The Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is an intriguing addition to the Z-mount mirrorless ecosystem, positioning itself as a lightweight, compact, and versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. Designed for Nikon's full-frame (FX) mirrorless cameras, it aims to deliver a compelling combination of a bright constant f/2.8 aperture and a broad perspective, making it suitable for a wide array of demanding photographic and videographic scenarios.
At its core, the 17-28mm f/2.8 is defined by its focal length range and constant maximum aperture. Spanning from an expansive 17mm ultra-wide to a still-wide 28mm, it covers many popular wide-angle perspectives. The constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range is a significant asset, ensuring consistent light-gathering capability and depth-of-field control, regardless of the chosen focal length. This bright aperture is particularly beneficial in low-light environments, allowing for faster shutter speeds or lower ISO settings to maintain image quality. Complementing this is a minimum aperture of f/22, providing extensive depth of field when desired.
Optically, the lens incorporates 13 elements arranged in 11 groups. A notable feature in its optical design is the inclusion of Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and ED elements. These specialized glass elements are crucial for effectively minimizing chromatic aberrations, color fringing, and other optical distortions that can be more pronounced in wide-angle lenses. By correcting these anomalies, the lens is designed to deliver sharp, high-contrast images with accurate color rendition, even into the corners of the frame. The 9-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth and pleasing bokeh, especially when subjects are close to the minimum focus distance of 0.19 meters, enabling a certain degree of subject isolation despite its wide-angle nature. With a maximum magnification of 0.19x, it's not a macro lens, but this close focusing capability allows for dynamic, immersive wide-angle shots that emphasize foreground elements.
Handling and build quality are key aspects of modern mirrorless lenses, and the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 addresses these effectively. Weighing in at a mere 450 grams, it is remarkably lightweight for a full-frame f/2.8 zoom, making it an excellent companion for travel, extended shoots, or when paired with gimbals for video work. The compact size is further enhanced by an internal zoom design, meaning the lens's physical length does not change when zooming. This maintains balance, which is advantageous for gimbal users, and also minimizes the ingress of dust and moisture into the lens barrel. Furthermore, the lens boasts a dust- and drip-resistant design, providing an added layer of durability and reliability for outdoor and challenging shooting conditions.
Autofocus performance is driven by a Stepping Motor (STM). This type of motor is known for its fast, precise, and, crucially, near-silent operation. The quiet autofocus is a distinct advantage for videographers, preventing unwanted motor noise from being picked up by microphones during recording. For still photographers, the speed and accuracy of the STM ensure that critical focus can be achieved rapidly, even with moving subjects. A programmable control ring offers customizable control over various camera settings such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, adding a layer of user convenience and control. The lens accepts 67mm front filters, a common and relatively accessible filter thread size.
The NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 truly excels in several specific use cases:
- Landscape Photography: The ultra-wide 17mm perspective is perfect for capturing sweeping vistas, vast horizons, and dramatic skies. The constant f/2.8 aperture provides flexibility in varying light conditions, while the weather-sealed design offers peace of mind when shooting outdoors.
- Architecture Photography: From grand cathedrals to modern skylines, the wide focal range allows for encompassing the entirety of a structure or capturing intricate details within a broader context. The excellent corner-to-corner sharpness, aided by ED elements, is critical for architectural precision.
- Astrophotography: The bright f/2.8 aperture is a primary requirement for astrophotography, allowing for significant light gathering from faint celestial objects. The 17mm focal length is ideal for capturing expansive views of the Milky Way or star trails, and the optical design aims to control coma and other wide-angle aberrations crucial for sharp stars.
- Event Photography: Whether covering a concert, a wedding, or an indoor gathering, the f/2.8 aperture is invaluable for low-light performance. The wide perspective allows for capturing group shots or environmental portraits, immersing the viewer in the scene.
- Vlogging and Videography: The combination of a wide field of view, lightweight and compact design, internal zoom, and quiet STM autofocus makes this lens highly suitable for vlogging and general video production. It allows creators to capture themselves and their surroundings simultaneously without added bulk or distracting AF noise.
- Street Photography: Its small size and light weight make it unobtrusive, perfect for candid street photography where a wide perspective can tell a more immersive story about the environment and its inhabitants.
While the lens offers a compelling set of features, it's important to note the absence of optical image stabilization (VR). For most Z-mount cameras, this is less of a concern due to Nikon's effective in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can compensate for camera shake. However, users of Z cameras without IBIS or those who prefer lenses with integrated stabilization might consider this a factor.
In conclusion, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 stands out as a highly capable and practical ultra-wide-angle zoom for Nikon Z-mount users. Its combination of a constant f/2.8 aperture, lightweight and durable design, rapid and silent autofocus, and advanced optical construction makes it a versatile tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It offers a balanced proposition, delivering strong performance in challenging conditions and excelling particularly in genres demanding wide perspectives and low-light capabilities, all within a compact and manageable form factor.