Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

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87%
91%
Image Quality
95%
Portability
89%
Autofocus Performance
85%
Build Quality
88%
Versatility
84%
Ease of Use
72%
Low-Light Performance
90%
Value for Money
95%
Compatibility
92%
Size and Weight
80%
Durability
87%
User Experience
More

Overview

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a highly versatile wide-angle zoom lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. With its compact design and reliable aperture throughout the zoom range, it offers consistent performance for both photography and video. The retractable mechanism makes it highly portable, allowing for easy storage without compromising on image quality. Whether you're capturing vast landscapes or dynamic urban scenes, this lens provides excellent clarity and sharpness, making it a perfect companion for both casual shooters and professionals alike.

Features & Benefits

This lens features a 14-30mm focal length that strikes a balance between wide-angle shots and flexible composition options. Its constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure even while zooming, making it a reliable choice for both stills and video. The Stepping Motor (STM) allows for smooth, fast, and quiet autofocus, which is a huge benefit for videographers who need minimal noise in their recordings. Additionally, the lens boasts excellent optical quality with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, making it ideal for capturing crisp, clean images in a variety of settings.

Best For

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is perfect for a wide range of users. It’s an excellent choice for landscape photographers who require a portable yet high-performing lens. The lens is also well-suited for travel enthusiasts who need a compact tool that doesn’t sacrifice quality for portability. Its smooth autofocus performance makes it a great option for vloggers and videographers who want to achieve professional results without the noise typically associated with traditional focusing systems. Its versatility and consistent aperture are also useful for those who shoot both photos and videos.

User Feedback

User reviews highlight the lens’s sharpness and clarity, particularly at wide apertures, making it ideal for expansive landscapes and detailed close-ups. Many appreciate the retractable design, which makes packing and carrying it much easier, especially when traveling. However, some users note that while it performs excellently in daylight and bright conditions, it can be less effective in low-light video settings, where faster lenses may be more desirable. Overall, users value its portability and versatility, though it’s best suited for stills rather than video in darker environments.

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Pros

  • The retractable design makes this lens highly portable, ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting.
  • It delivers sharp, high-quality images with minimal distortion, even at wide apertures.
  • The f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, making it versatile for various lighting conditions.
  • The Stepping Motor (STM) ensures fast, quiet, and smooth autofocus, especially beneficial for video work.
  • This wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes and architecture, with impressive clarity and color accuracy.
  • Lightweight and compact, this lens fits easily into camera bags, offering convenience without sacrificing performance.

Cons

  • Some users find that it struggles with low-light video performance, especially in indoor or dim settings.
  • The lens lacks weather sealing, making it less suitable for extreme outdoor conditions.
  • Not the best choice for users looking for a lens with a longer zoom range.
  • A few reviewers mentioned that the lens is less ideal for detailed, close-up shots due to its wide angle.
  • While it excels in many areas, the retractable design might not offer the same durability as fixed lenses.
  • The price point may be a bit high for budget-conscious buyers seeking a basic wide-angle lens.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple countries, languages, and platforms, the ratings for this Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens reflect a balanced view of its performance. Only authentic feedback was considered, with spam, bot-driven, or incentivized reviews excluded. The scores reflect both the strengths and weaknesses highlighted by real-world users, offering an honest perspective on what you can expect from this lens across different use cases and environments.

