Nikon announces another wide angle zoom to add to its lineup of Z glass: the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8.
While camera bodies get all the glory, it’s the glass that goes in front of that body that will be the key investments for any camera system. Bodies may come and go, but lenses can last a lifetime as they move from one body to the next. Of course, as one might expect given their importance and technical engineering, good glass doesn’t always come cheap. This is why it is a welcome advancement when a company provides its customers with various options at different price points, so that buyers with differing needs might have access to the system, even if they don’t currently have the funds.
In Nikon world, the “holy trinity” is their 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and 70-200mm f/2.8. These are lenses that most pros will have in their bags. And, as you might expect, they are the most expensive options. But, a few months ago, Nikon sought to introduce a parallel line to their higher end zooms by announcing the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8, a smaller, lighter, and less expensive option for those who wanted the increased light gathering of f/2.8 but needed to accomplish it on a budget. At the time, I thought it might be a one-off, but today, Nikon has announced a sibling to the Z 28-75mm in the brand new NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8.
Like its closest sibling, the Z 17-28mm f/2.8 gives you a wider aperture at a lower cost and weight than the holy trinity option. It comes in at 450 grams (which is roughly 30% lighter than the Z 14-24 f/2.8). It’s also lighter than Nikon’s f/4 option, the 14-30mm. The lens uses a high-speed stepping motor (STM) with nearly silent zoom and minimized focus breathing. It is sealed to fight against water and dust. And the minimum focus distance is 7.56 inches. The lens will be available in October of 2022 for a suggested price of $1,199.95.
I haven’t tested the lens yet, but I’m curious to see how it performs. Of the three, the wide angle zoom is usually the one of the holy trinity that gets used the least for me. I am considering options to upgrade my own wide angle zoom from the F mount to the Z mount, but will be cost conscious when doing so, since, in my case, it will only be called upon on certain occasions. So, having this as a more affordable option could be tempting.
What about you? Is this a lens you would consider adding to your kit?
I don't see any purpose for the lens, other than providing Nikon with a low cost option. I already have the f2.8 trinity and their f4 equivalents. I would love to see a 70-200 f4; if it's a native Nikon lens, not a rebadged Tamron.
You.. you bought the f2.8 trinity and the f4 trinity?
Why?
I use the 2.8 trinity for landscapes and the f4 for travel (overseas, where I have to fly).
Since landscapes aren’t a shallow DOF affair, the f2.8 trinity seems spurious in this regard, no? Especially since the f4 lenses are likely able to resolve higher detail at the same f-stops?
But, you do you I suppose
I don't agree with that. From what I've read, and experienced, the 2.8 lenses are sharper across the range.
I'm a full-time pro. For as often as I use something this wide, a 17-28 at $1200 could be a great addition to my kit.
Meh, Nikon really needs to stop worrying about these kinds of lens and put out a zoom lens that is sub 14mm or even just a fast 10mm prime lens for that matter. If Nikon put out a fast 10mm prime, Id pick on up in no time I know that much.
Corrected headline:
"Nikon Re-releases a 3-Year-Old Lens with a $600 Markup"