Nikon Z 26mm f2.8. First look. Nikon Made A Pancake !

[@apostraffstudio]

The perfect lens for street photography and travel. The perfect body for it is Nikon Z F. Thanks!

[@plutonianenigma8724]

Loving this lens. I’ve seen so many reviews saying the hood doesn’t stay attached and I thought it to be true until I accidentally turned it all the way and it clicked lol. Awesome walk around lens, and I’m loving shooting with it. Was lucky enough to find this as it’s backordered and even being resold used for more than the retail price. Awesome lens

[@karlsexton]

I just received my copy of the Z 26mm f2.8 and can confirm audible focus motor. It is picked up on video unless using an off-camera mic. Shame really because this is an amazing video lens otherwise. Minimal focus breathing, sharp and beautiful image. I'm keeping since I almost always use a Rode mic. Also, best to keep hood on all time since otherwise the lens extends beyond body and the cap can push against lens if extended. This causes a "Press shutter release to reset" error. If you keep the 'mini hood' on, the lens never extends beyond and the cap does not cause any error. Love this lens for my street, video (sound concerns regarded) and emergency wide angle kit.

[@raynerp]

I was exited for this pancake but the price is so wrong that I won't think about buying it

[@mca8690]

I really don’t understand the intended market for it. Video? It should’ve been 2x the length and /2 if not /1.8 for low-light use (weddings, PJ, sports, etc)

[@jamese4729]

Totally with you. I was so excited, but at $700 Canadian, they're having a laugh. At a reasonable price point this would have really breathed new life into the DX Z cameras

[@uhoh7541]

'Price is so wrong' love the way you worded that for some reason 🤣 I'm not familiar with these lenses. Is there any benefit to them other than their small size? Example, would a 28mm pancake have some sort of attribute that wouldn't be in a shot with a regular 28mm prime?

[@施逸翔-f4c]

same

[@Cleverconveyence]

It's just beyond shockingly bad. There are so many other lenses in the Z catalog I would go for first with my money. Major bummer. 300 or less and I wouldn't have even thought about it. I don't give a damn about the metal mount. The quality would have to be really superb to justify this.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much for this timely review. I just received notification about this lense so I went to KZbin. You've talked me out of it with that noise evaluation as video/audio is imortant in what I do. Much apprecited, and I wish you all the best as always.

[@Whatreally123]

I enjoy street photography and this looks perfect. I just hope Nikon releases a Fx Zfc or equivalent dx lens (28mm FF equivalent) and an updated Zfc with 4k 60, IBIS. I'd really love it if nikon make a FF Zfc. 28, 40 small primes are already available. A 35 and a 50 with the firm factor of the 40 would just make it amazing for street photography.

[@rogermanning4353]

Looks like a great piece of kit. I want this lens to pair with my backup Z7. BTW, looking forward to your video on the 85mm f1.2 . . . that will find a place in my Z9 bag. Cheers!

[@Xatokuom]

Love watching your reviews. Thanks for all of the help, you consistently cut through the clutter and give the best balanced perspective out there. Cheers

[@davidgifford8112]

I like my Z 28mm, the 26mm looks interesting, I like the extra sharpness and genuine pancake nature. I couldn’t justify both. If the production models are as mechanically noisy as your pre production example, I will stick with the 28mm.

[@brusselssprout1]

This, combined with a Z5/6/7 and the 40mm, is all I would ever need for city trips, social outings, hiking, etc. Even more useful than the 28mm as IQ seems noticeably better and extra flat barrel makes it completely pocketable (including in a shirt pocket). And a good "standard" walkaround lens on APS-C, where the 40mm becomes a very capable short portrait lens. Am very tempted, but I'd like to know what max aperture the coming 24mm DX will have before making the investment. All that said, the 28mm still is a cool lens for the price.

[@SilatShooter]

I'm a fan of pancake lenses, especially for travel and street shooting. Now Nikon needs to make a tiny FF body to go with these lenses to make a really discreet, light carry package.

[@uhoh7541]

Is there a benefit to these lenses other than their small size? Would there be a characteristic in an image taken with a 28mm pancake that wouldn't be with a regular 28mm prime?

