Nikon 28mm f/2.8 NIKKOR Z Lens (SE)

The Nikon Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) doesn’t just look good, it’s also a very competent performer. Like the optically identical Nikon Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, it can’t claim to capture the same sharpness as an S-line lens, but neither lens disappoints. They are also a fraction of the cost.

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  Good image quality, Weather-sealed, Light and compact

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  No focus scale, Single control ring, SE (retro style) version more expensive in the UK than non-SE version

Nikon Z 28mm F2.8 SE is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Wideangle Prime lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Nikon Z mount cameras. What type of photography is the Nikon Z 28mm F2.8 SE lens good for?

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  Autofocus, Control Ring, Covers Full-Frame Sensor, Minimum focus distance of, 0.19m / 7.5 inch, Light weight at only, 160g / 5.6 oz, No Weather Sealing, Hood is not supplied

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  Autofocus, Control Ring, Covers Full-Frame Sensor, Minimum focus distance of, 0.19m / 7.5 inch, Light weight at only, 160g / 5.6 oz, No Weather Sealing, Hood is not supplied

The Nikon Nikkor Z 28mm F2.8 lens sacrifices a bit of build quality to meet a reasonable asking price, but it captures pleasing images and offers lots of value.

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  Small, light prime, Sharp full-frame optics, Sensible pricing, No visible distortion or focus breathing

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  Autofocus is on the slow side, Plastic build without weather protection, Control ring function isn't that useful

In the case of the Nikkor Z 28 mm f/2.8 you deal with a long list of assets and just several flaws, all of them easy to predict so they shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. If you add to that a sensible price, reaching now $300, moderate dimensions, and weight, you get a quite interesting offer.

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  very good resolution in the frame centre,, sensible image quality on the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor,, negligible longitudinal chromatic aberration,, slight lateral chromatic aberration,, lack of problems with spherical aberration,, low astigmatism,, moderate vignetting on the APS-C/DX sensor,,...

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  distinct vignetting on full frame,, a bit too pronounced coma at the maximum relative aperture,, plastic barrel and mount.

Whether the lens appeals because of its superb performance, its price or its retro styling and nostalgic appeal, it is a winner all around. There is really no qualification to that, and it would be an asset to any Nikon user.

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  Outstanding sharpness, Virtually zero distortion, Compact and light, Fast accurate AF, Very low CA, Modest vignetting, Pleasant, smooth bokeh, Great VFM, Fantastic handling, Dust and splash resistance

I wanted to try a compact Z system with the 28 and 40mm lenses but ended up sending everything back because of the lenses. Neither the 28 or the 40mm impressed me. Of course I didn't expected perfect optical quality for the price but these lenses were a step beyond anything I've used on full frame.

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  - Light design - Build quality seems good for the price

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  - Wasn't impressed at all by image quality

Wonderful size, plenty sharp