Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S and NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR Lenses Announced

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by Jeff LochFebruary 13^th, 2020

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Nikon announced two new Z-mount Full-Frame compatible lenses: a prime lens, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S, and a zoom lens, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR. These new lenses are compatible with every Nikon Z camera, including the Nikon Z6 and Z7. Let’s take a closer look at these two new lenses!

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S can be seen as a slightly larger and complementary option to the already available NIKKOR Z 24mm F/1.8 S. Indeed, the two lenses have a lot in common, including:

• A fast F/1.8 aperture
• The lens barrel is dust and moisture-resistant.
• There is a programmable control ring that can be used to control manual focus, aperture, or exposure compensation, for example.
• The optical elements feature a Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating. These treatments should help reduce unwanted lens flare and ghosting artifacts.
• A multi-focus system that incorporates two separate AF drive units for super fast and accurate focusing performances.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S. Image credit: Nikon

You got it, the main differences between the two lenses are the focal length and the optical design. Indeed, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S features three aspherical and three extra-low dispersion elements. The 24mm F/1.8 S, on the other hand, has one ED glass and four aspherical elements. All these glass elements help to reduce spherical aberrations, color fringing, chromatic aberrations, and distortion while improving the image sharpness.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S consists of 14 elements in 11 groups. The aperture mechanism consists of nine aperture blades, and the front filter diameter is 77mm. Finally, this is a relatively lightweight lens at only 1.11 lb/505 g

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR

The second lens announced is the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR. This wide-angle to telephoto zoom lens could be the perfect all-around lens if you want to travel lightweight (1.25 lb/570 g) and still be able to capture nearly everything that could happen during your trip. On the lens body, there is even a physical lock switch to prevent the lens from extending in your camera bag. Also, the lens features Vibration Reduction. If you shoot handheld, the VR motor should give you up to five stops of image stabilization, according to Nikon.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR. Image credit: Nikon

In terms of lens design, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR consists of 19 elements in 15 groups. There are two aspherical elements and one aspherical ED element to reduce spherical aberrations and distortion. Also, two extra-low dispersion elements should help reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the entire zoom range. All glass elements are ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats treated to prevent ghosting, reflections, and lens flares. The aperture mechanism consists of seven rounded aperture blades, and the front filter diameter is 67mm.

Image credit: Nikon

Like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S, the 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR features a programmable control ring that can be set for intuitive adjustment over a variety of camera and exposure settings. Finally, it incorporates a stepping motor for quick, quiet, and precise AF performance both in stills and video modes.

Image credit: Nikon

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S should start shipping at the end of March for just above $1,000. The versatile NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR will be available around mid-April for around $900.

What do you think of these two new NIKKOR Z lenses? Do you consider getting one for your Nikon Z6/Z7? Let us know in the comments below!