The Smallest and Lightest Prime Z lens... Who is it for?

Did we really need this lens when we have the great 28mm f2.8 already?

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[MB-dqgz]

We asked for pancakes Nikon gave us compacts that rejected our syrup and butter. They have corrected this mistake with a true pancake when Prince would approve of this lens.

[henningmartin]

In germany, the Nikkor Z 26 mm 1:2, 8 is 589€ (including taxes). The Nikkor Z 28 mm 1:2, 8 is currently available for 230€, so less than half the price. I was ready for 100€ more, but more than twice the price for such a easy design is just way off.

[seanPar]

Matt, it was nice meeting you over breakfast in Iceland even though it was brief it was my star sighting part of my trip. Thanks for all you do.

[NikonDave]

This lens is for me sir. Street photography fanatic. I preordered it and hope to get it by the end of the week. I have the 28mm and 40mm as well and still bought it. Not sure it will supplant the 28mm yet as that is a fine lens but can't wait to try it out. Thanks for the video sir.

[nogerboher]

26mm deals with shadows better, has smoother contrast, has smoother color transitions and is really soft/easy on the colors themselves out of camera, producing more pleasing colors out of the box, leaving you with less stuff to deal with in post. I don't shoot with wide angle lenses but I do try all the new lenses and if I were to buy a 20-30mm lens, it would be the Z 24mm over both the Z 26mm and 28mm.

[MattDiffey]

Contemplating this for a Z f walkabout lens that can be dropped into a pocket in a pinch as a slightly jumbo sized x100 style setup

[robertleidner]

They are trying something new and also gaining more experience for their factory’s in Thailand. I wish it was just one 28 pancake but hey, we just got an 85 1.2 and Z8

[welcome]

I have both of them, 28mm is amazing, 26mm is good for size but the autofocus is noisy but the size is perfect for travel, I love 28mm more, thank you so much for this nice comparison

[chrismiller]

I am trying to figure out how this is any more niche than a $14k 6.5lb fixed length telephoto lens that we apparently needed. The new 26mm is probably the lens more people wanted for street or travel with an ultra compact form factor and weather resistance. There is still a place for the 28 as a nice budget option, but I will probably sell mine when I get the 26.

[terrywbreedlove]

For me the 26mm is the perfect APSC street shooting prime. With a perfect 39mm FF equivalence. Small sharp and great focal length for street.

[bfs]

My usual tiny prime for the past 45 years that is always in the camera bag can be replaced by it. As well, it will replace the (Z9) body cap too to make the camera always has a lens on it and ready to shoot right out of the bag. Also, I have no issue with the 26mm focal length since I skipped buying the Z 28 but the Z 40. Of course, the availability of both the lens and fund for it are the major concern at this time. 🙂

As far as buying it to shoot with, given its higher price and lower performance... NO, unless one requires a pancake lens.

[kaminobatto]

Well, necessary? No! But nice to have? Yes! Is it the right time when there are other possible gap fillers in the lineup? No! I initially thought it was a DX lens which got me excited, but when I learned it was FX I scratched my head! In any case, I'm all in for a permanent lens cap with lens built-in that allows you to just grab you camera when go out on a casual shoot. A rather expensive cap!

[Bobgolf]

I own the Nikon 40mm f/2 Z lens and it fast and sharp! For under $300 it's a bargain!

[fpessolano]

Well the 26 is sharper, smaller but somewhat noiser and bokeh sligthly more nervous. Overall it is for me ... even if the price is such that for the 26 i could get the 28 and 40, that gives a moment of reflection.

[BoxxyFan]

This is the worlds first ever and only full frame mirrorless pancake lens with AF. Its kinda crazy it took a manufacturer this long to make one.

[Jviotr]

This video convinced me more than even before that the 26 probably didn’t need to exist. Like many, I already bought the 28 and love it. I don’t see enough justification to sell it and buy the 26, and I don’t see a reason to own both.

[nngnuo]

Thanks for the review. I'm buying the 26 mm after watching this. It's far superior and better for my Z fc!

[clabart]

Given that I don't have Nikon (actually I have my brother's D50 and D7100) but Panasonic and Fuji. I have Panasonic's pancakes used on the GH series. Their use is above all in the street (especially with the GX9) and on the gimbal by DJI, Manfrotto, Moza, Zhiyun and on drones due to its small size and weight which facilitate stability.

[intrinsicimagery]

You are a class act. Warm thoughts from my family to yours.

[erwino]

Hey, awesome shirt! Been following you for years from Swakopmund, Namibia! Hope you come visit again soon!