Image Quality
91%
Users are highly satisfied with the sharpness and clarity of this wide-angle lens. Many appreciate its excellent image quality, especially at wider apertures, which makes it ideal for both landscape and architectural photography. The minimal distortion and chromatic aberration further contribute to crisp, vibrant shots.
Some users report that while the image quality is great in most situations, it can struggle slightly in low-light conditions or at extreme focal lengths. The sharpness might drop off when shooting in less-than-ideal lighting, which can be a concern for videographers or those shooting indoors.
Portability
95%
The retractable design of this Nikon lens is a standout feature, making it extremely easy to pack and carry. Users love its compact size and light weight, which is especially appreciated by travel and landscape photographers. It fits comfortably in a bag without taking up too much space, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting.
Although the lens is portable, some users mention that the retractable mechanism feels somewhat delicate. Over time, frequent extension and retraction may lead to wear, and there are concerns about the durability of the mechanism under heavy use.
Autofocus Performance
89%
Many buyers highlight the fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus system provided by the Stepping Motor (STM). This makes it a great choice for videographers and vloggers who need minimal noise while recording. The precision and speed make it suitable for both stills and moving subjects, even in dynamic environments.
A few users note that the autofocus can occasionally struggle in low-light situations, particularly when tracking fast-moving objects. While generally responsive, the lens may not always perform as well in very dim lighting compared to some other models on the market.
Build Quality
85%
The build quality of this lens is solid for its class. It feels sturdy and well-made, offering a good balance between durability and weight. Many users find that it holds up well in various conditions, making it a reliable option for outdoor shoots.
While generally robust, some users feel that the lens could be better sealed against the elements. A few reviews mention concerns about the lens' performance in very dusty or wet conditions, as it doesn't have a high level of weather sealing.
Versatility
88%
The 14-30mm focal length offers remarkable versatility, making this lens an excellent choice for landscape, architecture, and video work. Users appreciate the wide-angle perspective and the ability to shoot both close-up and wide shots without needing to switch lenses. It's adaptable to various creative styles.
Some users point out that while the lens is versatile, it may not be as suitable for extreme telephoto shots. The 14-30mm range is great for wide angles but might feel limiting for those who need a broader zoom range or more specialized focal lengths for certain types of photography.
Ease of Use
84%
This lens is praised for its user-friendly design. Its controls are intuitive, making it easy to adjust settings quickly while shooting. The combination of portability and ease of handling makes it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who prefer a straightforward, hassle-free shooting experience.
While the lens is generally easy to use, a few users mentioned that the autofocus and manual focus adjustments could feel slightly less responsive than they expected. This can be frustrating when trying to capture fast-moving subjects or fine-tune focus quickly during a shoot.
Low-Light Performance
72%
28%
In well-lit conditions, the lens delivers impressive performance, maintaining sharpness and clarity across various focal lengths. For most standard shoots, the lens produces good results with minimal noise and distortion.
However, some users note that the lens struggles in low-light environments. The f/4 aperture can limit its performance in dim settings, leading to more noticeable noise or reduced sharpness. This is particularly an issue for videographers or those planning to use the lens in indoor or evening shoots.
Value for Money
90%
Given its performance and build quality, this lens offers solid value for its price. Users find it a great option for those wanting a high-quality wide-angle lens without the premium price tag of other models. The retractable design and versatility make it an excellent all-around choice for many photographers.
While the lens offers great value, a few users feel it could be priced more competitively when compared to other lenses with similar features. The f/4 aperture, while consistent, doesn't offer the same low-light performance as faster lenses, which some buyers feel justifies a higher price point for alternative models.
Compatibility
95%
The Nikon Z mount ensures this lens is fully compatible with the Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. Users appreciate the seamless integration and optimized performance, with no issues regarding connectivity or lens communication. It’s a perfect match for anyone already using a Z-series camera.
The main limitation comes for those using non-Nikon cameras or earlier camera systems. While this lens performs excellently within its native Nikon ecosystem, users with other camera systems may need to look for compatible adapters or lenses.
Size and Weight
92%
At just 1.07 pounds and with compact dimensions, this lens is remarkably lightweight for its class. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-performance lens that won’t weigh them down during long shoots or travel. It fits well in most camera bags without adding much bulk.
Some users feel that, while compact, the lens could be a bit bulkier compared to some other lightweight wide-angle options. It may not fit as easily in certain compact bags or travel cases, which could be a concern for those prioritizing minimal gear setups.
Durability
80%
20%
The lens feels solid in hand and is generally durable for most outdoor shoots. It withstands the rigors of normal use without major issues, making it a reliable tool for most casual to moderate photographers.
However, some users report concerns about the longevity of the retractable mechanism. There are occasional complaints about wear and tear over time, particularly with regular extension and retraction, which could lead to potential maintenance issues in the future.
User Experience
87%
Many users enjoy the smooth experience provided by the lens, with quick setup and intuitive handling. The ability to switch easily between photography and video makes it versatile for different creative projects. It delivers reliable performance with minimal fuss.
A few users find that it takes a bit of time to get used to the manual focus, particularly when trying to fine-tune focus in fast-paced environments. Some also wish for additional customization options for settings like aperture control.

