Wide angle zoom lens recommendations for Nikon

[Rahul Khosla]

Seeking recommendations for a good wide angle zoom for Nikon cameras (Z9 and D850). I don’t anticipate a ton of low light situations with outdoor landscapes but I would like to have the option of doing street photography in the evenings or early mornings as well as some situations where there is a play of shadows. Something that won’t break the bank but is a reasonable balance of price and quality.

 

[Butlerkid]

What is your definition of wide angle? Pirme or zoom?

For me it is the 14-24 f2.8. The F mount is MUCH more reasonably priced used now. Superb lens.....one of the best out there.

 

[Rahul Khosla]

Also, does the 24mm end on a 24-70 qualify as a wide angle ?

 

[BillW]

If you want to be able to use the lens on both your Z9 and D850, you will need to stick to F mount lenses. F mount lenses can be used on a Z body with an FTZ or FTZII adapter, whereas a Z mount lens can only be used on a Z body as there is no adapter for Z to F.

If you are willing to use the lens only on your Z9, you can take advantage of the fact that Z wide angles benefit from the wide mount of the Z bodies and shorter distance from the flange to the sensor. Both the Z 14-30 f4 and the Z 14-24 f2.8 are good choices. I have the Z 14-30, which is nice, small/lightweight, and takes filters. From what I have read, the Z 14-24 is amazing optically, lighter than its F mount counterpart and also takes filters.

I had the F 16-35 mm f4 lens when I used wide angle zooms on my DSLRs. A decent, but not outstanding lens that took filters. (I think the Z 14-30 f4 is better optically as well as significantly smaller.) I have not not used the F 14-24 or any of the F mount non-Nikon choices.

 

[Steve W]

16-35 is a pretty decent option. At its best around 20 mm but still more then adequate either side of that. Has the Benefit that it accepts filters and, whilst f/4, it has VR. Unloved by many so second hand prices are good.

 

[DsD]

Getting into true wide you may want to consider the Z 20mm 1.8 S. Just south of the $1K mark at B&H (on sale $100 off). I do not yet own this lens, but Hogan does recommend it.

 

[Nimi]

Also, does the 24mm end on a 24-70 qualify as a wide angle ?

Yes but rarely wide enough. I wouldn't overthink it, the 14-24 2.8 in either mount is the best zoom Nikon makes and as good as the primes in its focal range, as @Butlerkid said.

 

[Charles Loy]

Another here to pitch the 14-24 f2.8 lens, fantastic! all including on the Z9 camera.

 

[BarkingBeans Coffee]

Many love the Z14-30 f4. Extra 6MM, way easier to travel with, and you can use 82mm filters. More complicated to use filters with the 14-24. Both are excellent from what I have seen. I ended up choosing the 14-30 for travel reasons - I have the 105 and didn’t want another bigger lens. 82mm filters are manageable on my 100-400 and 105. Of course this doesn’t solve the D850 issue.

 

[RoyZ]

For years I had the Nikon 14-24 but when we went to Europe I added the Tamron 15-30 which has Vibration Compensation. The Tamron was so good I never used the Nikon( which is a fabulous lens). Upon returning I sold the Nikon. Never regretted it.

 

[Craig McGowan]

I own and use both the F mount 14-24mm f2.8 zoom, and 20mm f1.8 prime lens on my D850. Highly recommend both and note a previous reply about the current 'lower price' of the 20mm lens by many retailers.

 

[fcotterill]

I also second a Used 14-24 f2.8G but bear in mind it's 1kg and a challenge to attach grad filters, CPL. 6 years back it was too expensive so I invested in a pair of 15 f2.8 and 21 f2.8 Zeiss Distagons. Superb optics which although MF are ideal for landscape photography on the Z system.