[@user-ys2wc5od6r]

@@uhoh7541 Not really, it's just about the package.

[@SingleTrack66]

Still waiting on the tiny ff body. Z3 ?

[@apostraffstudio]

Nikon has already released the perfect FF body for this lens - Nikon Z F

[@SilatShooter]

@@apostraffstudio the Zf is definitely a nice body. Have handled one and liked it very much but for me still too large for EDC use and this lens. I want something really small RX1 small with interchangeable lens mount. Don't know if that's possible (engineering-wise) but that's what I'm hoping for.

[@davidroberts6766]

I already preordered from Nikon Canada!

[@rafaeldelauz]

That's great to learn. It would make a wonderful combo with the 40mm. I tried the 28, but that lens is too soft.

[@peterdavid4570]

Im thinking this on my Z8 on a gimbal for video work. I do a lot of 2 person interviews and they are mic'ed wirelessly so noise from the lens is not an issue. Anything to keep the rig light is a bonus for me!!

[@jtes1442]

I am glad that Nikon released this lens. I just wished that it has some coatings and wasn't so noisy.

[@johnmajors1449]

A good review. I think this would make a great companion travel lens in a lite travel kit for myself. I visit venues like theme parks, Biltmore Estate, cruise-ship excursions, etc. where I would use the Z 24-120 F4/S outdoors during daylight, but may pop into a building, exhibit, etc. where the F2.8 speed without flash is helpful and "commercial" photography with a larger lens may draw unwanted attention on my Z7II. All could be carried easily in a small day-bag. The added Bennie that the net cost of Z24-120 F4/S + the Z 26 F2.8, is cheaper than the Z 24-70 F2.8/s by itself (although an awesome full-frame lens). Plus I get the Bennie of using the DX setting on the Z7II for when a need extra reach on either.

[@yjcoffee]

Thank you for the first look of Z26mm. If you don’t mind, could you review the sharpness comparison with Z28mm/2.8 and Z24mm/1.8S? In MTF, Z26mm looks really great at the center but seems to be worse at the edge. So, I’m wondering how it performs in real world at stopped down. 🙏

[@rezzoc91]

as an enjoyer of the original fuji pancake I'm sure that all the zfc users can only love this lens! If I didn't use fuji and I went Nikon I'd definitively use this couple 24/7

[@rezzoc91]

I meant original 27mm btw, much love for the 18mm too though!

[@victorlim5077]

If Nikon releases the Full Frame Zf, I think these compact lenses will be very popular.

[@rbob4931]

Good preview. Answered many questions. Thanks!

[@Budfrog23]

Good review and thanks for giving us a heads up on this lens. For me it would be the prefect walkabout lens which is also capable of coping with low light but the price is too high - if it were pitched at around £250-£300 then I think a lot of people would be interested.

[@jbairdexp]

Not a lens for me but it's great to see Nikon expanding the range. We do need some more DX lenses though, so I hope they move from roadmap to production soon. :-)

[@vincenttanching3324]

Agreed! Looking forward to the ultra-wide angle 12-28mm lens...and I hope that it's not a power zoom lens :(

[@jbairdexp]

@@vincenttanching3324 The 12-28 is the DX lens I'm looking forward to. I think the PZ suffix is a giveaway though, but how good/bad/annoying it will be will depend how they implement it. That aside, I do hope its constant aperture as well.

[@vincenttanching3324]

​@@jbairdexp That is true. But I hope we are all wrong with the meaning of PZ *wishful thinking* :P Call me old-school, but I still love a tactile zoom ring in making accurate focal length adjustments. Excited nonetheless for this lens when it releases as I am tired of lugging my heavy NIKKOR 10-24mm DX F-mount lens together with the FTZ II.

[@makatron]

Which is why I hold on to my 17-55 2.8 Nikkor

[@patrickmolloy6994]

thanks Ricci. good review. Not sure what the demand might be for this. My carry about is the z24-120 though I'd think g=for holidays it might be useful

[@Franglais91]

I want it. A tiny low-light lens for street with the same view as a smartphone camera.

