Originally sold this lens when the 14-24mm was released. Bought it again for a lightweight travel lens with no regrets during my Australia trip this past Christmas. This lens, the 24-120mm and 100-400mm make for a reasonable (weight wise) travel kit that covers a vast focal range with little to no compromise. Cheers.
Every lens is travel lens when you... travel with it. It's 2023, why still thinking that when is light and small then must be "travel" lens... I travel with z800 and z35mm 1.8 most of the time because that's the range I use so logically z800 6.3 is also travel lens 🤷🏻♂️
As a long time "Pentaxian" I quite recently switched to the Nikon Z system (Nikon Z 6 II) and this lens was my second purchase after the Nikon 24-120 mm S lens. Both of these lenses are absolutely the best lenses I have ever owned! Both - the build quality and the picture quality are absolutely top-notch! I supplemented these two lenses with the Tamron 70-300mm which also is a fantastic lens for its price. Now I am more than happy with the range from a very wide angle to a medium telezoom in combination with an absolutely outstanding camera 🥰!
Wow, that's the first time i hear from a Pentaxian switching to Nikon mirrorless on RU-vid. Very interesting. I had a K-50 from Pentax before i started with a Nikon D600 in 2012.
I just got a 14-24 2.8 as a loaner from NPS for evaluation and while optically a great lens, I hardly found myself pulling it out of the bag. Made me realize the 14-30 would be way to go. I literally shipped it back to Nikon on Monday and said “I need to check out Matt’s video on the 14-30 ….” And BOOM, you delivered! Wow, that’s so crazy. Thanks for the deep dive!
Hard to believe I’ve been shooting Z with this as my go-to ultra wide for almost 3yrs!!!! Amazing lens. Unless you absolutely must have f2.8 it’s a no brainer
I chose the 14-30 over the 14-24 because of the weight, and I didn't find the 14-24 sharp enough to justify the extra weight (I had both at home for testing for two days). I hadn't thought about filters at all, but to my great surprise NiSi's filter system works perfectly for the 14-30. I can stack two filters plus the built in POL filter with COMPLETELY no vignetting at all. This is a big plus as I often use filters on my 24-30.
After watching Ricci's video comparing the 14-24 and this lens, I opted for the 14-30. I didn't need a wide aperture for my work and with the image quality differences being nearly undetectable, this lens works perfectly for me when traveling to keep the size and weight down.
Great review of a lens that doesn't get enough attention. I love this lens. I purchased it in July 2019, and it has been my primary real estate photography and video lens since then. It's a great size and weight for gimbal work. I also own the 14-24 2.8 S, but I only use it on high-end real estate and commercial with my Z7ii. The sharpness of the 14-30 f4 is more than adequate for most real estate work.
@@MattIrwinPhotography Teleconverters? No. I've been tempted to buy the 1.4 for my 70-200 f 2.8, but I'm trying to save for a Z8. Edit - I suspect you meant TC lenses. No, those are not within my budget.
@@MattIrwinPhotography I hope you'll do a full review of the 1.4 TC. I thought you may have been referring to the 400 and 600 TC lenses. Those are definitely not within my budget. I have not used a tilt-shift lens. The 19mm is within my budget, but a Z8 is higher on my wish list. I find the transform tools in Lightroom Classic are adequate for real estate in most cases. I use a geared head to keep things vertical, which works fine for houses only two stories tall. Those tools are even adequate to correct the perspective of my drone photos as long as I'm shooting at lower altitudes. I just make sure I shoot wide because I lose a lot of pixels on the sides. My photos are downgraded to about half their native resolution for real estate listing sites, so a T/S will not benefit me much. I will consider buying one if I start doing more architectural work or shooting commercial buildings from ground level.
Watching this I really want Nikon to make a 14mm f/1.8 prime that would be incredible for architecture and especially Astrophotography. It seems most of the shots Matt was taking were at the widest part of this lens.
