Nikon 2163_EDI_1

Stunningly sharp, clever filter design, and about as portable as a fast ultrawide zoom gets. Just know you'll pay a premium for that last bit of perfection.

The first thing that hits you is the clarity. In our database, its optical score sits in the 94th percentile, meaning it's one of the best on the market. Edge-to-edge detail at f/2.8 is just phenomenal, and distortion is almost nonexistent. What surprised us most, though, is how that big, beautiful front element handles glare. Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings really work, and we rarely got annoying flares even shooting straight into the sun. Autofocus is quick and nearly silent thanks to the stepping motor, and the lens balances nicely on both Z7 and Z9 bodies. The only real disappointment is the complete absence of VR, which punishes handheld video and low-light stills.

In the Nikon Z mount, there's no direct rival if you want an f/2.8 ultrawide zoom. But looking around, the Sony 14-24mm f/2.8 GM and Canon's 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS show what you give up: both have stabilization and similar sharpness, yet only the Nikon lets you slap a 112mm filter on the front without an expensive adapter system. For anyone on a budget, the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN is tempting, but it's made for APS-C cameras and won't cover a full-frame sensor. Tamron's 17-70mm f/2.8 for Sony E-mount is a fine all-rounder but not remotely as wide. If you're a Nikon Z shooter and need the ultimate wide zoom, this lens stands alone.

We've seen prices all over the map, from a reasonable $830 to an absurd $157,888 (seriously, check multiple retailers). If you can snag it near the lower end, it's an incredible deal for the optical quality. At full retail, it's a serious investment meant for pros and dedicated enthusiasts. For most people, the slower but excellent Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S will deliver 90% of the experience for a lot less cash.

If you're after the best ultra-wide zoom Nikon has ever made for its Z mirrorless system, this is it. The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is astonishingly sharp from corner to corner, handles bright light with confidence, and does something most fast ultrawides can't: accept standard screw-in filters. It's the rare lens that makes you want to ditch your primes and just shoot wide. But it's also expensive, and the lack of image stabilization will bother handheld shooters. Still, for serious landscape, architecture, and night sky work, this lens is a masterpiece.

If you need a compact, vibration-reduced lens for travel vlogging or handheld walkaround shooting, this is not your glass. Skip it and grab the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S or a small prime like the 28mm f/2.8. You'll save money, weight, and frustration.

The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is a brilliant lens that belongs in the bag of any serious landscape or architecture photographer using Nikon mirrorless. The image quality is world-class, the filter integration is genius, and it's lighter than you'd ever expect. No stabilization is a bummer, and the price will make casual users wince, but if you demand the best ultrawide performance, this lens delivers and then some.