Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm F4-6.3

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a versatile zoom lens designed for the Nikon Z mount system. This lens covers a focal length range that is ideal for a variety of shooting conditions, from wide landscapes to portraits, making it a great choice for everyday photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just around 1.5 pounds (approximately 300 grams), it is incredibly easy to carry around, making it suitable for travel and street photography. This portability does not come at the expense of build quality; the lens feels solid and well-constructed, with a nice balance when mounted on Z-series cameras.

In terms of optics, the Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 utilizes a combination of ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical elements, which work together to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. This results in sharp images with pleasing color rendition across the entire zoom range. The lens also features a multi-layer coating that reduces flare and ghosting, making it a reliable choice for shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

However, the maximum aperture of f/4-6.3 can be limiting, especially for low-light situations. While the aperture is decent for general use, photographers looking to shoot in dim conditions or desirous of achieving a shallow depth of field may find the lens less favorable compared to faster options. Additionally, the autofocus performance is generally good but can falter slightly in very low light or when tracking fast-moving subjects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, ideal for travel.
• Good build quality with a solid feel.
• Sharp optics with effective distortion and aberration control.
• Versatile focal length range suitable for many types of photography.

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/4-6.3 may limit shooting in low-light conditions.
• Autofocus performance can struggle in very low light or with fast subjects.

Verdict

Overall, the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is an excellent lens for photographers who value portability and versatility. It delivers impressive image quality in a compact package, making it perfect for everyday shooting, travel, and street photography. While it may not be the best choice for those seeking extreme low-light performance or fast action tracking, it's a solid addition to any Nikon Z system user's kit.