Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8
Announced December 14, 2021
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
Strong
The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 offers a portable and more affordable alternative to high-end S-line glass for photographers seeking a fast constant aperture. While it delivers excellent center sharpness and versatile close-focusing capabilities, its performance suffers in the corners and lacks the wider 24mm field of view found on other standard zooms.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Lightweight and compact build
- Strong center sharpness and image quality
- Quick and quiet autofocus performance
- Cost-effective entry into f/2.8 zoom territory
- Impressive close-focusing and macro capabilities
Cons
- Soft corner image quality
- Limited 28mm wide-angle reach
- Absence of physical controls and switches
- Noticeable vignetting and distortion
- Lack of internal optical stabilization
- Launch price $1,199.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 28-75mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 19 cm (0.34x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepping Motor
- Weight & size 565g · 75 x 120.5 mm (2.95 x 4.74 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
Should you buy it? Yes, if you are an enthusiast looking to get the f/2.8 maximum aperture on a zoom lens but want to avoid the hefty price and weight of the 24-70mm S, the $1,196 Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens is a fantastic choice.
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The Nikon Z 28-75mm f2.8 is a valuable addition to Nikon's Z-Mount line-up, that’s wisely pitched between their entry-level Z 24-70mm f4 S kit zoom and the high-end Z 24-70mm f2.8 S.
- OpticalLimits 5.5/10
[T]he Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 had its time, but if can't afford the S-class Nikkors, you should really prefer the improved Tamron G2 lens over this one.
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It’s a native f/2.8 zoom for the Nikon Z system at half the price of Nikon’s usual f/2.8 zooms. So long as the performance is solid, that’s a great value.
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There’s a lot to be said for a versatile everyday lens, and with this optic, Nikon gives us something that ticks a lot of the requisite boxes.
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[T]his is a great lens for video work where it handles fantastically well, but I can't quite recommend blowing $1,200 on it for stills photography if sharpness is your priority; its image corners just aren't quite what they should be.
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[T]he Nikkor Z 28-75 mm f/2.8 is a very good, and much cheaper alternative to the top-of-the-range Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S. If you combine the new lens with the ultra wide angle 17-28 mm f/2.8 zoom [...] it will be able to offer great opportunities [...]
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If you need a faster lens (by a stop) and don't want to pay for it with both your wallet and neck weight, the 28-75mm f/2.8 does step in nicely.
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The choice is between a faster maximum aperture and a slightly wider focal length range, but the prices look to be fairly pitched against each other.
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Nikon Z-series owners are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to standard zoom lenses.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is an absolutely stunning lens – and one that, for our money, we'd pick over the much pricier Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S.
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The value-oriented Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8 standard zoom lens captures sharp images and easily blurs backgrounds, but newer, more capable alternatives lessen its appeal.
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In fact, I'm going to go so far to say is I think this is actually the best bang for your buck lens there is for the Nikon Z mount at the moment.
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As a wedding photographer, as a portrait shooter, I would be very very happy with this Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8, and it's something that I would definitely be using a lot of the time.
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The Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is a brilliant lens. It's fast, covers a great zoom range, focusses quickly, it's sharp, has little to no distortion, flare or ghosts as shot, has great bokeh and very good sunstars, focuses super-close, is very light weight and reasonably priced.
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If you want something that's a step up from your 24-70mm f/4 kit lens with a 2.8 aperture and don't mind spending the extra, but don't want the extra weight of the pro glass, then this is a fantastic option.
