Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S
Announced February 12, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S is an ultra-wide prime designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras that delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast across the frame. Although it carries a premium price and significant physical size, it remains a top choice for landscape, architecture, and low-light photography.
Weighted from 13 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus performance
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Pleasing bokeh and close-focusing capabilities
- High-quality optics with minimal flare and coma
Cons
- Heavy and bulky dimensions
- Significant vignetting at wide apertures
- High retail price
- Presence of longitudinal chromatic aberration
- Focus-by-wire limitations for manual adjustment
- Launch price $1,049.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 20mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 20 cm (0.19x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 505g (1 lb 1.8 oz) · 84.5 x 108.5 mm (3.33 x 4.27 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 13 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S is the first 20mm prime lens specifically designed for Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless Z bodies.
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As we have seen so far from every Z-mount prime lens, Nikon has done an incredible job making each lens perform at the highest levels of sharpness and contrast, with very little sample variation. The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S follows the same pattern, with superb overall performance.
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It's a beautiful and accomplished lens, so for its current price of $1,000 it certainly does come recommended, and if that price ever goes down even just a little then it's highly recommended.
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We found just two flaws, one of them quite obvious and only to be expected – after all nobody would think a lens with such parameters might correct vignetting in a perfect way.
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Compared to the F-mount 20mm f/1.8G, there's no question that the Z-mount version is clearly and obviously better, from center to corners, and at all apertures. My F-mount version has been kicked to the curb, where it was picked up by a dealer doing recycling.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S is an outstanding fast 20mm ultra-wide for Nikon Z cameras.
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Here we have a lens that produces excellent quality images, is as impressively sharp as other Z series lenses and displays pleasing and attractive bokeh.
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When you want a wider viewing angle than your 24-70mm zoom can deliver, this is the ideal prime lens for Z 6 and Z 7 cameras.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm F1.8 S lens is a bright prime with an extra-wide view, making it a good fit for astro, landscape, and architectural specialists.
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I actually borrowed this lens from NPS, and when I came home from this trip, I ended up purchasing it, so maybe that speaks to how important and how useful I find this lens.
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It's a great little lens, although it's not that little. For most people, I would get the 14-30mm f/4, or you could get the 14-24mm f/2.8, but if you need a super fast ultra-wide lens, this is your choice for Nikon and it is a great choice.
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By the end of my time with this lens, I’d come to the same conclusions that I’ve come to every time I’ve used any of Nikon’s newest range of Nikkors. It’s amazing.
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All in all we're getting really great performance from this lens.
