NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE)
Launch MSRP
$300- Weight
- 160g
- Filter
- ⌀52mm
- Min focus
- 0.19m
- Max mag.
- 0.20×
- Formula
- 9E / 8G
- Released
- 2021
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 2x Aspherical
- Aperture range
- f/2.8 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 160g
- ⌀ × length
- 71.5 × 43.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀52mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 7.9 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.19m
- Max magnification
- 0.20× (1:5.0)
Optical character
The Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) is the Special Edition of Nikon's compact wide prime, styled after 1980s manual-focus NIKKORs to match the Z fc and Z f. It has a knurled control ring, a silver accent band and classic lettering, and weighs 160g at 43mm long.
The optics are identical to the standard 28mm f/2.8: 9 elements including 2 aspherical, a multi-focusing AF system, 0.19m close focus and 0.2x magnification. The centre is sharp from f/2.8 and the corners improve when stopped down. It is a styling choice more than a performance one.
Reviewer consensus
Reviews of the SE match those of the standard version. The centre is crisp wide open, full-frame corners trail behind because of field curvature, and vignetting at f/2.8 is strong. Coma and some flare with the sun in frame are noted.
Reviewers like the retro control ring and finish, and see it as the natural kit lens for the Z fc. On a DX body most weaknesses fall outside the frame and it behaves like a well-corrected 42mm-equivalent normal lens.
Owner sentiment
Owners mostly bought it with a Z fc or Z f and love the look, the knurled ring and the light weight. AF is quick and silent.
Some note that the control ring has no aperture markings even though it looks like an aperture ring. Corner softness on full frame is the usual optical complaint.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Retro styling matches Z fc / Z f
- +Small and light (160g)
- +Sharp centre wide open
- +Quiet AF
- +Dust and drip resistant
Weaknesses
- −Weak corners on full frame
- −Heavy vignetting at f/2.8
- −Control ring looks like an unmarked aperture ring
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 7.9
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.0
- Autofocus Speed
- 7.9
- Flare Resistance
- 7.4
- Build / Sealing
- 7.3
- Value / Size
- 8.7
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Nikon Z (FX) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 28mm |
| Category | Wide |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Special elements | 2x Aspherical |
| Aperture blades | 7 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | STM (multi-focusing) |
| Minimum focus | 0.19m |
| Max magnification | 0.20× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 160g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 71.5 × 43.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀52mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Launch MSRP | $300 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/lens/z-mount/z_28mmf28_se/
- zsystemuser.com/z-mount-lenses/nikkor-lenses/current-prime-fx-nikkors/nikko
- photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_z_28mm_f2_8_se_review/sharpness_1
- digitalcameraworld.com/au/reviews/nikon-z-28mm-f28-se-review
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1649283-REG/nikon_28mm_f_2_8_nikkor_z.html
- photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_z_28mm_f2_8_se_review
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSNIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) vs Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF (Nikon Z)
- VSNIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) vs NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8
- VSNIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) vs AF 28mm F1.8 Z
- LaowaArgus
Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF (Nikon Z)
28mmF1.2- WT
- 562g
- FLT
- ⌀62mm
- MFD
- 0.50m
- MSRP
- $599
MFRING·DC - Nikon
NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8
28mmF2.8- WT
- 155g
- FLT
- ⌀52mm
- MFD
- 0.19m
- MSRP
- $300
AFWR - Viltrox
AF 28mm F1.8 Z
28mmF1.8- WT
- 367g
- FLT
- ⌀55mm
- MFD
- 0.37m
- MSRP
- $379
AFRING