March 2024. Z move started. Just fun and 'hobby'. Nice. Less than a second and hand-held! I bought Zf last weekend, with S 24-70 f/4 combo kit, and added that 14-30 and FTZ II. Gotta try it night a bit, in NYC as it will be warm soon. Later this year may go for speculated Z6iii or an advanced DX Z (may trade in D7200 and D7500_. Leaving me with a D810 and 'lots' of F lenses still.
for me it is Time to change to the Z-Mount. 2 Years i have z6ii with 24-70 and it is Fun to work. Mostly i use ftz with my F-Lens,. Now the Time is comming, i sell all my F-Gear and make my biggest Order of my Life. Z8, 14-30, 70-180, 180-600, 105Macro, 400 2.8, 2 Spare Batterys, 2 CFExpress Cards an a reader. So i think my Z Setup will be great and light and give me my Hobby back. I start Digital Fotography in 2004 with the D70 puh long Time ago. Thank for the Videos, learn and be up to Date with you. Best Regards from Germany
I just moved to mirrorless from Nikon D810. Like you, it was the largest order of my life: Z8, 14-30, 24-120, 50 1.8, 100-400, 2 spare batteries, FTZii adapter, 2 CF Express type b cards (325 gb & 1 tb), 2 SD cards @ 128 gb each. And while I was at it, I got a new camera bag (Nya-Evo 36 liter with all inserts and pouches), four ND filters at 82mm for the 14-30, a leofoto carbon fiber tripod, and a Acratech panorama head. I'm loving the new system! Next up it either the 105 marco or the 20mm 1.8. Will test my older 105 marco with the adapter to see, but the native Z-mount S glass is blowing me away.
Dear Matt, many thanks for this unusual video (unusual because most youtubers focus just on the new hyped stuff). Like your style! I own this lens and together with my 24-120 and 85 1.8 this is my travel kit. On my Z6II or on my Z9 they deliver and (more important because I‘m just hobbyist) I enjoy them. The little bit overlapping between 24 and 30 mm makes it soo comfortable. Like the 14-30 really. Cities or hikes - both are with the Z6II easily managed and I never missed f2.8.
Like many others i own the f4 trinity: 14-30, 24-120, 100-400. This lens gets the leadt use by far, but I love it whenever it gets called into action. The pictures have an intangible pop to them that makes me glad to lug it with me "just in caee".
I just bought the Z8 but am keeping my Z7. The Z8 is bigger and heavier, but what a monster, it does EVERYTHING you ask of it, especially when it comes to focus, and it's also better in terms of ISO, which I've missed. The Z7 is now relegated to the camera I bring when I'm just out for a walk with the wife, or as a travel camera when it's not an actual photo trip. So you have something to look forward to.
It is indeed a brilliant zoom lens. The only "negative" for me is that with f/4, there is no way to play on differential focus, except for ultra close-ups. For that reason and that reason only I am going to add the 20mm f/1.8 to the arsenal. Differential focus (blurred background) really helps bring out the main subject, but can be a challenge to achieve in very wide angle photography.
When I made the switch from my D5200 to Z6ii back in 2020, the 14-30 was my first Z lens. Now, while I mostly shoot more long tele (I have the 100-400 & a 180-600 on pre-order) the 14-30 has been indispensable for wide angle shots - interiors, architecture, some astrophotography. I am in the market for a fast, ultra-wide prime - maybe a 20mm in the not too distant future - but I'd love a 14 or 16 1.8.
The Nikkor Z 14-20 f/4 S is in my kit at the wide-range, great performance at reasonable cost/weight/size, especially for travel. Add a Z 24-120 f/4 S and a Z 26 f/2.8 - makes a great touring package for a pro-sumer.
I think for most people the 14-30 is the way to go. When you are that wide, you are usually doing "landscape" type stuff that is not dependent on focus separation. Also, lets be real, at half the price, you can get a 14-30 F4 and a 24-70 F4 for the price of one 14-24 F2.8.