[@PharaohMan007]

It's a neat looking lens; I just really do not see the purpose of adding it to my kit when I have the 28mm already.

[@Blitz_Shorts]

Great review as always! I always like your honest opinions. I would most surely pass on this lens and wait for a wider focal length pancake

[@russandloz]

Interesting to see its shaper than the 28, but then as a result has a busier (sharper) background compression

[@HR-wd6cw]

The next closest actual lens probably is the 16-50 which is probably only marginally taller, but probably not by much. But in terms of FF, I think the 26 is the shortest in the Z FF line to date. Glad to see they'll do a 24mm for DX (as that gives DX cameras a 35mm equivalent). Really wish they would also do a 35mm APSC Z lens too for a 50mm equivalent FL, although with the 28mm FF and 40mm FF they likely won't (at least not any time soon, which is a shame). I have to agree that the complaints about plastic mounts is a bit absurd. I mean they're only found on the lighter lenses anyway (so the 24-70's and 70-200's for example, don't use them due to their size and weight). And really they're not as fragile as people think (providing you do go bashing your lenses into things and breaking the mounts, which if you are, then you may have other issues going on). I mean I suppose in a drop the lens mount will break, but then again, they're usually found on the cheaper lenses anyways so if you broke a 28mm or the 40mm it's not the end of the world as those lenses are cheaper than say a 24-70. Although Nikon's F-mount 50mm had a metal lens and that is practically a throw-away lens at $200. I'm glad to hear the 26 is sharper than the 28 (which I ended up selling). I mean the 28 wasn't horrible, but the edges/corners (even stepped down) didn't impress me too much. But perhaps the 26mm I might find a better option (plus it's more compact). Sharpness is the one thing I was a bit concerned about with this lens, being a pancake, and based on what I saw with the 28, although the higher price point does sort of seem to indicate it could be a "Better" (sharper) lens.

[@derekenz4185]

Difficult to say for me. Been enjoying the 28mm SE. Its still pretty small too. Not sure the minor differences of the 26mm are worth the price.

[@bambamhakkai]

Good review Sir! More power to your Channel

[@nancyk9475]

Great review! Love your channel, always helpful content. I think for the price, I’ll go with the Z mount 35 f1.8. I was hoping for a 28 f1.8, love the 28mm focal length, but wished the 28 was even an f2 instead of 2.8.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Looks like a nice little lens! great for street and travel.

[@privatei4772]

Hi. I was wondered when your going to complete the full review of this lens? Also why on earth are we still waiting for a 28mm 1.8S!

[@BowlesImages]

Thanks for the initial review. Looks like a nice, sharp, and small lens for all the purposes you mentioned. The MTF looks to show a good bit of field curvature. I've placed an NPS order for the lens. Do you have any comments on the close focus performance with a MFD or 0.2 meters?

[@BowlesImages]

I have the lens now. Just a few comments. Sharpness is excellent - better than expected midframe to the corners. There is definitely a noticeable sound focusing the lens with AF or manually. It's probably too loud for video. I observed minimal coma using it for astrophotography. The working distance is under 4 inches - enough for some nice wide angle close ups of flowers or plants in a landscape. The hood is different, and the first time you need to use a bit more force to snap it into place. It definitely is a solid lens - rather dense as opposed to light weight. I used it on a recent trip for most of the day. Overall I like it and it's a keeper.

[@patrick.771]

It's nice that the compact lenses all have a 52mm filter thread.

[@dwightbrown2808]

It reminds me of the old 45mm GN Nikkor. It had a pretty unusual lens hood too.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Regarding the auto focus: Being "loud" can be very subjective for each person. What defines loud? We can measure that in dB which would be more accurate.

[@ashokkandimalla5962]

A great short review. From what I read the lens has a length of 23 mm. By how much does in increase when you attach the hood. Could post a picture of this lens with the hood, next to the 28 mm lens. Thanks.

[@victorlim5077]

Nice Preview, Ricci. The focusing sound seems quite soft, like the newer AFS lenses for the F Mount. I wonder if the new All-Element Focusing System makes it difficult to keep it fully silent (bigger STM motor moving more lenses).

