A Companion Lens

Nikkor Z 28 mm f/2.8 SE ₹25,995

- Rohinton Mehta

Inside the Box

Lens

Lens caps (front and rear)

Instruction manual

The Z-mount 28 mm f/2.8 SE is a pancake lens from Nikon after decades. It is also the first non ‘S’ type prime lens with the Z-mount. Though it is being sold as a kit lens along with the Z fc, it is a full frame lens and hence can be used with Z5/6/7- series as well. Cosmetically, this lens harks back to the vintage lenses of the AI era, with a knurled ring and hence the two letters ‘SE’ (Special Edition) in the name to indicate that. This has been done to match the classic looks of the Z fc.

Beneath the skin however, the design is very different from the past D-SLR lenses. The new lens fully exploits the important features (large diameter and short flange focal distance) of the Z mount. The lens uses what is known as the ‘backward’ optical design with a very small front element. However, the rear elements are much larger allowing a true telecentric design which reduces aberrations without resorting to exotic / expensive glass. This design also reduces distortion at frame edges, especially when the subject is close-by. All these reduce the weight of the lens to a mere 160 g (just about the weight of a toothpaste tube) which is remarkably low for a full frame wide-angle lens with decent speed.

Design & Build Quality