Thank you!! Finally a landscape photographer’s review that is to the point and concise! Not “Let me take you through every single minute of my day, showing brewing coffee, packing bags and hiking while playing depressing folk music and not talking about the lens AT ALL!” like 99.9% of all the other landscape photographers “review” videos out there. This was my lens choice for architectural photography. I love it for all the reasons you mentioned. Compact, light, takes normal filters, affordable. I honestly do not like the external zoom with unlock to use feature, but it does make it even more compact to carry around and with superb performance so I got over it quickly. It feels tight and just weighty enough to feel solid, so I don’t know what other reviewers are talking about when they call it plasticky feeling. Thank you again for such a pointed review! 😃 PS: the main reason I left Nikon years ago was how insanely big and heavy the 14-24 lens was with bulbous element making tons of flare and no filters, and their terrible autofocus. Today’s Z-mount Nikons and lenses are a completely different animal!
I own this lens for 8 months now... it is exceptional lens..it became my default lens, the weight and size are important for landscape photographers and the sharpness is mind blowing! Add to this the weather sealing and the filter thread!!
Your comments on Astro : landscape ratio spoke to me. I was between the 14-30f4 and the new 14-24f2.8 but this video has helped me decide to go with the f4 (weight, price, performance and compromises as you mentioned). Thanks! Edit: filters! Forgot about that, too
I may be wrong James but I think you like it, I agree totally with your full report on the lens. I have had my Z7 for just over 5 weeks and just got the 14-30 2 weeks ago and absolutely love the combination, the quality from both the Z7 and the lens is superb.
What ever gave you the impression I liked the lens? 😉 The 14-30 paired with a Z7 is absolutely superb for landscape shooting - there are not many better options out there full stop
@@JamesBrewphoto I totally agree James, the combination is a real Landscape Power package, I got the D850 like yourself when it came out and loved it, but the Z7 is near perfect especially after all the firmware updates.
After weeks of searching all the reviews of everything Nikon Z, I think you may have been the one to finally convinced me to make the leap to the Z system. I have some hikes coming up in the California Sierra Nevada and I was debating to stick with my Fuji X or get a GFX50R or be practical and dive all in back to Nikon but tis time with the Z instead of the heavier F mount DSLRs. This 14-30 f4 along with the 24-70 f4 looks to be the perfect backpackers arsenal with the Z7... thank you!
The z7 and the 14-30 & 24-70 f4 is a near perfect landscape photography setup. I just hope they release a lightweight 70-200 or a 24-105 f4 - then it will be perfect 👌
I also have the Z7 & 14-30 f4 and agree fully with every single point that you made. I switched from Fujifilm X and the 10-24 f4 to the Nikon Z system this year and the performance of the Z lens compared to the Fuji is truely astonishing, especially w.r.t. corner sharpness.
Just in the process of the moving my landscape kit over from a D850 and 14-24 to a Z7 and 14-30. This video helped convince me it was the correct decision. Thanks James!
Thanks for such a positive review whilst recognizing that the main purpose when selecting gear is to find the best compromise for your particular shooting needs. I am so tired of all the “big RU-vidrs” that only try to emphasize everything negative about perfectly excellent gear. I have unsubscribed all of them. Keep on the “yes hat” James, I love it.
Great review James just subscribed, I like your style :-) The new Nikon Z 14-30mm at f:8 and f:11 is exactly the same sharpness as the new Z 14-24 2.8 at f:8 and f:11 which is a fact, so if you shoot landscapes mainly with this lens, it is an absolute no brainer! I am selling my Nikon F mount 14-24 2.8 G with its obnoxious 150 filter system set because it can't touch the new Z 14-30 especially with the benefit of the small and very portable 100 Nisi V6 Filter Holder Kit!
As am43 user (Olympus and now mostly Panasonic) I've been looking at the Z since it came out. I actually told my self before any of the new mirrorless systems were released that I would invest in the first system that were smart enough to release high end lenses with moderate apertures and small size. Nikon has done a marvelous job at this. They, unlike the others, treat their F1.8 primes and F4 zooms as high end professional lenses which makes the system not much larger than m43 with professional lenses. I love my Panasonic but the Z system make so much more sense when I will switch to FF again (still haven't gotten to it though). Larger mount, smaller bodies (up till the S5 was released), small lenses with super high optical constructions, including faster F2.8 and faster primes that are smaller than DSLR lenses by quite a margin. Biggest reason to go with Panasonic would be all the upcoming Sigma lenses but still... Z looks like the way to go. Thanks for a really good review and video! Helps me another step closer to the Z mount. (I do miss my D700).