Thanks for another great review of one of my favourite lenses. The 14-30mm f4 has become an essential travel lens, especially with the active bag weighing officers at Melbourne airport, limiting the amount of gear we can travel with. Would love to see a comparison review with the old F mount 16-35mm f4.
I have the 24-70mm f4/S, 105mm macro and 70-200mm f2.8. Next is 14-30 f4/S and 180-600 f5.6/6.3 The combo of Z8 with 105 f2.8 is possibly the cleanest portrait/wedding photos I have ever taken. But also with that X quality and character that are just delicious and make the bride stunning. The 14-30 f4S will give me some nice wide points of view with groups and in churches, registry offices and tight venues when 24mm is not wide enough. The confetti throw is where a nice wide lens is appreciated. I replied to a video where they shot the whole wedding with 35mm lens and I was like how boring and inconvenient for the couple because you are in their face constantly. I am a Nikon fanboy and proud to have a system so professional. I shoot weddings in France although I am Aussie and the photos are just stunning on the Z8.
From the beginning of my buying into the Z system, I made a decision to sacrifice speed/bokeh for less weight for travel. I have had the 14-30mm from day one. Its a fantastic performer, especially with the ISO performance of the Z cameras. Paired with the 24-120mm, and the pancake 26mm prime, and 50mm f1.8 you have a very light Z kit to take with you.
Thank you, Matt, for mentioning 12mm! My favorite f-mount lens was the Sigma 12-24 Art lens and am hoping and looking forward to a 12mm Sigma or Nikon for the Z-mount. Each time I watch one of your wide-lens reviews you inspire!
Great in-depth video on the 14-30mm f/4 S lens. It has been one I want to get along with the 24-120 f/4 S. Doing a lot of nighttime photography with the Aurora Borealis it would work great. Those cityscape nighttime images look fantastic Matt, I knew the kegs would show up! You need a true New Yorker to test the pizza, Seth needs to travel to Melbourne. Well one of these days the 14-30 will be available here in Alaska again. It hasn’t been available for quite some time which shows people like it. I agree Nikon needs a 14 or 16mm f18 or even 2.8 wide angle prime for the Z mount cameras! Thank you for sharing with us my friend! Have a great week! 🙏🏻📷
I love going to the Chocolate Buddha, often before or after a concert at Hamer Hall. Thanks for the video. My interest in the 14-30 F4 continues to grow. I did some night time photography recently on a visit to Hobart with the 24-70 F4 and the need for a wider lens kept on making itself obvious to me. Your video is very timely.
The 14-24S is a boatload better at f/2.8 than the 14-30S. Joking aside, they are very comparable otherwise, because faster lenses need to be more complex in order to get the same quality they are more expensive, and bigger/heavier, not necessarily "better". What I would be more interested in, already knowing this applies here too (watching the video is still a pleasure, though), is how the Z 8 or Z 9 performs in your night owl environments compared to a Z 7(ii) or D850. The last two would have a similar Dynamic Range (DR) plot whereas the 8/9 score slightly less at lower ISOs. Also, these plots illustrate at what point these cameras switch over from low amplification (at the C-MOS level in the sensor, I guess) to high amplification. What is more interesting to see, is how these two generations of sensor compare in low light at high ISO. Why? There's this website "photons to photos" or so, and DxOMark measuring dynamic range. The way I understand that type of dynamic range is as the operating range of the camera in light levels in a similar way as it has a temperature range. These DR plots are in base-2 log (because EV) and this contrasts to how "we" worked in the film days with base-10 log. And with these measurements we established the "contrast envelope" for a film/processing combination - so the DR available in an individual shot. As these plots represent DR versus ISO, they abstract light level away, and contrast envelope, and gradation as function of i*t (light INTENSITY * exposure TIME). Add that we don't precisely know how these DxOMark measurements relate to the raw processing (software) we use and "real life" "real photography", like your Matt, in your videos, can become more relevant.
