Conclusion

The Nikon Z 28mm F2.8 is a tiny, lightweight, fast and inexpensive prime lens that makes for a great walk-around option for everyday shooting.

We reviewed it in conjunction with the Nikon Z9, where its main selling points are its classic 28mm angle of view, tiny size and weight, and the fact that it's modern styling perfectly matches the cutting-edge Z9.

This lens is a surprisingly good performer optically given its bargain price-tag, being pin-sharp in the centre throughout virtually all of the frame, even when shooting wide-open at f/2.8.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the edge performance on a full-frame camera like the Z9 isn't as good as when we tested the SE version on an APS-C sensor camera, but it's still more than respectable for such a cheap lens.

Chromatic aberrations and barrel distortion are well-controlled in both the JPG and Raw files and the bokeh is quite nice thanks to the combination of the f/2.8 maximum aperture and 7 rounded aperture blades.

On a less positive note, vignetting is a little heavy when shooting wide-open, sunstars at f/16 aren't particularly well defined and flare is evident when shooting directly into the sun.

This lens' main concession to its low price-point is build quality - the Z 28mm F2.8 has an all-plastic construction, right down to the plastic lens mount and filter threads.

Whether this causes any long-term issues remains to be seen, but if you're a stickler for a metal construction, you'll need to look elsewhere.

There are also no accessories included with the Z 28mm, other than front and rear lens caps, so there's no hood or case included in the box.

On the flip-side, the use of plastic and the lack of frills does give this lens a significant financial advantage.

The Z 28mm F2.8 is priced at only £259 / $299 in the UK and USA respectively, making it one of the cheapest native Z-series lenses. It's also notably £40 cheaper than the SE version in the UK (but strangely the same price in the US).

Overall, the Nikon Z 28mm F2.8 is a an appealingly affordable wide-angle prime lens with few real weaknesses other than its edge sharpness on full-frame cameras and the all-plastic construction.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4
Features	4
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	4
Value for money	5