Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 Special Edition

Here's a pretty wicked joke: the "fc" in Nikon Z fc stands for "Fuji copy."

Which says in effect that the Z fc is not actually an FE2/FM2 replicant; it's a strategic move meant to plug a leak in the dike...namely, Nikon fans tempted by the Fuji X-T4. It probably means Nikon knows it's losing formerly faithful customers to Fuji.

And, of course, the elephant in the room and the Achilles heel of the Z fujicopy: it's not just that Nikon hasn't made many APS-C lenses—it's that the company has demonstrated positively time and time again that it doesn't want to make APS-C lenses and isn't going to.

It hasn't now; this is a FF lens!

Here we have this special-edition 28mm styled like an AI-S Nikkor, but it's merely a one-time one-off of a Z lens that's coming up that will have more modern styling that goes better with other Z products. For now you can only get it if you buy it with the Z fc. And then there's one more compact prime on the roadmap...a 40mm. A 28mm and a 40mm do not a system make. Marie Antoinette supposedly said "Let them eat cake," and Nikon is apparently saying "let them get by on a kit zoom." Otherwise, you can put FF lenses on your wee Z fc.

Systems sell cameras. Historically, no one knew that better than Nikon. But the unavoidable upshot is that right now Fuji is the Nikon of APS-C.

Finally, and this is purely personal, but the retro styling actually makes me sad. The reason is, I knew AIS Nikkors, and I loved AIS Nikkors, and, Senator, you are no AIS Nikkor.

But with all that negativity out of the way...

That's amore like it
Some of you know me and my peculiar tastes in lenses. To recap, the perfect kit is three or four lenses and the most important one is a wide-normal prime in the 35mm to 45mm angle-of-view equivalent range.

So then...perfect! Classically, the definition of a normal lens is one with a focal length equivalent to the diagonal of the format, and 28mm is just about exactly the diagonal of the APS-C rectangle. ƒ/2.8 is the new ƒ/2, and fast zooms are ƒ/2.8, so we're used to that and don't have any trouble with it. And the new lens weighs only 5.6 ounces or so. (Aside: some sites are "reporting" that Nikon said this is the lightest "full-frame" lens it has ever made. Nonsense. The Series E 50mm was lighter, for one, and one exception disproves the statement.)

Assuming the bokeh is okeh (this remains to be seen, since it's got two aspherical elements), I'd be happy. In fact, with okeh bokeh I'd be happy to have this lens as a wide-angle on most of the other Z cameras as well. And we'll be able to, because supposedly the lens goes on sale by itself in the Fall (for $299). Whether that means the SE or the supposedly upcoming non-SE we'll just have to wait and see.

The cross-section and MTF wide open can be seen on this Nikon page, under the "Specifications" tab. Note that the MTF will be better at other apertures. [Deleted: rant about manufacturers showing only one MTF graph for lenses these days. You can't describe lens performance with just one graph! At the very least, we need wide open and one stopped-down aperture.]

Verdict: A Good Thing. Mike seal of provisional approval bestowed. Pending IQ of course.

Mike

Product o' the Week:

Spiffy new Nikon beauty for hipsters young and old! Buy it here and you keep our engine running.

 

Original contents copyright 2021 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Albert Smith: "I feel so fortunate to have pre-ordered the new version of the Fujifilm XF 27mm ƒ/2.8 with aperture ring and weather sealing, because it is so in-demand now that it can't be found anywhere. Amazon has even put the disclaimer on the page, 'don't know when or if this will be available again.' My experience with the 27mm over the last few months has led me to believe that if you are going to have only one lens, this might be the most versatile for general photography.

"So, I could see the beauty of that Nikon sporting the 28mm with the cosmetically matching shell. The new Nikon hits some nostalgia in my brain...the look, the form and yes that chrome-ring 28mm made me momentarily swoon for it.

"There is an article that I read yesterday on line that says that its closest Fujifilm competitor would be the X-T30, based on size, price and external controls. The article matched feature set for feature set comparing both and Fuji won (no aperture ring on Nikon, range of DX lenses, etc...).

"After getting over the gee whiz factor of the new camera announcement, I put my 27mm on my X-T2 and went out a did some photography today. Nothing the Nikon offers will surpass the capability of my current gear."

Dillan: "As a Canon shooter, I have to say that I'm jealous. The camera is cool, but I'm really jealous of that lens. Nikon made an affordable wide prime. Canon has forgotten what 'affordable' means. I was hoping the new 14–35mm ƒ/4L would be the new 16–35mm ƒ/4L, but it's priced way above where the old lens came in. If they were to release a few inexpensive wide primes, I might feel better about the situation. I'm jealous."

