Las Vegas, NV—Nikon introduced two products at CES booth #14006. The Nikkor Z 14–30mm f/4 S is the first ultrawide zoom lens to take advantage of the capabilities of the new Nikon Z mount. It debuted along with the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit.
The newest S-line Nikkor lens is a popular focal length for landscape, travel, event and architecture photographers/videographers. Featuring a new optical design, the compact, lightweight Nikkor Z 14–30mm f/4 S utilizes the Z mount’s larger diameter and technological benefits.
The ultrawide-angle lens “delivers superior optical performance and maximizes the potential of high pixel-count digital cameras such as the 45.7 megapixel Nikon Z 7,” the company announced. In addition, the lens features a nearly flat front element. This makes it “the world’s first filter-attachable ultrawide-angle zoom lens covering a focal length from 14mm.”
“The Nikkor Z 14–30mm lens demonstrates the optical superiority of the Z system, taking advantage of the newest high-performance lens technologies while maximizing compactness and portability,” said Jay Vannatter, executive vice president, Nikon Inc. “The Nikon Z series is a powerfully capable camera system for all types of video production. And with the Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit, we’re giving videographers and content creators the gear they need to begin capturing high-quality videos with the most compelling hybrid camera on the market.”
The S lens is 3.5 inches long (retracted) and weighs 1.07 pounds. It is 28.6% lighter and 32% shorter than the AF-S Nikkor 16–35mm f/4G ED VR. Moreover, it is 51.5% lighter and 35% shorter than Nikon’s F-mount AF-S Nikkor 14–24mm f/2.8G ED.
Key Feature: Filter-Attachable, Ultrawide-Angle Zoom
The new lens employs four extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and four aspherical elements, to control distortion and chromatic aberration. Additionally, the use of Nikon’s antireflective Nano Crystal Coat technology reduces ghosting and flare. As a result, it delivers clearer images and maintains contrast in challenging light.
Notably, for the first time on a 14mm FX-format (full-frame) lens, photographers can attach screw-on filters (82mm) to the front of the lens. This capability expands the creative possibilities of the lens for landscape and cityscape photographers as well as videographers.
The lens also features Nikon Stepping Motor technology (STM) to provide smooth, fast and quiet AF performance. STM allows photographers shooting in sensitive environments as well as videographers who must avoid focus noise in productions to shoot discreetly.
In addition, as with all S line Nikkor Z lenses, this lens includes a customizable control ring. The ring can be assigned to manual focusing, exposure compensation or aperture control, depending on the shooting situation. It can also maintain different custom settings when in photo and video mode.
Moreover, the lens is compatible with the in-camera 5-axis vibration reduction utilized in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7. VR provides up to 5 stops of image stabilization. The lens also reduces focus breathing, preventing the angle of view from changing unintentionally when adjusting focus. Dust and drip resistance it also has a fluorine coat that repels dust, water droplets, grease and dirt.
The Nikkor Z 14–30mm f/4 S will ship in the spring for a suggested retail price of $1,299.95.