[@spark339]

thanks for the video

[@sdhute]

This reminds me of the canon 1.8 prime lenses. They have an element that protrudes out the front too. This was the reason I didn’t stay with Canon and RF. I’ll just get the 28mm

[@craigcarlson4022]

Interesting impressions. I wonder when we’ll get the DX 24mm on the road map and how they’ll compare.

[@veeaa]

I'm hoping that the 24mm would be 2.0. It's bigger than the FX 26mm 2.8 so there's hope.

[@jeffellis662]

I don't care for the price, but I pre ordered it anyways for my Z50/Zfc, I like that with that lens it would fit better in a jacket pocket to carry around all of the time. I like the Z40 but for pocket carry I used the DX 16-50 and think this 26mm will be better for me. I like a 40mm lens in full frame so this will be close but smaller in length than the 28mm that I don't have.

[@stanobert3475]

I purchased this lend from Nikon and it will arrive next week. I will use this lens, the 40mm, and the 24-200mm with my Z7II for our overseas trip in May. I expect to use this lens frequently for images of Paris.

[@edgarindarto4578]

How was your trip to Paris? Can you perhaps share your feedback and some pictures taken with the 26mm?

[@edgarindarto4578]

How was Paris😊

[@stanobert3475]

@@edgarindarto4578 Fabulous!!

[@NiceladyproductionsCanada]

What I love about Z mount lenses is how quiet they are for focusing in video, disappointing to hear you're hearing this lens focus like F mount lenses. Hopefully it's only your copy.

[@stanobert3475]

I received my copy of this lens, which I ordered from Nikon. The so-called diminutive lens hood seems more like a 52mm filter holder. This hood is a bit loose and doesn't snap on like a regular lens hood. I wonder if it was designed this way.

[@jonbarnard7186]

I was thinking of buying the 28, but this looks better. I just wish it was priced like the 28.

[@csc-photo]

No one prefers a plastic mount 🙂 (half joking, but I can't think of any pros of plastic?). It would be unfortunate if the focus motor in the full production model is that loud, certainly not good for video content. Keeping my eye on this one, PLEASE update us on the focusing noise in a full production model. Thanks!

[@Pine4205]

I like your reviews. Will you consider reviewing Nikon's NX Wireless Tethering and cord tethering?

[@onourwayeverywhere]

Thanks for the review. I am hoping you will do a second look at the similar 40mm Z mount lens as that is my favorite focal length and I would like to see some more comparisons against the 50mm 1.8s and the 35mm 1.8s. I hear the 50mm 1.8s is an outstanding lens but dang it is so big!!

[@user-ys2wc5od6r]

All the Z mount S line primes seem to be stellar.

[@DefinitelyNotMyRealName]

It’s big. I’ve got the 50/1.8S and it’s big on the Z50. I’m thinking about returning it after I got the 40 and holy moly that 40 is fantastic. The 35S is a little smaller diameter and one ounce lighter but not sure that would be any better to handle than the 50. I’m torn really

[@superuser13]

My z26mm is a fantastic lens. The image quality is great. I have not noticed any audible noise from it. I will have to check it with some video recording.

[@patrick.771]

Do you know if there's a Z50II in the pipe? I would sell my Z6 for an improved Z50 since there are now more compact lenses out.

[@antonsiberian]

It would be a nice addition to my 40mm f2, better than 28mm f2.8 because it is too close to 40 and not as small.

[@davidhunter5623]

Any thoughts on using this lens for astro landscapes? Any fringing in the corners?

[@skyrunr]

Thank you for getting this out so quickly. This looks very nice, but it also makes me question why we can't have a 22f2 the size of the 28f2.8 with better quality for about the same price. I'll wait a year for $100 or more off. I also need a proper grip-less Z body with expeed7 for it, DX or FX. Any word on those?! Any firmware for the Z50 or II's?! The 24-50f4-6.3 is quite a bit sharper than either of the compacts and better under 6' too. It is cheaper used and about the same size. The 24-50 is much more useful for my needs.

[@maricello13]

Are you sure? Even if the primes are stopped down?