Keith: "Nikon's refusal to fill out the DX (APS-C) lens selection is exactly why I left and went to Olympus eight years ago. Will not return to Nikon unless it's FX (full frame). I suspect a lot of the Nikon faithful are disappointed that the Z fc is not FX."

Mani Sitaraman: "I recall that, at the time Nikon introduced AI-S Nikkors in 1980 to replace the AI lenses introduced just three years earlier, a photography magazine review complained that that the AI-S were less well built, because they used only three screws to hold the lens flange in place, rather than five! Both types of lenses, of course, are massively overbuilt by today's standards, and, absent any issues with lubrication or separation of the cemented lens elements, will last a century. I just checked. Mine look as good as the day I got them, more than forty years ago."

Craig Yuill: "I am, unapologetically, a Nikon-camera owner. I do get quite annoyed by the anti-Nikon sentiment expressed by a number of online sources. If others like another system more than Nikon, that’s fine by me. Extol the virtues of that system. Nonetheless, I do have to agree with you to some extent on this faux AI-S lens. Its build quality will not be anything like that of a real AI-S lens.

"I bought a 300mm Nikkor lens over 20 years ago that I rarely use anymore. But I keep it to remind me of how solidly lenses used to be built. In the case of this 300—tanklike. That said, I am sure that this new 28mm ƒ/2.8 faux AI-S lens has optics that blow the old lenses of its type out of the water."

Christopher May: "If Nikon wanted to embrace the retro theme in a way that Fujifilm can't, they'd build another F-mount adapter. The Nikon FTZ mount adapter is a good match for AF-S and later lenses but the lack of functionality with older AF, AF-D, AI, AIS and non-AI glass is a little disheartening to dyed-in-the-wool Nikonians. If Nikon came out with an adapter that included full functionality with some or all of those older lenses, that would make a far bigger retro splash than a low-end lens in skin deep haberdashery meant to evoke those same optics."

Comments

[Hary B Houchins]

Re; The new "retro" Nikon Zfc... I'll keep my Nikon FA and my Fuji X-E3, thank you.

[Rob L]

It sounds silly, but it really concerns me that Nikon is getting comfortable in making lenses that lie like this. the new 28 looks like it should have a aperture ring - I understand why it doesn't, and that's not simply laziness - in Nikon world Z mount lens simply do not have aperture rings. Really wish they would let the older style influence a new design, without putting fake air scoops on the gear.

I'm loving my Z; it doesn't need dressing up. I bought the megadap adapter and and getting a kick out of using M glass and AI Nikkors on the Z with AF, but with the exception of the 105 2.5, it's a parlor trick. The 50 1.8Z is simply brilliant, and makes my beloved Summicron look like a perfectly okay lens. So as much I love having direct access with dials - IBIS and the no small but gorgeous Z glass is winning the day.

[Albert Smith]

Maybe of interest to users of Fujifilm cameras, regarding the new Nikon Z Fc.

It killed my "grass is greener..." thoughts.

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/nikon-z-fc-vs-fujifilm-x-t30-its-a-battle-of-style-versus-substance-but-which-wins

[Andrew Bearman]

Wicked funny! And true.

[R]

I would not be surprised if this lens broke records for vignetting as well. Let's say four stops or more in the corners on full frame, before the inevitable in-camera correction of the raw file. According to Nikon themselves, their main objective is cost-cutting, and eventually this will show in the products they make. But we'll see.

[Stan B.]

I don't see those candy colored mutants as a threat to the Fuji system, but if people like 'em- have at 'em!

I do miss those metal rings around the lenses though...

[Patrick Dodds]

I'm so tempted by this camera - perhaps I can pair it with a Topiky 25mm f1.8 available new on Amazon UK for £25.99 - sure to be top quality given that, and I quote, "there are up to 12 aperture blades, can shoot almost circular disc of confusion". (As well as having a disc of confusion, "Up to" is an interesting concept - maybe how many blades you get varies and is down to luck of the draw?).

Anyway, I really am taken by this lovely looking camera even if a 42mm equivalent is the only matching lens from Nikon. No word yet on its disc of confusion i don't think, but here's hoping.

[Crabby Umbo]

You certainly hit in on the head vis-à-vis the Fuji/Nikon customer relationship. There are a ton of x-Nikon pros that have been happily ensconced in the Fuji world (and every one of them I ask says it's all about the primes), but I'll go you one further: most of the people I know happily shooting Fuji are people who love old metal cameras with mechanical controls, regardless of manufacture!

