Nikon’s 26mm f/2.8 is its Thinnest and Lightest Full-Frame AF Lens Ever
Nikon’s new 26mm f/2.8 is a super-thin wide-angle prime for its Z-mount mirrorless cameras and is its slimmest and lightest full-frame autofocus lens ever.
First announced as in development in January along with the Nikkor 85mm f/1.2 S lens, the Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 is described as a premium pancake designed for everyday carry. Nikon says that despite its small size, it delivers superior sharpness and excellently blurred backgrounds along with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture.
The 26mm f/2.8 is the first Nikkor Z lens that is thin and light enough to be considered an actual pancake lens as it is less than an inch thick (23.5mm) and weighs about 4.5 ounces (125 grams).
Nikon says that the benefit of such a small and lightweight optic is that it is easy to take anywhere.
“Whether shooting street photography, travel vlogs or landscape shots in a unique location, the Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 has you covered as the perfect companion wherever the journey may lead,” Nikon says.
The 26mm f/2.8 is constructed of eight elements arranged into six groups and is compatible with both full-frame and crop-sensor (DX and FX) Nikon Z-mount cameras. When mounted on a DX-format camera, the focal length becomes a 39mm equivalent, which Nikon says is similar to a “standard angle” lens. It uses what Nikon calls an “all-element” focusing system as well as three aspherical lens elements in order to maintain its small size.
It has no internal on-board stabilization and relies on an attached camera’s on-sensor stabilization for any vibration reduction. The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8 through f/16 via a seven-bladed diaphragm. The 26mm f/2.8 has a minimum focusing distance of about eight inches (0.2 meters), powers its focusing with a single stepping motor, and includes a new lens cap and a lens hood that has been specially designed to be slim and work with 52mm filters. Functions such as aperture and exposure compensation can be assigned to the control ring.
Nikon says the lens has some level of weather sealing, specifically it is “dust- and drip-resistant.”
Below are a few sample photos captured with the new 26mm f/2.8 lens, provided by Nikon:
The Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 will be available in early March for $499.95.
