Nikon Unveils the 24mm f/1.7 for APS-C Z-Mount
With a fast aperture and small size, Nikon’s new Nikkor DX 24mm f/1.7 lens for its Z-mount APS-C cameras promises to bring bokeh to the DX format for $280. The new 24mm f/1.7 Nikon lens is positioned to allow designers to create blurred backgrounds and improve low-light performance. It is Nikon’s first prime lens for the APS-C Z-mount.
According to Nikon, the bokeh effect, also known as the quality of the out-of-focus area, is unique to fast maximum apertures and drastically enables users to enhance their subjects in still-life and portrait photography. The new 24mm f/1.7 also makes it possible to take stunning, high-resolution pictures and videos in low light, thanks to its increased light-gathering capacity.
The tiny lens weighs 135 grams and has dimensions of 2.8 by 1.6 inches. According to Nikon, the 24mm focal length was chosen for its adaptability: the manufacturer claims that it is perfect for a wide range of scenarios, including tabletop pictures, portraits, landscapes, and street photography.
The structure of the 24mm f/1.7 consists of nine parts, divided into eight groups, two of which are aspherical. The lens has a seven-bladed diaphragm with an aperture range of f/1.7 through f/11. It has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.19x, a maximum angle of view (in DX format) of 61 degrees, and a minimum focus distance of 0.59 feet (about seven inches). The front filter has a 46mm diameter.
The lens has manual and autofocus settings, and the autofocus is powered by a stepping motor (STM). However, there is no switch to convert between these modes; you must do it via the camera’s menu. While Nikon doesn’t go into great depth about the motor itself, it does say that it allows for quiet autofocusing performance suited for still images and moving pictures.
As a result, Nikon claims that the lens offers smooth focusing with less change in the angle of view, even when the focus point changes during video recording. Nikon also claims that the lens was constructed to suppress focus breathing.
Here are some sample pictures:
The Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7 lens will be available in mid-June for $279.95.
More info on Nikon’s website.