I openly admit to fingering the bills in my desk-top cigar box when I saw the pictures of the new Nikon, but I closed the lid when I remember waiting for years for Nikon to cough up some reasonably priced, and sized APS-C prime lenses. I won't get fooled again. I let my Nikon stuff go, and bought into M4/3rd's, mostly to get the multiple aspect ratios, and since almost everything I do gets reproduced magazine size, or on-line, everything is hunky-dory!

At this point, I figure I have a slightly better chance of having either Olympus or Panasonic cough up a professional, mechanical controls, no video, M4/3rd's, camera body; than I do having Nikon cough up a full line of f/2 or f/2.8 APS-C primes!

[hugh crawford]

That is a pretty wild arrangement of elements if you are used to looking at 30 year old lens designs. I remember when all the big elements would be in front of the aperture back when telecentricity wasn't a big thing.

That 28mm 2.8 AIS lens is pretty wild. I love pointing out to people who own them that the front element rotates and moves in and out a little bit but the beauty ring is stationary. Somehow nobody notices that.

[Andy Kochanowski]

I simply don't get, and probably never will get, why someone would shell out $1200 or whatever for a styled reproduction of an SLR with one available prime lens to use with. I'd feel like such a dufus holding this thing. There is a whole ecosystem available to people who want to shoot with an FM, it's called film. Every major city has a lab that will scan your film. Mine in Southeast Michigan gets it back to me in 2 hours. I swear, if I ever see someone using this thing I will laugh out loud.

If you are stuck on digital, you can get a Pentax KP for maybe $700. It's the same size and has a real OVF. And you can get a boatload of APS-C metal lenses (except one in precisely 35mm, true, you have to settle for 32mm).

[Alan]

On the subject of Series E lenses. I have a 28mm f2.8 MK2. I bought it because one internet commentator said it was the worst prime Nikon ever made and others trashed it too. So I bought one and I think it's a nice lens, small, light and I think the image quality is good too. I have a 35mm f2.5 Series E MK1 and I like that too. I also have a set of AI-S lenses including the 28mm f2.8 AI-S and I do think that is a really good lens.

[Edwin]

Pick up a Fujifilm X-S10 and you'll notice that the shutter speed and ISO dials are gone! The controls are more like the Nikon Z50 than the Z fc. Also, the aperture ring on all zoom lenses has no aperture values on the lens barrel, you have to find it somewhere else, like "any other cameras". The aperture ring is just like another dial, except that it is on the lens. It seems that it's trend with Fujifilm, first with the X-H1, then this X-S10.

[Luke]

At least they didn't stick a little fake aperture index tab on it.

[Doug Reilly]

I like Nikon and what they're doing with the ff Z system. I'm particularly excited about the compact 40mm as that's my sweet spot for primes. I love the 50/1.8 Z prime but it's pretty large. The 40 would probably replace it if the IQ were in spitting distance (a high bar).

The Fc is kind of ugly IMO. Not as bad as the Df, but a far cry from the X-T4. I can see the resemblence with the X-T20/30 much more clearly, especially in how cramped it feels.

I think the whole "retro" thing is a damned if you do/damned if you don't proposition. People have been clamoring for the pared-down digital with analog feel but when companies actually go that route, people balk. They want their dual control dials and video buttons. The X-E4 is the most recent example: Fujifilm actually pared the camera down to the essentials for most photographers and yet the widely-echoed lament that they removed the D-pad AND the rear wheel leaving you "only" the front wheel and aperture ring (most XF lenses) and exposure compensation wheel and shutter speed dial and touch screen and joystick...sheesh, people are annoying. People in the internet echochamber even moreso.

I'm beginning to think the whole retro-style thing is mostly a mismatch of film UI to digital parameters, which does A LOT more in camera. Film cameras have one job, which is to expose an area of film. Digital cameras are a combination of film camera, darkroom, video camera, etc. Of course there will be more controls and a different UI logic.

And I think most photographers actually instinctively know this, and the market reflects this.

That said, I still cling to that analog aesthetic, even if I've opened more cans of baked beans with my X-T30's shutter speed dial than actually adjusted shutter speed...

[James]

In réponse to Edwin, only the variable aperture zooms don't have marked aperture rings. However, they do have a ring to adjust the aperture. Only one prime lens (the XC 35) doesn't have an aperture ring. While yes the XS-10 and XT200 don't have a dedicated shutter speed dial all other Fuji bodies do including the lower end XT200. I have the following Fuji prime lenses 14, 16, 18 (1.4 and 2.0), 23 (1.4 and 2.0), 27, 35 (1.4 and 2.0), 50, 56, and 90. Every single one of them has an aperture ring.

