Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8 vs Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S
Nikon Z
Two ultra-wide zooms for Nikon Z with different philosophies. The Z 14-30 f/4 S (January 2019) belongs to the S-Line, is a retractable lens and, according to Nikon, was the first ultra-wide zoom starting at 14 mm to take screw-on filters (82 mm). The Z 17-28 f/2.8 (September 2022) is not an S lens, but offers a constant f/2.8, zooms internally and focuses as close as 0.19 m.
At 450 g against 485 g the weight is almost equal. So it comes down to aperture versus wide angle: the 14-30 shows much more at 14 mm, while the 17-28 gives you a stop more light.
Which one suits whom?
- Z 14-30: You shoot landscape or architecture, want 14 mm and screw-on filters.
- Z 17-28: You need f/2.8 for interiors, night shots or video and get by with 17 mm.
Key differences
- Focal length: 17-28 mm on the Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8, 14-30 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S.
- The Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8 is faster: f/2.8 instead of f/4, about 1 stops more light.
- The Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8 is 35 g lighter (450 g vs 485 g).
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S is 16 mm shorter.
- The Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8 focuses closer: from 19 cm instead of 28 cm.
- Filter thread: 67 mm on the Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8, 82 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8 | Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 17-28 mm | 14-30 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Weight | 450 g | 485 g |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 19 cm | 28 cm |
| Length | 101 mm | 85 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | no |
Size comparison
- Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8: 101 × 75 mm
- Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S: 85 × 89 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).