LENS TEST
Amy Davies discovers whether this ultra-slim prime lens for Nikon Z cameras is worth the cost
The primary selling point of the new 26mm f/2.8 pancake lens from Nikon is its incredibly small size. At just 23.5mm in length, it’s the slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras available, and at just 125g it’s barely noticeable in your kit bag – or even your pocket.
This makes it appealing as part of a walkaround camera for street photography, where discretion is welcomed, but thanks to its wide angle, landscapes and architecture are also subjects worth considering. All that said, it’s a bit oddly positioned in the current Nikon Z line-up, with it not providing too much that you can’t pick up elsewhere for better value. For example, there’s already a 28mm f/2.8 lens, which you can buy for less than half the price of the 26mm. Admittedly, it’s not a pancake lens, but it’s still pretty small (43mm/170g). So unless you’re desperately craving that extra 2mm of width, it’s perhaps hard to see the 26mm appealing too much – unless it dramatically comes down in price.
Although it’s designed as a full-frame lens, it can also be used on Nikon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, such as the Z 50 or the Z fc. Here, it’s arguably a better match to the small size of such models, while giving a 39mm equivalent focal length which may be more appreciated by street photographers, too. Again, though, it’s probably a bit expensive for that kind of user, who can also opt for the 28mm and enjoy a reasonably close 42mm equivalent.
Features
The optical design of this lens includes eight elements in six groups, including three aspherical elements. There are seven diaphragm blades.
This is not designated as a macro lens, and the closest focusing ability is 0.2m. While that’s reasonably close for most subjects – especially at a wide angle – it’s not something you’re going to be able to use for frame-filling subjects. Depending
48 on the context you can on occasion create detail shots with a blurred background. The magnification ratio is 0.19x.
Despite its small size and light weight, Nikon hasn’t scrimped on the mount, which is metal, while the lens barrel and all moving parts are sealed against dust and water droplets.
Video shooters and vloggers may find the focal length useful, especially for shooting to camera in relatively small spaces, remembering of course that if you use it with an APS-C camera, a 1.5x crop will be applied. We’ll touc