Hi, I recently purchased this lens , and I have been reading numerous reviews! Your review is by far the most enlightening. Your enthusiasm and positive words are inspiring me to get practicing…. Thank you so much.
JAMES! First off, thanks for all your videos as each one is quite helpful in many ways! I’m a NIKON person all the way so I’m very happy to have discovered your RU-vids. I’ve been using the Z-7 since it hit the market and happy as a clam with it. I purchased the Nikon Z14-30 f4 lens a few months after I purchased the body. Everything you have spoken to about the Z14-30 f4 is true, we think alike on this lens for sure. I’ve just ordered the new Z24-120 f4 and can’t wait to receive it! I just photograph landscapes and nature so these two lenses will be perfect for me. I picked up the 14-30 f4 used for $530 USD in perfect condition from a person who wasn’t using it much. What a find!!! Your RU-vids are great, KEEP GOING!!!
Totally agree with you. I was waiting for the 14-24f2.8s especially because it could accept filters. Latest info for 105mm filters makes this feature totally worthless (though this is a rumour but probably true as it makes sense to have a much bigger filter for the larger lens). I would be better off with my 14mm samyang and my nikkor 20 f1.8s for astro, no need to pay the premium. The focus breathing was also something that I would pay particularly attention but you have confirmed that it is not an issue with the lens, thanks for this. I am totally sold and the order is in the cards!!
You won't be dissapointed - this lens is as good as it gets for a well rounded landscape photography lens. Perfect balance between optical quality, portability, build quality and price 👍
Knew you would love the Nikon mirrorless lenses, as you say, they get the job done. Glad I purchased this lens. I’ve got my eye on the new 24-200 now, I’m considering replacing my 24-70 f4
What I really hope for is a 24-105 f4 - if Nikon can deliver that in a similar light design that is compatible with the new Z teleconverters, I'll be all over it 👍
James Brew from the reviews I’ve see the the 24-200 is shaping up to be a pretty special lens for landscape photography. The light weight and compact size are very tempting. If it gets the job done I’ll keep it. If I’m not satisfied (and I’m fussy) I’ll sell. Now where can I buy one 🧐
Fantastic review, thank you! Just found out about this lens a couple of days ago. I have the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 I use for real estate interiors, and got fed up having to lug it and the FTZ along, then change to the 24-70 f/4 Z mount for exteriors. This lens does it all, faster and lighter! I shoot landscape for fun too. Although I have the Samyang for once in a blue moon astrophotography, this seems to do that perfectly too from what I've seen. It's also probably the only lens I'll need to bring for a Puerto Rico vacation. Buying it tomorrow!
Thanks for the review. I’m considering purchasing this to replace my 14-24 f/2.8 FX. I don’t get into a lot of astrophotography, so this should serve 90% of my needs with my Z6 along with the 24-200 Z lens.
I'm trying to get all Z lenses and this is the setup I'm thinking. Did you order the 24-200? I'm just worried about it not feeling like a high quality lens.
The 24-200 looks like a nice travel lens but for me on the Z7 I think its too much of a compromise. It just wont be as sharp as the 24-70 in that range - thats not talking down the 24-200, its just physics and lens logic. I'd recommend a 14-30 & 24-70 f4 combo and if you can afford, then get a 24-200 for those days where you need more reach & want to travel light. I'm just using an old 70-200 f4 f mount via the FTZ for now.
James, just found your site. As an amateur, I thoroughly enjoyed your review of the 14-30. Of course, you further justified my move from the 16-35 when I switched to the Z6 from the D810. Your approach is refreshing-- technical out and real world use by a pro--in. And, clearly you are not one to gratuitously keep lenses that you just don't use. I may be asking too much here, but I would love to see/hear your review of the 24-200 (non-S) lens--if you have this; and how it compares to actual use of the 24-70S and 70-200 f/4 (FF). If I pull the trigger for the 24-200, I will definitely sell my 28-300. Thanks for welcoming me into your world.