[@skyrunr]

Also, for wider than 24mm, for OOF you really need an f1.8 or f1.4 aperture. This is why I kind of lean towards a 40f1.8-2.8 prime. This leaves room for a wider landscape zoom, and an f2.8 zoom in a 3-4 lens bag. Which is also my goal (20-40, 45, a kit lens, and the 70-180). Then add a 100-xxx for a telephoto, but you'd only need two lenses on a typical trek.

[@skyrunr]

@@maricello13 If you're stopping down, you might as well use an F4S lens or the 24-50 lens. This is my opinion. I think we're in a time where zooms match our outperform primes as well. UPDATE: After reviewing the impressive MTF's, this lens is actually right up my ally. Now all we need is a few grip-less expeed7 bodies with proper user modes and more button customization. I'm hoarding my Nikon glass for now, without a Z body, but I won't wait too long. I have proof of sharpness results (tripod, efcs, test chart) posted on dpreview. Search for 40mm and my username.

[@USGrant21st]

That lens shouldn't be more than $300. Nobody's going to pay $500 for it, especially taking into account ugly and loud extending barrel. I'd rather keep using my tiny Samyang 35/2.8 on adapter, which I paid just $180 in Adorama.

[@PharaohMan007]

and/or use the 28mm which is about $300.

[@deejaybeephoto]

Agree. Much too expensive here in the UK.

[@plutonianenigma8724]

just got lucky and ordered it..... its backordered in most places and being resold used for more than the original price. I wanted to ask, is it worth using a filter on it being that it protrudes (for protection against dust) or would you leave it as is???

[@donbergeron5466]

Do you know if anyone has tested the Z 26 f2.8 for Astro Photography? I'm just trying to see what type of versatile use it would have.

[@photoreviewed-com]

Seems a bit expensive but your samples show surprisingly good image quality. I will give it a try!

[@Budfrog23]

The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens is about £150 in the UK

[@jeffrey3498]

A lens for the people!

[@marekdorcik]

Hey Ricci, nice video. Good choice of Nikon to do this size lens. Super expensive though. Also I don't think the 24mm, 1.8 prime is DX. Seems full frame. nice one

[@williamsymonds2797]

There is a small Nikon DX 24mm in development, and I think he was referring to that lens.

[@djteknovibe93]

I doubt you'd be able to tell much difference between the 28mm f2.8 and the 26mm f2.8 unless you pixel peep or view on a very large screen. I have the Nikon Z6II and the 28mm f2.8 and the sharpness using the 28mm is excellent, plus the 28mm might be bigger but it's a liught lens so unless you're incredibly weak then it's not going to be even close to a problem using it compared to the 26mm. The 26mm would have to ABSOLUTELY blow the 28mm out of the water for image quality in my opinion to be worth buying because as far as I have seen the 26mm is just over twice the price.

[@alwinbenjamin]

👏🏻

[@JdarceyMCR]

Looks nice. Shame I bought the 28mm tbh. Do you think the fringing (which is quite bad) will become better once there is an firmware update for the cameras? In body corrections etc?

[@peterebel7899]

There is no way fighting fringing with in body corrections.

[@nethbt]

There's really no point on buying a fixed 2.8 lens unless it's really really cheap

[@smallbatchsessions6892]

Please show more image comparisons on the next video.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I should get this lens and use it as a body cap.

[@pascalhibon7928]

On which camera did you test the image quality? It looks like a nice lens but since I already own the 28mm I don't think I will get this one.

[@willkendall294]

Just curious, how long is the lens including the hood? I can’t seem to find it listed anywhere

[@peterebel7899]

Purple fringing is not caused by a lack of coating. This is caused by lens glasses and lens formula.

[@victorlim5077]

I think it's the lack of ED glass.

[@romanhar4151]

How is the autofocus speed? (1m to inf, closest distance to inf?)

[@mynameistrd6841]

3:08 - 3:32 right there is a deal breaker

[@G95G95]

That front element is so tiny, I'd think any dust on it would cause big problems in the image

[@okinawapunter]

26mm with Z30 is equivalent to Ricoh GR3x.

