Nikon Lenses: The Year in Review, 2019

Dedicating its year to Z, Nikon spent 2019 actively working toward building up its cache of lenses for the immensely popular Z 6 and Z 7 cameras, as well as initiating a DX-format system for the Z mount. Continuing to add to a series of highly useful primes, Nikon’s optics team also spent 2019 releasing a pair of useful FX zooms, a pair of DX zooms, and finally formally releasing the new Noct. With the exception of the Noct, Nikon’s strategy with the Z-mount lenses has been a seemingly more modest one than other recent entrants to the full-frame mirrorless sphere, with attention given to rounding out a comprehensive set of f/1.8 primes of common focal lengths, building up a series of f/4 zooms, and slowly releasing the f/2.8 zooms over time. They seem to be emphasizing patience and a concentration on performing the basics especially well with new optical designs to give the classic focal lengths a new lease on optical ability.
The first lens of the year for Nikon was the ultra-wide zoom NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S, which gives a bit more focal length than the classic 14-24mm at the expense of one stop. By keeping it an f/4, the lens retains a sleek and modest form factor that is in line with the Z camera bodies themselves and the 24-70mm f/4 released last year. Speaking of 24-70s, the second zoom of the year from Nikon was the second 24-70 of the Z system; the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. This lens differentiates itself from the last year’s version by its f/2.8 maximum aperture, obviously, but also has more complex and advanced optical and physical designs. ED and aspherical elements help to reduce a variety of aberrations, a new ARNEO coating works to suppress flare, and dual stepping motors yield faster AF performance. Also signaling a trend for premium Z lenses, this 24-70mm has a top OLED lens information panel to help check the aperture setting, focus distance, and depth-of-field figures right on the lens, in both bright and dark situations.