Nikon Z 28-75mm 2.8

The Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is an older lens, and it shows. The optical design is optimized for center quality. However, the outer image field is far less impressive, especially at f/2.8. Stopped down, the results are good without being impressive. The RAW distortion is comparatively moderate, so autocorrection can easily correct this without a noticeable loss in quality. The same goes for lateral CAs. The vignetting is a bit high at f/2.8, but that's not unexpected in this lens class. Autocorrection helps to tame the issue again. The build quality is generally fine. This is also where Nikon customized the original Tamron design. The AF speed relies on an STM, which delivers a decent performance here. Overall, the Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 had its time, but if can't afford the S-class Nikkors, you should really prefer the improved Tamron G2 lens over this one.

The Nikon Z 28-75mm f2.8 is a valuable addition to Nikon's Z-Mount line-up, that’s wisely pitched between their entry-level Z 24-70mm f4 S kit zoom and the high-end Z 24-70mm f2.8 S. The new lens can keep up with its older siblings in the DX image-circle and delivers very usable close-up performance too. It’s small and light and comes at a reasonable price that makes it a viable option for those who can only dream of f2.8 zooms and were otherwise heading to the budget kit lens. For the price, the sharpness unsurprisingly becomes softer in the full-frame corners and many will miss the wider coverage of zooms that start at 24mm; there’s also some irritating flare and ghosting under certain circumstances. I also wonder, since the lens is clearly based on the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, why didn't Nikon use the optical design of the latest 2nd generation (G2) version which recently hit the streets and is a clear improvement over their G1 design? But all-in-all the Nikon Z 28-75mm f2.8 is an attractive option for Z-mount owners and I’m happy to award Nikon’s new standard zoom lens a recommendation!