[@solomonessix6909]

Ricci I was wondering if the 26mm lens cap fits the 28mm & 40mm (non-SE) lenses?

[@RicciTalks]

If you use enough force it will go on the Non SE lens only however it then gets stuck and requires force to get it off over time the grippy material on the inside of the cap would ware out and I’d imagine it would just fall off So as cool as that would be I wouldn’t recommend

[@solomonessix6909]

@@RicciTalks Thanks for the feedback. I’m interested in seeing your review of the production copy.

[@vj_great551]

Is this good for low light

[@Getoffmycloud53]

Compared to the Fujifilm xf 27mm pancake it is really silent! It is all relative 😂

[@flicker_freak]

Hi Ricci, if I put a filter on, will the extension of the lens touch the filter glass when I manual focus?

[@RicciTalks]

The filter I tried did not however that might vary with thicker filters like an ND or a CPL I haven’t tried that tho

[@flicker_freak]

@@RicciTalks Thanks. That's great to hear as I only use UV filters

[@2222paulr]

I don’t see why I would get this over the 28mm f2.8

[@jpdj2715]

Great review, Ricci. As I have the 28/2.8 in Z guise as a walkabout lens, this is not for me. But people will enjoy it, no doubt. What I feel Nikon should do? Develop an "S" class pancake lens - so it's not about "fast" but about resolution and zero distortion, CA.

[@Silverwarhawk]

I just do not think it's possible to pack all of S's near-perfect optical characteristics into a pancake lens, even at F2.8.

[@trulsdirio]

The price is so insane I rhad to check it wasn't a LEGO collaboration lol

[@KimHojbergJensen]

If you consider the glass only, it looks like a lens from a smartphone

[@HoLeeChit11]

The price though

[@whitewalker9622]

At the 1:50 mark I was just going repaet reapaet repaet reapaet... Whats going on?

[@raymondtan2415]

A pancake lens seems pointless on the typical (still bulky) Z cameras with the exception of the fc

[@brandontemple20]

$500 seems high

[@thephotoyak]

Thailand or China?

[@lazyliquid]

Gahhhh just bought the 28mm

[@markshirley01]

Nikon have become unrecognisable from the company I bought into in 2002. I hope they put their skates on an produce something exciting in 2023.

[@Skye_the_toller]

No idea what to do with that kind of lens... real amateurs use the so good F1.8's... occasional people do not use 26mm!!! and I do not imagine that on my Z9 :)

[@Someone_Else1]

I think Nikon messed up with this lens, way to close to 28mm 2.8. filter size is the same, amount of lens elements is almost the same, same kind of sealing (a bit more perhaps), same close focus distance. It is way to expensive (i thought the fuji xf 27 2.8 was expensive). That it is metal much cant account for the price difference with the 28 2.8. What they should have done: make a 5 element count, high microcontrast lens, and make aperture f3.5 or f4.and sell it for $200 - $250. people wont often use this lens for shallow DOF work nor for low light so being a 3.5 - 4.0 lens wouldnt matter. Too bad!

[@eelcj1]

Not sure it’s worth $500.

[@franksamet]

Not a priority Lens for me to buy at £500+ .

[@genin69]

as with most of Nikons "lower grade" new lenses (which are difficult to differentiate from the others) they are ridiculously over priced. dont know why they are so high. Take the 24-70 f4 lens. it should have been a $500 to $600 lens not a $1000 thats just bonkers.

[@neklamp2431]

it gets lost on the z9! 😂

[@jr8440]

26mm uch... i want a pancake but not a 26mm... man just make it a 40/45 🙄

[@klarion]

When you rub (twist) plastic on metal, it INEVITABLY wears out sooner than metal on metal. Nikon is not using plastics that have the strength and rigidity of metal. So, I wouldn't EVER buy a lens with a plastic mount, considering that I switch lenses all the time.

[@seantomlinson3320]

Seems like a lot of money for that noisy focus.

[@martinsarre]

👎👎👎 Be Warned…. I bought this Lens for astro. Unfortunately, my shots all had bad coma, so I am getting rid of it

[@billneal8995]

$496.00 for this lens! Not a chance way over priced. I will not purchase this.