]

Would like to know more about CA & fringing when you test a production version.

[@NikCan66]

Always enjoyable informative and educational. Tour de Force.

[@dicksonmo]

Long live Nikon!!!!!!!

[@ankuracharya4556]

Would be nice to see this lens with the new Zf

[@DessieTots]

You can see a clearer more defined edge around the lettering on the colour chart at f4 with the f mount 28mm. Not a huge difference but still worth having I think. The image has more “snap” to it.

[@victorlim5077]

This will be an awesome street photography lens. AF speed looks quite good. 😍

[@cditfurth]

Thank you! Again a wonderful video. After seeing it, I would have bought the lens if I hadn't already done so - including the Z fc.

[@rezberry.x]

nice videos information. i got a question. would it be safe for me to shoot at a snow mountain (not snowing, just snow environment) with this lens on my z9? will it harm the z9 sensor due to mositure or whatever it may arise? i too like 28 or 35mm range.

[@GordoFriman]

Please, add bokeh and vignetting test to your reviews! i always miss them!

[@22welcome]

I have Nikon Z 50mm F1.2 , and I all ready preordered Nikon Z 28mm F 2.8 , because it’s small lens and prime , easy to travel with, thank you so much for this nice review 👌👌👌

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks for watching!

[@HR-wd6cw]

Missed (in the first time I watched this) your comparison to the 24-70. I'm glad to see that the 28 SE stands up pretty well against the 24-70, enough that I think I may get this lens as a compact walkaround lens...

[@AndySnap]

Can all Nikkor lenses have the fantastic, iconic styling of the Z 28mm SE...please! It just says 'Nikon' with all it's great heritage of magnificent Nikkor manual and early AF lenses.

[@pablogacitua]

Great video Ricci! Are you doing a full in depth review of this one against the F-mount 28mm primes and the Z 24-70mm f2.8 ?? Please do so 🙏🏽

[@tomd4260]

I ended up getting the 24mm viltrox 1.4

[@erichramone7812]

Ricci the Nikon ZFC was a great concept. But the idea of using a z50 was a backwards choice. I know you know that. I hope no matter how the camera sells they still put out a full frame version with an all new sensor. I would pay $2000 dollars and above for a camera like that. I would like a 30 mega pixel plus sensor but would settle for an all new 24 mega pixel sensor.

[@RicciTalks]

I disagree with you …Not everyone can spend $2,000 dollars on a camera just because APS-C suits you doesn’t mean it suits everyone else…. If Nikon had launched a FX version for $2,000 there would be lots of people complaining it’s too expensive and they want a cheaper body …. You can not please everyon

[@erichramone7812]

@@RicciTalks full frame or APSC isn’t actually my issue at all. I would take either one at 1000 or 2000 American dollars. It’s the fact that it’s an older camera insides with NON semi- top specs in a new body launched the later part of 2021. But that’s just the opinion of one man, certainly they have too account for more than me when making decisions.

[@BeingWolfy]

Wish they would make an 18mm se z dx lens to give us the 28mm field of view (full frame).

[@maortheyoungcameraguy175]

Nikon Z DX 18MM F1.8 SE

[@BeingWolfy]

@@maortheyoungcameraguy175 - Yep!

[@BusyZyoung]

absolutely great review

[@marciifee]

i want this lens for my z50 i hope nikon gives us more se lenses!

[@skyrunr]

The 14-30F4S and 24-70F4S are great on the Z50. So are the 70-300E and 10-20 AFP with the FTZ. A few 1.8 DX primes would be nice for sure, and a Z 16-80VR DX as well.

[@nerwin]

I plan on getting one for my Z6II, I like the special edition version. I think it will look good on the camera and make it a bit different than my other Z mount lenses. But with the supply chain issues, probably wont be a year till they are readily available.

[@TaipeiGeek]

I noticed this lens has no special coatings as compared to other Z lenses, so I would love to see how it handles flare.

[@ciba20]

Ricci, I waiting for your new Viltrox 24mm test!

