Nikon has unveiled the Nikkor 14-30mm F4 S Z-mount lens for its mirrorless full-frame cameras. The new lens was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new Nikkor Z lens features an ultra-wide zoom. It is the first to utilize the interesting capabilities of the brand’s revolutionary full-frame mirrorless Z Mount.
According to Nikon, the newest Nikkor S-Line lens uses an STM (stepping motor) which allows for responsive and quiet autofocus and helps to reduce focus breathing. It also comes with a customizable control ring which photographers can use as a controller for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation.
The latest Nikkor Z lens offers high optical performance and provides maximum control of chromatic aberration and distortion. It features a new optical technology that uses 14 elements, four of which are ED elements and another four which are aspherical elements.
Nikon chose to use a multi-coat technology on the new Z lens. The lens comes with an anti-reflective Nano Crystal coat and a fluorine coat. The Nano Crystal Coating on the Nikkor 14-30mm F4 S Z-mount lens will help to mitigate ghosting and flare, particularly in situations where lighting is a challenge.
Just like other Nikkor Z lenses, the new 14-30mm F4 S lens is protected from dust, moisture, grease and dirt. The fluorine coating aids easy cleaning of water droplets and fingerprints from the front and back elements.
Compact, Lightweight, Filter-Attachable and In-Camera 5-Axis VR Compatible
The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm F4 S lens weighs just 485g (1.07lbs). It is lighter than the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and the F-mount AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED by about 28.6% and 51.5% respectively. When retracted, it is only 3.5 inches long. This makes it shorter than the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and the F-mount AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED by about 32% and 35% respectively
Additionally, the front lens element is almost flat. The new compact lightweight lens allows photographers to attach a variety of 82mm screw-on filters for extra image quality. This makes the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm the first full-frame 14mm lens with very wide angle zoom to support attachable filters.
The new NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S delivers super sharp images and high video stability. It is completely compatible with the 5-axis in-body VR used in the Nikon Z6 and Z7. It also allows five level selections of image stabilization.
This newest S-Line NIKKOR lens has a focal length that is popular among, interior, architecture, cityscapes, event, and travel photographers. The lens offers high-quality performance and great portability which are both advantages of the revolutionary new Z Mount.
Filmmaker Kit for Nikon Z6
Nikon also announced a Filmmaker’s Kit for the Nikon Z6. This new kit makes it easy for video creators to fully utilize the amazing features of the Z6. The kit comprises of a variety of Z6 compatible video equipment and accessories like Atomos Ninja V 5” 4K HDR Monitor Recorder and MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer. The tools are there to help video makers explore the high-quality multimedia potentials of Nikon Z6.
Availability and Price
The NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens will be available in the Spring at a retail price of $1,299.95.
And the Nikon Z6 Filmmaker’s Kit will be available in late January at a retail price of $3,999.95