Do not underestimate a Used 18-35 G (NOT the older D version). Light and ideal as a carry-along. Mine has scored me many keepers on Z cameras as well as the D850. I keep my 18-35 mainly for its cross mount flexibility, as I also now have the excellent 14-30 f4S. I found the latter Used almost new, perhaps it was dropped by a generous grasshopper switching systems, or more likely to afford the 14-24 f2.8S.

If you must have edge to edge sharpness and all, the Z Uwides stand apart, especially the 14-24 f2.8S. this thread has a lot more information including links to other threads and websites etc

Your choice for owning only one wide angle lens for z mount?

8If you want to own only one of the best wide angle lens for landscape and astrophotography for the Z mount? The lens should be wide open with the best quality image. Will you go for a zoom or a prime and what it will be your choice? I don’t own any lens less than 70mm reach and I only want...

bcgforums.com

If patient, one can find very decent Used copies of both a 18-35 G and a 14-30 S at realistic total cost. Although the latter takes 82mm filters vs 77mm, they both share a 100 grad filter system if needs this in future.

 

[ingweDave]

Many love the Z14-30 f4. Extra 6MM, way easier to travel with, and you can use 82mm filters. More complicated to use filters with the 14-24. Both are excellent from what I have seen. I ended up choosing the 14-30 for travel reasons - I have the 105 and didn’t want another bigger lens. 82mm filters are manageable on my 100-400 and 105. Of course this doesn’t solve the D850 issue.

Totally agree with this. I have been using a 14-24 f2.8 on my F mount cameras for years. That was a fantastic lens but heavy and awkward to put filters on. I bought the Z 14-30 f4 and was a little sceptical as the build is not quite up to the 14-24. However, I am hugely impressed by the results and testing it against my 14-24 with a FTZ adaptor, I find it equal in quality. For the price it is an amazing lens but obviously would not fit a D850.

 

[Abinoone]

Seeking recommendations for a good wide angle zoom for Nikon cameras (Z9 and D850). I don’t anticipate a ton of low light situations with outdoor landscapes but I would like to have the option of doing street photography in the evenings or early mornings as well as some situations where there is a play of shadows. Something that won’t break the bank but is a reasonable balance of price and quality.

As Bill mentioned above, you’ll need to stick with F-mount lenses to be able to use it on both cameras. A good, versatile wide angle is the 16-35 f4, which can be had on the used market for about $400. One other thing I like about this lens (unlike many wide angles) is that it takes a standard circular filter, such as a CP, which is very helpful when photographing scenes with glare (wet leaves, streets, etc).

 

[O]

Seeking recommendations for a good wide angle zoom for Nikon cameras (Z9 and D850). I don’t anticipate a ton of low light situations with outdoor landscapes but I would like to have the option of doing street photography in the evenings or early mornings as well as some situations where there is a play of shadows. Something that won’t break the bank but is a reasonable balance of price and quality.

You can go around the world over and over.
If you want to use it on a D850 and Mirroless...with a wide angle zoom.....

You want sharp fast accurate creative reliable low light capacity, dont want to miss a shot
14-24 F2.8 Period, i have had mine since it came out and shoot up to 6 inches of a subject as well.

The next thing is you will complain about the weight, don't, just use it and you will love it.

Yes there are alternatives that always lead back to the bullet proof Professional 14-24 2.8 g

Only an opinion

 

[Activert]

Seeking recommendations for a good wide angle zoom for Nikon cameras (Z9 and D850). I don’t anticipate a ton of low light situations with outdoor landscapes but I would like to have the option of doing street photography in the evenings or early mornings as well as some situations where there is a play of shadows. Something that won’t break the bank but is a reasonable balance of price and quality.

I was in the same situation as you, I wanted to buy a wide angle zoom and I didn’t know what it is the best one for me. i thought getting the 14-24mm f2.8 and the 24-70mm 2.8. I decided to borrow from Nikon both lenses. For three weeks I went out to different places to photograph fall landscape, waterfall, mountain, architectural stuff, street, all kind of stuff I like to do. And I realized that most of the time ( 65%) I used the 24-70, and the remaining I used my 70-200 mm. I only took one shot with the 14-24mm and I found it too wide So I realized that in my work I don’t need very wide angle. And if it happened one day that I need one for special project, I will borrow it. But the 24-70 is a good choice for me, and will be used a lot.
what I am saying, the best way for you to get what you need, is to borrow few lenses, go out, shoot and find the one that suit best your work .