So no Edwin it's not a trend. In fact they just updated the 27mm with an aperture ring.

[Edwin]

Hi James, Thanks for your comment, and sorry for my bad English. When I say "a trend", I was referring to the getting rid of shutter and ISO dials, not the aperture ring markings. I have the X-T1, XPro-2, X-E3, X100f and the X-H1, that's why I'm keeping an eye on Fujifilm developments. Honestly, my shutter speed and ISO dials are always at the A position, I guess that beats one of the reasons to own Fuji's :(

[Stephen McCullough]

Hi Mike
It’s exciting that Nikon is trying various angles to manage their place in the market. Their FX DSLRs are wonderful in output and in use. The Z system is cutting edge; the cameras maintain most of Nikon’s effective UI and the lenses are somewhere from very good to best in class.

This new camera looks good. I’d even be interested if it weren’t for a few puzzlers. The key one is revealed in this lens. And this is best explored by describing the design as analogue rather than retro. Meaning the controls are manual and visible much as they were through most of photography’s history. The style may be labelled retro but the meaning is analogue.

This is where FujiFilm got it right and Nikon wavered. With almost all Fuji’s cameras and lenses a glance at the camera reveals key settings. And aperture is nicely adjusted with the camera to your eye, and in time it’s simpler still because as you glanced down you saw the current setting and know how many clicks there are to the desired setting.

On this pretty Nikon the aperture is seen in a window, but only with the camera switched on. And of course there are no markings on the lens.

If Nikon really wanted to own a lasting piece of this territory they would have committed. Success requires that a company at least appears to believe an apparent direction. And this commitment would have included a set of truly analogue controlled lenses. Just as FujiFilm did with the X-Pro 1.

Nikon appears to be playing here. That’s sad and disappointing. They’ll win sone sales for sure. It’s a sexy looking camera and will operate well. But they haven’t given it depth. They are playing and will likely land with play results.

Oh well.

[Chris Fuller]

I owned the Nikkor 28 2.8 AIS for a time. It was a fantastic lens. This Z version copy is nice, but a plastic mount? It's the same soup, just warmed over with Nikon: a tentative and half-hearted step with a new look while Fuji eats its lunch.

My favorite all-time camera is the Nikon FE2. The Nikon D700 is probably my favorite digital camera of all time. The colors from that camera are still unmatched. I just couldn't carry the weight anymore. I had hopes for the 1 series which retained that Nikon color signature that I enjoy so much. But those cameras were the fc of their time. Half-hearted and half-assed execution and commitment from Nikon.

I've moved on to Panasonic and Olympus micro-four-thirds. Panasonic has improved its color signature significantly since the days of the GF1 (too cool) and there are great lenses for this system. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II with the grip gives me that old-school feel of the FE2 and an MD12 winder with much less weight.

[Bill Tyler]

I no longer have a single favorite prime lens, but do have favorites for particular uses. The one lens that keeps coming to mind, though, is a Nikon 20mm f/4 that I used extensively on a family trip, mounted on a Nikon FM-2. It matched very well how I was seeing at the time, and was small, light, and unobtrusive. You can see some of the photos at https://williamtyler.smugmug.com/Vacation-1997/n-mw26S9/

[Stéphane Bosman]

I rediscovered AI-S lenses with the F3. Namely, the 35/2, 50/1.4 and 75-150/3.5.

The 35 and 50 are really impressive, even after having owned and used Leica, Rolleiflex, Schneider, Rodenstock, Canon, Mamiya and Fuji. I love the Fuji 35/1.4, seemingly like everybody, but I cannot say the Nikon 50/1.4 is less joyful. It is technically worse at f/1.4 and maybe in other regards, but really, who cares? Where the AI/S shines absolutely is manual focus. Combined with the F3 this is a mechanical experience that is up there with Leica. All the Fuji lenses I own are just sufferable for manual focus in comparison.

In a somewhat related aspect, I have been waiting 7 years for Fuji to come up with tilt-shift lenses. I long for that because I had several years with a view camera. The wait is over. Last week I came across a very well priced D850 in a shop and bought it. My 3 Fuji bodies and 5 lenses are for sale.

The 40 years old 50mmm f/1.4 AI-S is a joy to use on the D850. The viewfinder shows in focus/out of focus remarkably well, much better than I anticipated and the electronic focus indicator works very well indeed. The d850 helps showing the Nikon optical designers knew very well what they were doing 40 years ago.

I think it only takes a few days using AI-S lenses with an F3 or a D850 to restore any lost respect for Nikon.