Thanks Jon! The 24-200 looks like a nice travel walk around lens but it’s not really one for me as there will definitely be optical compromises that have been made. The 24-70 f4 is likely to outperform it across that range. Plus with a 24-105 and 100-400 on the near horizon both s lenses, those could make for a beautiful combo 👍
Thanks for the honest information, I have been seriously considering this lens and this has helped me confirm my thoughts about it. I've been wanting a more immersive experience for my adventure videos.
Great review James, I'm definitely eyeing this lens. When I got my Z6II a few weeks ago I also got the Z 50mm 1.8 which is awesome, but I do want to get something wider and this may fit the bill (to go with my adapted 70-200 f4 f-mount lens and my 50).
I'm going z6 and 14-30. You've persuaded me. Got a d500 but going with the extra 3 megapixels to full frame experience. Nikon will be pleased with you ha ha! Love all your videos and you're my go to before even Gavin Hardcastle and Adam Gibbs! Thanks, you're a star!
Thanx, just what I needed to hear. I'm switching to the Z6 or Z7 and one reason is format and weight. Every gram counts when you are out a whole day so a light lens make sense.
My travel kit is my Z7II combined with the 24-200s and this 14-30s lens for wide angle. If I need more reach with the 24-200 I can put the Z7II in DX crop mode.
dude those images are awesome 👏 I’m considering getting this wide angle for my Z6, i’ve been using my f mount 20mm but sometimes I want some flexibility when I’m framing a landscape. The earlier 16-35mm has been on my radar for a long time but I’m not very impressed over the shots I get from the 20mm. I think I’m spoiled by sharpness in my 20mm tbh
Thanks for time you took to record this 14-30z lens review, mate. Having just recently made the jump from D850+16-35 myself, I have to agree with you on all points, especially that extra 2mm allowing you a little more wide-angle composition joy. The close focusing of less than 12” is also a bonus. Just ran into your channel, by the way. The excellent quality and your personality made it very easy to click subscribe. Looking forward to more of your videos!
Thanks for this video James. I went from crop sensor to full frame last year and I’ve been trying to cut the weight down ever since. I went with the 18-35 over the 16-35 because of weight, I got rid of the 24-120 because I didn’t like the size and weight. I just simply won’t carry my camera if it weighs too much. As a woman pushing 50, I have no desire to carry that kind of weight anymore for miles and killing my back. I’ve been looking at all kinds of alternatives, including The crop Fuji cameras and Micro 4/3 just to try and carry a lighter camera... but I love full frame quality. I haven’t wanted to switch to the Z cameras because although the Z bodies are smaller and lighter than my D750, the available lenses haven’t been, and I’d just have to use my F mount glass anyway. But this lens, coupled with the hopefully upcoming 70-200 f/4, might make me purchase a Z camera. People can complain about the plastic all they want, but to me, plastic = portability. I love my old metal Nikkors, but I’d never carry them on a hike.
My full frame setup has never been lighter since moving to the Z mount. The Z6 or 7 paired with the 14-30 & 24-70 f4 is a really nice setup. Apparently the 24-200 is very good too for those that don't want to have to add a third lens to their bags 👍
Very good review. I’m tickled with this lens.Regarding the extension, I think manufacturers sold us on it being bad to sell us lenses. Performance in the field and quality are much more important.
Thanks for the video, you covered everything I needed to know. I have 24-70 F4 Z and its unlock mechanism its little bit annoying but the weight and portability overshadows it completely. :)
Ive had my Z 14-30 f4 since December 2019. I don't see this as a compromise ultra wide to wide zoom at all. Its everything you want it to be. Its the kitchen sink. Its the perfect combination of performance, size, weight, range, usability and price. Compromise is when you give up something up to gain something else, and usually its an uneven exchange. For a lot more money you can get a little bit more performance with the Z 14-24 f2.8 (just announced). That is a compromise. No screw in filters without an adapter and in return you get slightly less distortion. That is a compromise. Larger size and weight for a 1 stop faster aperture that is mostly not useful in a lens of this zoom range. That is a compromise. And so on. The Z 14-24 f2.8 is the compromise lens. For $50 less (larger discount when these go on sale here shortly) you can get the Z 14-30 f4 and the Z 20 f1.8, and that combination will blow away the Z 14-24 f2.8. Honestly, I don't know why anyone buys the 14-24 f2.8 (and 24-70 f2.8). Too many compromises.