 

[O]

I was in the same situation as you, I wanted to buy a wide angle zoom and I didn’t know what it is the best one for me. i thought getting the 14-24mm f2.8 and the 24-70mm 2.8. I decided to borrow from Nikon both lenses. For three weeks I went out to different places to photograph fall landscape, waterfall, mountain, architectural stuff, street, all kind of stuff I like to do. And I realized that most of the time ( 65%) I used the 24-70, and the remaining I used my 70-200 mm. I only took one shot with the 14-24mm and I found it too wide So I realized that in my work I don’t need very wide angle. And if it happened one day that I need one for special project, I will borrow it. But the 24-70 is a good choice for me, and will be used a lot.
what I am saying, the best way for you to get what you need, is to borrow few lenses, go out, shoot and find the one that suit best your work .

Totally agree if 14mm is to wide then yes the 24-70 2.8 is king.

 

[Butlerkid]

You still have not indicated what subjects you plan to shoot. THAT will determine what focal length is "wide enough"..................... You specifically mention street photography.....is that it? I don't think a 14-24 would be a good option for street photography - regardless of how good the 14-24 is.

And what lenses do you already have?

I suggest you define you needs - then you can look for a lens to meet those needs.

 

[StevieJSmall]

14-30 f/4 seems to fit the bill for your Z9. Couldn‘t speak to the D850 as I don’t have experience with Nikon F-mount full frame lenses.

 

[O]

Seeking recommendations for a good wide angle zoom for Nikon cameras (Z9 and D850). I don’t anticipate a ton of low light situations with outdoor landscapes but I would like to have the option of doing street photography in the evenings or early mornings as well as some situations where there is a play of shadows. Something that won’t break the bank but is a reasonable balance of price and quality.

i understand You want Wide a zoom, for Shadows early morning etc street photography, you will with the experience want low light performance that i bet you haven't discovered the need for just yet, using a good wide lens really inspires and makes you explore creativeness, with F2.8 in a Zoom you will need far less ISO. Its not about shooting at F2.8 that matters so much its just that the glass gather tonnes more light = less iso=sharper cleaner images at lower shutter speeds...ticks a lot of boxes......... yes.
Remember your using a D850 and a Z9 so you need something that really can deliver.


F2.8 FX glass is so cheap and you want it fit both cameras, Z versions are chronically over priced, for the little extra you may get out of them, you can pick up a 24-70 2.8 G and 14-24 2.8 G for under $1000 each used, KEH has heaps as does B and H, they both take filters easily the 14-24 you will need a holder if in fact you want filters, a wide zoom is addictive so be careful.

They are both PROFESSIONAL killer lenses, however if your going to go for a 24-70 you at some time will want to go wider, i do like the Tamron 24-70 2.8 current model, it also has VR if that's what you need, also used it will be cheap, its sharp and will do the job nicely the VR is better than most things Nikon has to offer.

Remember you mentioning you want a Zoom.

"Something that won’t break the bank but is a reasonable balance of price and quality" short list 14-24 2.8, 16-35 F4 with caveats, 24-70 2.8 in Nikon or Tamron with VR.

For the price of a new 2.8 Z version you can buy a 14-24 and 24-70 or 16-35 with money to burn..........if you want small and light then down comes the price yes and you get into the F4 f5.6, you will spend time and money to only end up back to 2.8 glass.

Also things depend on you doing documentary shots or you get addicted to doing creative perspective shots that wow hence 14mm that really goes deep and far for landscape or city scape.

