Nikon Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7 lens is a compact and versatile prime lens designed specifically for Nikon Z mount cameras, particularly ideal for APS-C format users. With its bright F1.7 maximum aperture, this lens opens up a range of creative possibilities, making it excellent for low-light photography and shallow depth-of-field effects. Whether you are shooting street scenes, portraits, or landscapes, this lens offers a good balance of performance and size, making it a handy companion for everyday shooting.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7 is commendable. It feels robust and well-constructed, with a lightweight design that's comfortable to carry around. The lens is also dust and drip-resistant, allowing photographers to use it in various environmental conditions. The compact size adds to its portability, making it great for travel and street photography. The smooth, manual focus ring provides tactile feedback, which is beneficial when precise focus is desired.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7 delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. At F1.7, images are already impressively sharp in the center, while edge sharpness improves as you stop down. The bokeh produced by this lens is pleasing, with a soft background that isolates subjects beautifully. This makes it particularly useful for portrait photography, where you want to draw attention to the subject.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus performance is generally fast and accurate, owing to the lens's stepping motor. In various shooting conditions, it tends to lock focus quickly, which is a must for capturing candid moments. However, in very low light, the autofocus can struggle occasionally, requiring either patience or manual intervention. For videographers, the silent focus operation is a bonus, allowing for smooth transitions during video recording.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality with sharpness and minimal distortion.
• Bright F1.7 aperture for low-light performance and depth-of-field control.
• Compact, lightweight, and portable design.
• Fast and accurate autofocus in most conditions.
• Good build quality with weather-sealing.

Cons

• Autofocus may struggle a bit in very low-light conditions.
• Limited to a fixed focal length, which may not be ideal for all scenarios.

Verdict

Overall, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7 is a fantastic addition to the Nikon Z lineup, offering great value for both aspiring and experienced photographers. Its combination of portability, image quality, and low-light capability makes it a practical choice for a range of photography styles. While it has some limitations, particularly in extreme low-light autofocus situations, the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking for a versatile prime lens that won’t weigh you down, the Nikkor Z DX 24mm F1.7 is definitely worth considering.