Hi Matt, Maybe you can clarify something for me, I purchased, from your online store, an BBQ apron with the "I"m vintage logo"as I am vintage at 73 yrs old and while I was there I thought I'd look for a calendar as the first one I got from you was with bicycles on a street on a rainy night, however I didn't see them , just had a thought ( doesn't happen too quickly ), maybe they are on your website so I will look later today. I always look forward to your videos and enjoy and trust the gear centric ones especially on lens. I say trust as you are a photographer first then a RU-vidr . So I purchased the Nikon 400 4.5 lens a couple weeks ago and its sooooo light! especially compared to my 400 2.8 VR G ED. I could only use the new 4.5 lens in day games though but it sure will be nice to carry around. My Z9 fell off its FTZ mount last month to hit the concrete steps at a baseball game. My take on it with that experience is that its one tough camera. When my granddaughter picked up the bouncing Z9 body, I put it back on and it shot 12 fps without an issue, continuous focus too. Sent it to Nikon in New York for a Pro + examination and cleaning, NO ISSUES to report. Thanks so much for helping bring together the camera community. Wish I could attend the Olympics in Brisbane its a long drive to your city. Ted in Sebastian, Fl.
Great video, Matt, thank you! My Z8 is coming back from Nikon (mount recall) today and I'm going to throw my 14-30 on to it to use at an event I'm a guest at this evening, just to play! Cheers!
I do a lot of hiking to do landscape photography and the weight for this lens is amazing. coupled with the 24-120 f/4, I have found my perfect pair. Great overview!
Love your shooting videos! I've got the 14-24 2.8 and love it; I continue to wait patiently for your review :) I am according to a friend an aperture snob so have to live with the hefty weight of most of my lenses. Pretty great shooting in the dark results you got tho with this f4 lens! Nice work. And you asked, I like both the original (don't have problems if the effect is pleasing with wide lens distortions) and the keystone corrected versions of the grand old building shot; the original does make it appear like a 20 story building! HA. On your comment about zoom extending lenses -- I remain slightly miffed that the 2.8 24-70 s is not an internal zoom; actually surprised when I unboxed it (bought it minus any specs review or user reviews at all), but I've gotten over it :) Cheers!
Thank you for this in-depth look at this lens, Matt! I've been eying one for some time, just waiting for it to get discounted at some point. This one and the 20 1.8 are the only two Z lenses I have never seen on discount in my country. I was very tempted to get the 14-24 when it got discounted because it got close enough to the price of this one, but I hesitated because I prefer the extra range the 14-30 offer on both ends.
As an old film Hasselblad user, I would be curious to see the comparison between the 60mp digital Hassy and the 45mp Z8/9. BTW a thoroughly entertaining video on the Z14-30 f/4 S. thanks for all your hard work
Weight, size, performance, price - it's a great combination. Small enough to have it with you all the time, and with up to 30mm a very useful range - more so than the dedicated wide-angle specialist 14-24mm. The only lens I would consider replacing this would be something like a 16-40mm, f4-5.6, small and compact as well. Yup, I would give up a little on the wide side to get even more versatility on the long end. A little, but not much - 18-40mm would already be in the 'no thanks' region.
An absolutely AMAZING review… Great content like always… I fell in love with wide angle after I got my Samsung s10+… realised I was shooting wide a lot mor than normal… so sold my 24-70 f4 (should have kept it) and got this 14-30 f4… 14mm is something that I have had to get used to as the widest I have shot before this was 24mm… Have had to learn to compose all over again with this lens… Super fun…
The photos look superb! I'm so glad I bought this lens last week after upgrading to the Z8 a week or so ago. Yet to really test it on a day out but the few shots I've taken so far are mega. The bit about 'Keystoning' it's the most ANNOYING thing about photography for me because I like to photograph tall buildings, tower blocks, urban flats etc. I Hate the keystoning effect, will there ever be a lens that captures exactly what you see with your eyes??? When the photos come out with the buildings leaning over it really spoils them for me. Also I Can't believe how clean and tidy the streets are!!! If that was England you'd be knee deep in shite, rubbish, discarded McDonalds & KFC food, kebad wrappers, car tyres and any other sort of rubbish & litter you could think of. And not only that there'd be loads of tramps, dossers & junkies sleeping in the alleys. And you wouldn't be walking around the streets of England with a camera late at night on your own either!