Suitable for:

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers looking for a portable, versatile wide-angle lens. It's especially suited for those who need a compact solution without compromising on image quality, such as travel photographers or landscape enthusiasts. The lens' lightweight and retractable design make it perfect for anyone who values portability, while its constant f/4 aperture provides consistent exposure, ideal for both stills and video. Users seeking quiet, smooth autofocus for video will also appreciate the Stepping Motor (STM) system. Overall, this lens is great for those using Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras and looking for a reliable, high-performance tool for diverse shooting environments.

Not suitable for:

While the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a solid option for many, it may not be the best choice for users who frequently shoot in low-light conditions. Some users have reported reduced sharpness and noise in dim settings, which might be an issue for those shooting indoors or during night-time shoots. Additionally, this lens may not be ideal for users who require a more extended zoom range or faster apertures for telephoto shots. Those needing a lens with superior weather-sealing or more robust durability for extreme environments might find this lens lacking in those areas, especially considering the retractable design which could be less durable over time.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 14-30mm wide-angle zoom lens provides versatile coverage for landscapes, architecture, and video.
  • Aperture: Constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.
  • Mount Type: Designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras with a Z mount.
  • Autofocus System: Equipped with a Stepping Motor (STM) for fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus operation.
  • Lens Type: Wide-angle zoom lens with a flexible 14-30mm focal length.
  • Retractable Design: Features a retractable design for easy storage and portability, ideal for travel.
  • Image Quality: Offers minimal distortion and chromatic aberration for sharp and clear images.
  • Weight: Weighs 1.07 pounds, making it lightweight and suitable for extended use.
  • Dimensions: Measures 3.35 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches, compact enough for easy transport.
  • Best For: Ideal for travel, landscape photography, and video shooting, particularly with its portability.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with all Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, including both full-frame and crop-sensor models.
  • Distortion Control: Designed to minimize barrel distortion, especially at the wide end (14mm).
  • Manual Focus: Supports manual focus override for more precise control when needed.
  • Close Focusing Distance: Can focus as close as 11 inches (0.28 meters) for detailed close-up shots.
  • Video Performance: Well-suited for video due to its quiet autofocus and smooth zoom, though less ideal for low-light conditions.
  • Build Quality: Solid construction, though it is not weather-sealed for extreme outdoor conditions.
  • Zoom Mechanism: Zoom ring operates smoothly with precise control, especially for wide-angle shots.
  • Field of View: Provides a wide field of view, making it excellent for capturing expansive landscapes and architecture.
  • Price Point: Falls in the mid-range price category for wide-angle zoom lenses, offering good value for the features.

FAQ

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, offering a compact, high-performance wide-angle zoom lens with a consistent f/4 aperture. Its retractable design makes it portable, and it features fast and quiet autofocus, perfect for both photography and video.

Yes, this lens is fully compatible with all Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, including both full-frame and crop-sensor models. Just ensure that your camera uses the Z mount for proper fitting.

The retractable design allows the lens to collapse into a compact form when not in use, making it easier to store and carry. When you're ready to shoot, simply extend the lens by twisting the zoom ring. This design is especially useful for travel photographers and those who need to minimize bulk.

Absolutely. With its 14-30mm focal length and smooth STM autofocus, this lens is versatile for both stills and video. Its quiet autofocus makes it particularly useful for vlogs, interviews, and any video work where sound quality is important.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S has a constant f/4 aperture, which ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range. While not as wide as faster lenses, it strikes a good balance for most everyday shooting situations, particularly in daylight or controlled lighting.

Yes, the image quality is excellent, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration even at the wide end (14mm). Many users appreciate the sharpness and clarity, particularly for landscape and architectural photography, where details are crucial.

While the lens is well-suited for most video work, it may struggle in low-light conditions due to its f/4 aperture. Some users report that in dimly lit environments, the autofocus can be less responsive, and video quality might degrade slightly.

The Stepping Motor (STM) provides quick and smooth autofocus, making it well-suited for most photography needs. However, when photographing fast-moving subjects, some users have noted that it can occasionally take a moment to refocus, especially at wider apertures.

No, this lens does not feature full weather sealing. While it’s sturdy and designed for everyday use, it’s not recommended for extreme outdoor conditions like heavy rain or snow.

Weighing just 1.07 pounds, this lens is relatively lightweight and comfortable for extended use during travel or long shooting sessions. Its compact size further enhances portability, making it an excellent choice for photographers who need to travel light without sacrificing image quality.