I just framed it as a compromise if absolute perfection is what you are after. But yeah I totally agree - I really don't see the appeal of the 14-24 at all to be honest. The difference in tangible performance benefits between the 14-30 and the 14-24 is not going to warrant the extra cost, weight and bulk imo 👍
@@JamesBrewphoto But that is my point. Overall perfection is the Z 14-30 f4. If you want a little more optical performance and are willing to sacrfice a lot and pay a lot more then get the Z 14-24 f2.8.
@@KungPowEnterFist Compromise isn't a dirty word, and saying that a lens is an optimum compromise is a compliment, not an insult. Compromise just means giving up one aspect to get another. The primary thing you give up with this lens is a wide aperture. That's undeniable, but it's an acceptable loss for the reasons James detailed in the review. I love my 14-30 f/4 due to its low cost and weight, and superb performance. Compromise is not a dirty word!
Great review, subscribed ☺️ I just got the same lens for my Z6ii, but I think I got a bad copy. Sharpness isn't anything to sing about and the corners, even at f11 are meh. I'm going to ask for an exchange and hopefully the second one will be the real deal!
I fully agree with your comments, for landscape photography, F/2.8 is not common. I would be considering the 70-200mm F/2.8 S lens for portrait. A wide angle lens with F/4 is good enough.
The 70-200 2.8 is my favorite portrait lens. I do portraits outdoors rather than in the studio, so 2.8 is a great aperture, and the zoom lets me frame on the fly.
Great review. Have you tried the 14-24mm F2.8 that just came out? I love it, BUT, the ND filters running 50% of the F4 lens may be what would make me return the F2.8 and go with the F4. There's so much you can do in post these days, that F4 is not much of a difference than the F2.8. Yes, for night photography the F2.8 is superb... but like you said Compromise. Edit: 12:48. Eliminate the focus-by-wire issue by going to the SETUP MENU and turn the Save Focus Position to ON. It is OFF by default. This way, you can turn the camera OFF, change lenses, turn it ON again and bing, it kept the focus (yes, even if you remove the lens, turn it off and keep it off for days).
Thanks for watching! No I've not tried the 14-24mm - I hope to get my hands on one soon for a test as I would like to see how it compared to the 14-30. Would make for an interesting lens battle 👍
@@JamesBrewphoto I just returned my 14-24mm F2.8 and bought the 14-30mm F4. 82mm filters! heck yeah. The F4 is good for 90% of my extra wide needs, so I don't feel the loss of the F2.8.
Excellent review mate, I’ve just switched over to z7 sold all my Af-s lenses and my amazing D850, it was all about weight for me so with the sales I’ve gone for the Z14 30mm & Z 24 120mm and Z7 camera should do the job for me. Thanks for that very understanding review.
The sunstar though. It's really sad that the newer round bladed lenses loose these nice artistic sunstars the f-mount 20mm had for example. One of the reasons why I will be keeping some f-mounts despite the newer z-mount lenses.
its so simple to decide. get 14-30 f4 for purely landscape as we wont stop down below f11 rarely. get a astro lens separately with both lens sums up far less than the 14-24 f2.8. getting 14-24 f2.8 might look wise but using filter on this lens is pain in the ass. just get 14-30 with very good screw filters.
JAMES, thanks for this video, i have de Z6 since two weeks ago and have many doubts, your video makes feel happy to chance to de Z system, great video.
I bought the 14-30mm kit with the Z 6. A very good lens. I also have the 24-70 mm 2.8 S. An absolute top lens. BUT: What about the new 14-24 mm 2.8 S? What do you think? Can we be more than satisfied with the 14-30 mm?
It's probably superior in IQ and build quality, but the 14-30 you save tons of weight size and the filter setup for the 14-30 is unbeatable across any photo company for a wide angle FF. Hard to upgrade to something that may be SLIGHTLY better when you lose some real world practicality as a landscape photographer.