No denying that the 14-24 2.8 lens is superior, but I bought this lens when it came out, and am quite happy to use it, in lieu of the much heavier (and more expensive) 2.8. (personal preference... I generally shoot more with the longer lenses.)
I used the 14-30 z in a flower shop shoot .... sometimes a imagec that is to sharp or a more complex image can be counter productive has the eye can easily become confused . The resolution and colour 14-30 give great redenderd one happy shop keeper ..I understand the boker with the lower f stops seriously I could be doing something wrong but f4 corner to corner its sharp. On the 14- 30 it's bril And I don't always want boker or a super soft background . Now, at f 4 it still does a lovely background .I woulder if lenses would be cheaper if they only reached between f4 -f 11. At f 16 Defaction stops me going higher . In fact I very rarely go about F 11.... unless it's on the z 105. The shop owner by the way was seriously happy. I also ask a Favour when you test a lens. Using FX full frame how about with the 400f 4.6 and 180-600 z show down you had a few Dx crops shoots. Against a 2x converter .Reason I am asking is it would help me reason from 14 mm to 200 mm I have more than enough over laps and primes . I now have a few opportunities to do a few birds .The Tamron 150-600 I found could not cut it . I got the 2, X converter for my 70-200 z the results where better with 2xz plus 70-200 than tamrons . I ended up used just Dx with the z 200 I found the results where better than the 2x converter and Tamron for me. So when you review the next prime like 400z f 4.6 with converts please ad a dx photo along side each .... I got some great shoots because it was quicker to swap from fx to Dx mode for extra reach.quicker than a change of lens. So it's helpful to see the full range please. I am thinking of buying the f 4.6 z 400 then the 180-600 z came out S against standard lens . Dx or crop tuff choices ..... the lenses and cameras .... last point missing foucs on the z 7-2 ...means I am changing to z 8.foucs and lenses um a whole new bible worth of arguments in that question.2 X converter verses Dx on a fx camera plus a X2 converter plus Dx on a fx camera ummmm. Thanks for reading love your help cheers.
I own this lens and love it. I have never needed 2.8 for wide landscapes since I usually shoot at f/8-f-11. I would not use this lens for shooting people. I have Kase filters for this lens. I also have a Voigtlander 10 mm wider than this one but I seldom need wider than 14.
While I have the 14-24 af-s for my dslr, I am considering this lens to go with my zf with 24-70, as a compact travel kit. Seems like a no brainier for my travels.
Another great video Matt! I'd love to see you do some testing to confirm if the Z8 actually has a dual ISO and where the second base ISO is located. Inquiring minds want to know. :-)
Thank you for a great review. I’m on the fence about getting this lens great quality as you have shown, compact and can take filters. Not concerned it being f4. Currently have the Tamron 15-30 which works very well on the Z8 and Z9, since I still own and use the D850 can’t justify the purchase. On the other hand it would be another tool best suited for other jobs. 😂
I've been on the fence regarding going with the Z 14-30mm f4 vs the Z 14-24 f2.8 and the newer Z 17-28 f2.8 ever since I traded my very nice F-mount Sigma 14-24 f2.8 Art lens when I traded it in when buying the Z8. I like the lighter weight of the 14-30 and 17-28, the next question is "Do I want 3mm more width and 2 more reach, or do I want the lower light capability?".