16-35 F4 is excellent, cheap as, its an all round travel landscape zoom 77mm filters like the 24-70, ts super sharp in the middle around 20% more than the 14-24 but softer in the corners, and not quite the ticket for astro or super low light, it also vignettes and with filters may need to go to 19mm to clear vignetting.

If you want lower light indoor performance the any F2.8 carry's the goods.

I use my 14-24 or 16mm 180 degree fish eye, or the 24-70 or the 50mm Ziess.
The 14-24 i get in close fast dynamically wide perspective full of wow or i use it for seascape landscape on a tripod.
Hope it all helps.

Only an opinion

 

[sh1209]

Fwiw I bought the 14-30z as well as the 14-24 2.8z and returned the 14-24. The 14-30 is half the price, longer reach, half the weight and every bit as good as far as image quality. Just my two cents

 

[EricBowles]

You probably should give some thought as to how you will use your wide angle lens or lenses. I have multiple lenses for different situations.

If you are using the lens for astrophotography, you probably want an f/2.8 zoom or a faster prime. You can use the widest focal lengths of lenses like the Z 14-30 f/4 and the F mount 16-35 f/4 or 18-35 G. I have a 14-24 f/2.8, but usually use a 20mm f/1.8 for astro. It depends in part on how wide a sky you want to photograph, as well as other uses. Be sure you check for coma performance if you shoot a lot of astro.

The Z mount lenses are in all cases (as far as I know) as good or better than their F-mount alternatives. The Z-mount lenses are newer designs and reflect the capability of the wider mount. Center sharpness may not vary that much, but midframe to corner sharpness is substantially better with most of the wide Z lenses. I would use the Z9 with a Z wide angle and skip the F-mount versions at this point.

The Z mount 14-24 f/2.8 is substantially smaller and lighter than the F-mount version. That comes with a higher price, but the Z version has a hood design that allows compatibility with other Z lenses for filters. That can more than offset the cost difference and make using Z versions more convenient.

If you are primarily using the lens for landscapes, and stopping down a bit for DOF, the 14-30 f/4 deserves some consideration. The price point is attractive and it is relatively small and light. It also accepts screw on filters.

There are some great deals on used F-mount lenses. If your budget is tight, the F-mount 18-35 G is a good option. You can also find good used copies of the 14-24 f/2.8 for F-mount, but at that price point the Z 14-30 f/4 should be considered since it's optical performance is similar.

 

[O]

Fwiw I bought the 14-30z as well as the 14-24 2.8z and returned the 14-24. The 14-30 is half the price, longer reach, half the weight and every bit as good as far as image quality. Just my two cents

Yes makes sense, just recall the application was the lens needed to work on the D850 and Z9 so it needs to be a FX lens, unless Rahul decides to by a Z lens and a FX lens.

 

[dorthzyx]

I really like the irix 15 f2.4 for landscape and night photography. I use it on both the z9 and 850. It's manual focus but for those two photo types it works well and relatively inexpensive.

 

[RockvilleBob]

I really like the irix 15 f2.4 for landscape and night photography. I use it on both the z9 and 850. It's manual focus but for those two photo types it works well and relatively inexpensive.

I also like the Irix 15mm a lot. Before switching to Nikon I shot Pentax and really enjoyed the abundance of "vintage" lenses for the system. The Pentax K mount offered a wealth of great used glass at reasonable prices. When I moved to Delaware that meant bird photography and at that time the Pentax AF system was not good enough so I switched to the D500 and now the Z9.
Nikon's transition to Z/mirrorless means there is an ever increasing abundance of excellent F mount glass at great prices. Today I just added an almost mint Nikkor AF-S 16-35mm f4 G VR ED Lens at an attractive price for my landscape photography. It has a 77mm filter thread so I can use my filter holder. I feel this will be a very good compliment to the Irix 15mm lens. From what I've read it has pretty good optical performance for my landscape efforts at a significantly lower cost than a new Z mount lens.