Couldn't agree more Jesse - if we were creating a pros and cons chart for these lens, I feel the 14-30 has the edge overall. I will need to actually use a 14-24 before I can be sure on that though
Convincing case use review, James. Nikon has long history of excellent lenses. Fair cautions re:filters and focus breathing. “Clocks-in” v “weighs-in” (prefer weighs-in).😁. Ever try to outrun an elephant? They can really move quickly😁.
@@JamesBrewphoto James, you're right, the Z7s is still to be announced but, my pre-order is with a camera shop in Sydney. Once the announcement is made and the 6s and 7s are confirmed, then the order will become official. Just trying to get ahead of the curve.
Panorama vs ultra wide angle lens? Great review! With the exception of moving subjects such as water or rapidly changing light, what is the advantage of a Z7 and 14mm lens vs a Z7 or even a Z6 with a 20mm lens and a three vertical frame panorama? The higher pixel count of the panorama would seem to be an advantage
Thanks! In theory what you suggest can work but I feel it would just prove to be annoying in the long run. The flexibility that the 14-30 gives me makes it more enjoyable to shoot with then wide angle primes imo.
Thanks for the review very helpful. You mentioned that the Lee filter system was not suitable for this lense and you have had to move across to NISI. I have been considering the purchase of a filter system and was veering towards Lee 100 system which appears to be highly acclaimed in online reviews. Your comments though have made me hesitate. Could you elaborate a little on this? Have you been able to use your Lee filters on the NISI system? Thank you
The Lee filter holder creates significant vignettes at wider than 16mm. So its not fit for purpose when shooting with this lens at all. The square 100mm filters are fine and can be used in the Nisi system - so you could always get the Nisi filter holder and Lee filters to go with it. Hope that helps
Nice review i would like to see a side by side comparison to my tamron 17-35 which ill do a review on this coming week i think they both have their short comings and areas where they shine
The 'only' advantage I see is the ability to place filters more easily and cheaper than the 14-24mm f/2.8. Weight, better than paying a gym membership.
Half the weight is a massive advantage as far as im concerned. Yes its only 0.5kg difference but if you apply the same thinking to your entire bag before you know it you are carrying 3-5 kg more than you actually need to. Optically too the 14-30 f4 seems to be at least on par and actually better in many ways - its just the physics of the wider Z mount. This does mean that the new 14-24 f2.8 is likely to be absolutely incredible.
Just bought a z6ii and loving it. I’m thinking this is going to be my next purchase. Can you tell me if the Kase magnetic filter system will be ok with this lens? Thanks for the great review!
Great review but I'm starting to feel depressed about some of my f-mount lenses, particularly the ultra heavy 24-70mm f2.8E VR which sits on my weighty D850. But I'll have to be patient on future upgrades. Thanks!
@@JamesBrewphoto yeh I did buy it (mid-2019) in a kind of defiant way, the reviews were highly convincing and I wanted another DSLR. But there's plenty of time to wait for new versions of the Z series whilst enjoying the D850. :)
I have the D850 with the 24-70E f/2.8 also, the Z version on a Z camera is beautiful balanced , can’t wait for the z 14 - 24 f2.8 , but I also love the compact nature of the f/4
I really want to buy a Nikon Z camera but because of the few things that you mentioned as deal breakers I have waited ... I have always been a people photographer and the eye auto focus is something that I have been lusting for (I do not think that they are great at it yet)... But having basically shooting Nikon for 50 yrs (bought a Nikon F FTN in 1969 still have it).. I have had a sony in my hands twice and cannot relate to the menu system or ergonomics.... All I want is the perfect camera ;) ;) ,,, so I guess that I will be stuck with my D750 (hopefully not till I die).... Thank You for some great vids :) :) John
Good stuff John - I too have been shooting Nikon for a long time (have a D850 as my main camera right now)... The strangest thing happened - I'm serious how surprised I still am by saying this - I actually picked up a Z6 about 4 months ago, and I have to say this in my most secretive voice - I don't actually use my D850 that much, as I love that Z6 - it's amazing - I use it for wildlife photography and birds in flight as well, and my god the Z glass - I'm serious when I say that the 50m 1.8s lens is breathtaking - it's actually AS good if not better than my Zeiss Otus 55ml (I know I can't believe I'm saying that). Anyhow I have to stop gushing but boy did Nikon hit it out of the park with these Z lenses. One word - speechless...
