As a landscape and nature photographer, the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens has become an essential part of my kit. This ultra-wide zoom lens is perfect for capturing sweeping vistas, dramatic skies, and even astrophotography, offering an incredible mix of versatility, sharpness, and compact design. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with this lens, highlighting its strengths, how it performs in various shooting conditions, and why it has earned a permanent spot in my camera bag.
First Impressions and Build Quality
When I first picked up the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8, I was immediately struck by how compact and lightweight it is, especially for an ultra-wide zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture. Weighing in at just about 650 grams, it’s significantly lighter and smaller than its F-mount predecessor, which is a huge plus when hiking to remote locations or shooting for long periods. Despite its lighter weight, the lens feels robust and well-built. It’s fully weather-sealed, which is essential for someone like me who often shoots in unpredictable conditions, whether it’s rain, snow, or sandy environments.
Sharpness and Image Quality
One of the first things I noticed when reviewing my shots was the incredible sharpness this lens delivers, even wide open at f/2.8. Across the entire zoom range, from 14mm to 24mm, images are tack-sharp from edge to edge. This is particularly important in landscape photography, where you want every detail—from the foreground to the far horizon—to be rendered with precision. Even at 14mm, which is prone to distortion in lesser lenses, the Z 14-24mm manages to keep lines straight and distortion to a minimum, making it a fantastic tool for architecture or interior shots as well.
The color rendition is also exceptional. I’ve noticed that the lens handles light transitions beautifully, from the deep blues of the sky at dusk to the subtle pinks and purples of sunrise. The combination of Nikon’s advanced coating technologies, such as ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coat, effectively reduces flare and ghosting, which is a common issue with wide-angle lenses, especially when shooting directly into the sun. This is a significant advantage for me when shooting landscapes during golden hour or when backlighting is unavoidable.
Performance in Low Light
The f/2.8 maximum aperture is a game-changer for low-light photography, and I’ve found this especially useful in astrophotography and nighttime landscapes. Shooting northern lights or capturing star trails requires a fast, wide lens, and the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 excels in these situations. Even wide open, the stars remain sharp across the frame, with very little coma distortion, which is often a challenge with ultra-wide lenses. This has allowed me to shoot stunning night sky images without needing to stop down the lens, giving me the flexibility to keep my ISO lower and preserve image quality.
Versatility
What impresses me most about the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 is its versatility. While it’s a natural choice for landscapes, it’s also great for architectural photography, cityscapes, and even environmental portraits. The ultra-wide focal length allows for creative compositions, and the fast aperture makes it possible to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field when necessary, something that isn’t usually associated with wide-angle lenses.
One of the unique features of this lens is the ability to use both front and rear filters. The front filter thread (112mm) is a welcome addition for landscape photographers like me who frequently use ND filters and polarizers. Nikon also included a rear gel filter holder for those who prefer to use gels, especially for astrophotography. This flexibility is something I greatly appreciate, as it allows me to adapt to different shooting situations without complicated workarounds.
Handling and Ergonomics
In terms of handling, the Nikon Z 14-24mm feels perfectly balanced on my Z8. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and easy to operate, and the customizable control ring is a handy feature. I’ve programmed it to adjust aperture on the fly, which is a great way to quickly adapt to changing lighting conditions without taking my eye off the scene. The lens also features a dedicated function button that can be customized for different settings, adding to the overall flexibility and convenience of the lens in the field.
Limitations
No lens is perfect, and while the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 is outstanding, there are a few minor limitations. The first is the price—this is a premium lens, and it comes with a price tag to match. However, given its performance, build quality, and versatility, I believe the investment is worth it, especially for professional photographers or serious hobbyists.
Another consideration is the wide filter size of 112mm. While I appreciate that Nikon made it possible to use front filters, finding high-quality filters in this size can be a bit challenging and expensive. However, this is a small trade-off for the ability to use filters at all, something that wasn’t possible with its F-mount predecessor without using bulky adapters.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is, in my opinion, the ultimate ultra-wide zoom lens for Nikon’s mirrorless system. Its blend of sharpness, portability, low-light performance, and versatility makes it an indispensable tool for landscape and nature photography. Whether I’m shooting grand landscapes, detailed interiors, or star-filled skies, this lens consistently delivers stunning results. While it’s an investment, the Z 14-24mm is a lens that will serve me for years to come, and I consider it a must-have for anyone serious about wide-angle photography on the Nikon Z system.
