Nikon Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8

The Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 ($499.95) is the smallest, lightest lens available for Nikon Z cameras. Its pancake design makes it easy to carry, while its wide angle and aperture suit many generalist pursuits. Its design ethos and image quality are very similar to that of the more affordable Nikkor Z 28mm F2.8 ($299.95), but the 26mm uses a sturdier, weather-sealed construction with metal elements so it's more suitable for use in rough conditions. Overall, it's a fine kit addition for photographers who don't mind spending a little extra for an exceptionally portable prime that holds up for outdoor use.

The Nikkor Z Pancake

At just 0.9 by 2.8 inches (HD) and 4.4 ounces, the Z 26mm F2.8 falls somewhere between wee and Lilliputian in scale. It's a little shorter and lighter than the 28mm F2.8 (1.7 by 2.8 inches, 5.6 ounces).

The prime lens works with both full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) Z cameras. On the former type, its angle of view is fairly wide and similar to that of most smartphones' main lenses. On the latter type of bodies (including the Z fc), it falls closer to a standard angle (around 40mm).

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Attaching the included hood to the 26mm adds about a quarter-inch to its height and enables compatibility with 52mm front filters (the lens itself doesn't have a filter thread). The included push-on style cap cleverly works with the lens regardless of whether you use the hood. I recommend keeping the hood on in any case since it adds a degree of protection. The lens features a black finish, with a mix of metal and polycarbonate elements. Both the mount and focus ring are metal.

As for full-frame alternatives, the aforementioned Nikkor Z 28mm F2.8 is the closest in angle and concept. It costs less but it's not weather-sealed and opts for an all-plastic build (including the mount). The $996.95 Nikkor Z 24mm F1.8 S comes with a brighter aperture, though it isn't particularly small or light (3.8 by 3.1 inches, 15.9 ounces). Viltrox also sells the AF 24mm F1.8 for just $379, which I haven't tested yet. DX camera owners should consider the brighter Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7 ($279.95) or the Viltrox AF 23mm F1.4 ($329).

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Simple Controls

A control ring is the sole feature on the lens barrel. It adjusts focus when you set your camera to manual mode and its function is flexible in autofocus modes. For instance, you can map it to EV, ISO, or aperture control, as well as configure it as a manual focus override via the camera menu. The ring turns smoothly without any detents or click stops; it's not at all loose but feels too sensitive at its default settings. However, recent Nikon models, starting with the Z 9, support a Low sensitivity option that I find makes the control ring far more useful. If you find the ring distracting, you can disable it entirely when the camera is in an autofocus mode.

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

The lens focuses by moving its entire optical block closer or further away from the sensor, a design decision that allows Nikon to keep the size small. But it comes with some drawbacks—the autofocus response is relatively slow and noisy enough to be audible in quiet rooms, a drawback for video.

Focus breathing is another downside: The angle of view is noticeably narrower at close focus distances. This is not a concern for stills, though video shots that rack focus from one subject to another show a distracting bloom in angle.

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

The breathing effect is a plus for close-up photos, however. The lens focuses as near as 7.9 inches (measured from the sensor) for a decent 1:5.2 magnification. Even though this isn't the lens to choose for macros of insects, wristwatches, or flowers, you can still get near to your subject.

Optical stabilization is missing, but full-frame camera owners don't need to worry because all of Nikon's FX bodies, from the entry-level Z 5 to the flagship Z 9, use 5-axis sensor stabilization. If you're looking at the lens for a DX Nikon camera, you'll have to live without stabilization since the feature is not available in any model to date.

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Z 26mm F2.8: In the Lab

I paired the 26mm F2.8 with the 45MP Z 9 for testing in the lab. It scores well on an SFRPlus test chart, showing excellent resolution at f/2.8 (4,300 lines). Results improve slightly at narrower apertures, with the best numbers at f/8-11 (4,600 lines). Picture quality holds up through much of the frame. The edges show less contrast than the center, but they are sharp to the eye along the plane of focus, even at f/2.8. You should still likely stop down though to get edge-to-edge clarity for landscape, architecture, and similar pursuits, as well as some depth of field.

This lens won't please sunstar fans. Although you can see some starbursts in bright points at f/11-16, the tines are undefined and generally mushy. The lens is more prone to show blobs of false color (ghosts) when you stop down all the way, as well.

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

The Z 26mm relies on digital correction for its best performance, and it's not possible to disable the distortion profile. For both JPG and Raw images, I see straight lines and decently bright corners throughout. A vignette is visible in many f/2.8 scenes with the Normal setting, so you might want to set your camera to High depending on your taste.

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

The lens is quite capable of creating images with a shallow depth of field. Although defocused highlights are mostly circular, their tendency to show texture and brighter edges means backgrounds with foliage trend toward frenetic. These imperfections shouldn't bother most people, but you need to look elsewhere for buttery smooth backgrounds.

Chromatic aberration is minimal. I spotted some LoCa in the defocused portions of some photos when I zoomed in, though the problem areas were far behind the plane of focus in the bright parts of a background scene. Again, this isn't a huge problem; most backlit images I got from the lens look pleasing, with little ghosting and good contrast.

(Credit: Jim Fisher)

Small and Sturdy

Nikon photographers who want a wide prime have a few options to mull, all with specific appeal. For its part, the midrange Z 26mm F2.8 squeezes well-controlled optics into a weather-sealed, pancake design. It's a worthy choice if you often take snaps outdoors or just want an especially slim, lightweight lens for your adventures. As for alternatives, the more affordable Z 28mm F2.8 offers similar performance in a lower-quality build, while the larger, brighter, and faster-focusing Z 24mm F1.8 S slots in as a premium option. All three lenses have their place in the lineup, but the Z 26mm's reasonable price, even-keeled performance, and impressively compact size should win over hobbyists and pros alike.