[@csc-photo]

Optically it looks amazing (as all Z lenses do). Personally though, I can't invest in plastic lens mounts with no mount seal (just a technical pet-peeve of mine). I'm sure it'll be a great lens for many folks, priced well and an easy carry. In all fairness too, even if this were a 28 1.8, I'd still opt for the 24 1.8 (I love 24).

[@AlecKinnear]

At €250 on sale, it's not an investment. It's a tool to take great pictures. Silent focus is great for video. Sadly the new 26mm metal mount is a noisy lens. Makes me like this 28mm f2.8 even more.

[@yanitsvetanov1162]

This lens looks like a very good alternative! I had Nikkor Nikon MF 28mm F2.8 Ai, great lens + bunch of other primes! Now I'm debating with myself should I get this one (I'm prime lens shooter, but got tired of constantly changing lenses every time I travel) or wait for 18-140 for my Z50!? 🤔

[@MichaelAres]

So......when we getting that new firmware update for the Z6ii in September?

[@airbnbphotography]

video help me to buy the lens, even I sworn myself not to get plastic mount for $300 lenses

[@gillespiemonte592]

I'm very surprized by the small size of the front element.

[@xstensl8823]

i bought a Nikkor 28mm f2.8 for my FE2

[@solomonessix6909]

Hoping the release of the non SE versions of 28mm and 40mm are announced this week.

[@dfinlay587]

Looks to be well worth the $300 investment. ;-)

[@سيشارب]

Nice video 💙

[@mgotovac]

My next lens for Z6.

[@GordonMoat]

Since the screw placement looks the same, I'm curious whether the plastic mount could easily be replaced with a metal bayonet?

[@MikeHeller]

Looks awesome, ordered and now waiting impatiently for it to show up. No ETA unfortunately.

[@gosman949]

Please compare this lens to the Z24-70 F4 that most of us use as a walk around lens.

[@philmtx3fr]

Hi Ric, As you I am fond of 28mm. I discovered it quite lately using before a lot of zooms but what a nice thing to walk through the town with only one short and light 28mm. The only cons Nikon should have avoid is the plastic mount… Why making this lens looking like the unforgettable AI line (which were full of metal )… and putting a plastic mount ??? Ok it won’t change the optical quality (which seems high)… but why why why :(. That said it won t prevent me to buy it :)

[@RBProcess]

Great video, as always. Do you know if the non SE version will have weather sealing around the mount (given it is intended for the full frame cameras)?

[@mgotovac]

Please check backlit portraits and sun flares on FF.

[@tokenp3]

Is this lens a good choice to use it on Z50 (DX) for taking photos of kids? I need a quicker lens with better autofocus than 16-50 or 18-140. Thank you.

[@k3n12ock]

I have the 40f2 not realizing theres this lens. May have to get one.

[@markshirley01]

If you shoot a fullframe lens on a DX body is the Fstop also x 1.5

[@VRGRPK]

Not exactly… Example: @ f/5,6 has the depth of field of a same focal length FF lens at about f/9.0 but otherwise f/5,6 IS f/5,6. You’re not alone, there’s a widespread misconception about it.

[@balamuruganj6058]

Nice video. Thanks for your great work as always. In terms of focal length, wouldn't it be more apt to compare this with tbe z35mm rather than the 50mm ? Also please let us know if you tried this for indoor video shoot.

[@dabug91]

You should compare the Nikon Z fc and Z 6II with the 28mm f/2.8 lens to the Nikon 1 J5 with the 10mm f/2.8 lens. :)

[@joegrossinger3381]

Bump your volume up! Please! Any idea when the Nikon 28mm f/2.8 NIKKOR Z will be available?

[@quovadis3220]

hey ricci: nice you do retro lenses reviews. i have the manual 28mm f2 Ai. the distortion is much worse than of the manual 28mm f2.8 Ai. what do you think? oh you talk about z-mount... 😜 i overlooked this - the retrodesign ist realy confusing 👍 job well done nikon!

[@paulburwood8231]

Looks great, but struggling to find out how much just the lens would cost, as seems a good choice to go with my recently purchased Zii