Just do it. You will not regret it. I LOVE my Z7. I came from canon 5d’s. Wanted light set up, went Panasonic mft, started shooting at night, bought a Z7. It’s heaven, the lenses are nuts.
@@JamesBrewphoto Good man, you have standards to maintain for your loyal fans. Although the tough explorer look works. ;) Seriously, looks like you have a good set up with the Z7.
Hello James, Thank you very much for an awesome review! Answered so many of my questions when I am on the verge of switching to Z mirrorless, and this lens is at the top of my mind. I had one question though, about this lens not having an infinity focus ring. How will I get this lens to focus manually in dark ?
Took the 14-30, 24-70 and a 105 on a hike, ending up only using the 14-30. I do regret buying the 24-200, much rather have the 24-120, as it is an S-lens.
I've only used a Z6ii camera for two months now, but based on other enthusiastic reviews, I've decided my next lens purchase will be this one. Seeing your great review doing the kinds of landscape photography I enjoy (rather than shooting test charts) I'm more convinced than ever that this is the right choice. I've loved the 16-35 f/4 on my F-mount cameras and am currently using it on my Z-mount with the FTZ adapter. Obviously this is sharper and lighter than the old 16-35, but I'm wondering just how much of an improvement it is. Is it a marginal improvement over the F lens or a total gamechanger or something in between?
I have the Z7 but still using the D850 and the Tamron 15-30 (1st gen) 2.8, which is awesome good specially at 15mm. That Tamron is also a back breaking beast. And it has that bulky front element. What is that for a pol filter you are using? Can you recommend it? Such a Cpol filter could make me buying the 14-30
Thanks a lot. Another one to put on my Z-list... Can you share what issues you had with Lee filters? I have quite some of them, prefer not to change those (too).
Nice review, but you should begin emphasizing the fact that a Z lens will not work on an F-mount for those of us who don't have a mirrorless body, and have no plans to use one. F to Z is a one-way street.
Do you still use the KASE Filter system? Can the KASE Filter be used for this lens, I have a Nikon Z5 and thinking about getting this, Thank you very much, Watch your videos all the time. GREAT..
I have used this lens for a while. It is a great lens for landscapes and architecture when there is sufficient light to focus. However, it simply fails to lock focus in low-light conditions. A big NO for astro and dawn/dusk landscapes where you cannot find a subject with a decent contrast
I have quite a few super wide across my different systems, this 14-30 F4 is pretty decent optically, but I really hate the way it operates, it has to be " unlocked" before you can shoot, that's super annoying, also the built quality of this lens left a lot to be desired, it feels more like those $300 kit lens that comes with a camera than a $1K lens. But I do like it takes regular screw on filter, that's one big deal for me as I use filter a lot. with that being said, I still use my Sony 14 F1.8 GM + 20 F1.8G with adapter on my Z9 a lot more often, since I shoot a lot of astro with 14mm to 20mm focal range, the F4 is simply way too slow for that.
The image results seem to be fantastic, but I'm quite apprehensive about the life of these lenses. We'll see about that "decade"s worth of use. They don't feel like a piece of kit that's meant to last that long... though they still have the price. Time will tell.
The positives for this lens definately outweigh the negatives. I had the Tamron 15-30 G1 and yes, it's one tank of a lens and compared well to the Nikon 14-24 2.8. I couldn't fault it other than restrictionsit presented to it's size and weight. When on a nature walk and deciding what to take, the 24 to 70 f2.8 used to win out. I found I only used the 15-30 on pre planned adventures. Since owning the 14-30, it comes with me regardless now. It's definitely worth the one stop of light sacrifice ......well 99% of the time. But then again, I now use this focal range 60/70% more often. Definately Less is more in this scenario.
I still have doubts because this lens is at f4, will there be many shortcomings when doing portrait photos with a wide bokeh bacground. any advice please
I am sure that this lens is optically & functionally great, but after using metal lenses from Fujinon, I am finding it difficult to switch to Nikon ZF only due to plasticky lenses. Fujifilm spoiled people like me.
No - bigger, heavier, over double the cost with insanely expensive filters all for marginal better sharpness and a wide aperture I just wouldn't use. For me the 14-30 is staying in my bag.