No, not yet. One thing at a time. I've had the Nikon Z 180-600mm on order since the first couple of days of preorder. Meanwhile, I have both the Nikon Z 24-120mm f4 S and the Nikon Z 24-200mm f5-6.3 to allow me to get down to 24mm. When I got my Z8, I traded in a very nice Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 DG HSM Art lens as part of the deal. It's a wonderful lens, but rather heavy (more than a pound heavier the the Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S). Besides the 14-30mm being almost 6 ounces less than the Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S and $1100 cheaper, I wonder if I really need the low light capability of that 14-24 when I would primarily use it for landscapes at higher f stops? Truth is, if I could find a nice used copy of the 14-24mm f2.8, I'd probably look very seriously at it. I've had a lot of good luck buying used cameras and lenses from B&H. It may not be completely logical, but I know myself well enough to consider myself a resolution snob. @@jotwee63
Matt, take your tilt-shift lens out photographing architecture or using the proper photography technique (with normal lenses) to prevent falling buildings. Try to resolve it in post does not always work.
I agonized over the Z14-30mm vs the Z14-24mm to replace my AF-S 14-24mm. I ultimately chose the Z14-24mm because of the faster aperture for astro. I would dearly like to see a Z14mm f/1.8 prime.
Matt, perhaps you have my previous comments in mind with this video. I'm fascinated by these videos. I only currently have the 24-70 and 24-120mm f4 S lenses. I have taken some great night images in Brisbane with the Z6 and 24-120mm f4 s lens. I'm looking at the Z 17-28mm f/2.8 for a night time walk about travel lens, paired either with the Z6 or Z8. Looking at the Photons to Photos site I would think that the Z6 could produce vary favorable images when compared with the Z8? Obviously I would be using the Z8 for video. On another topic. I would be interested on your assessment on the best brand for circular polarizers? I'm looking for one for my 400 f4.5 S lens. A comment would be appreciated. On second thoughts, the 14-30 f/4 S lens is probably the better lens to go for...
Excellent insights here Matt thank you. My budget won’t stretch to this ‘budget’ z 14-30 - I will make do with my Laowa 14mm ff and now aparently outdated z7ii….😢 fantastic light combo which gives excellent results and extremely satisfying to use - in my humble opinion. Do you still use your Laowa 14? Thanks Andy
@@MattIrwinPhotography I sold Z5 its cool camera for slow work but I want somethink faster and better focus for wildlife I think go for next camera out from nikon But now I have d700 and I still learning it's nice camera
@@Povilaswildlife It would be great if Nikon would introduce the Z 6 III after the Z 8. It would make sense to me to get the next crowd that wants a smaller body and higher performance but can't pay for a Z 8.
On the 45mp sensor (z7 in my case) the comparison makes you...cry. Bought the Z 14-30 f4 as first asd-on lens for my z7 kit and compared it to the 16-35 f4 AFS VR. It was one of the moments where I thought 'this isn't even fair'. 😅 Not only is the IQ a lot better, but it's smaller and lighter as well - just perfect for my use. Highly recommended.
I have this lens its awesome just needs to upgrade from 24mp Z6ii to the Z8 as the 6ii doesn't capture as sharp detail as the z8 as I have tested yesterday on the same settings of the same buildings and same view and spoke with a Nikon rep as well and he said the Z8 will always be sharper than any 24mp including the Z6iii, can contact me for more info
Does this lens and other Nikon z lenses create more of a curve to the image then other brands wide angles? I Saw someone take a photo of a building with a Sony 12 mm I believe and if didn’t display any noticeable warping yet ok multiple building photos Iv noticed it with this lens . I think I might have heard that not all z lenses have a profile in photoshop which would have software to fix some things . I’m lookin into Nikon but I am curious about the curvature of straight lines in their wide angles vs other brands and if there is a difference depending on the company , Iv never considered this.
Ok that would make sense , the 12mm photo was impressive from Sony . Nikon also has a correction in camera aswell right? I believe I saw some mention this when others complained about photoshop profiles
If you need f2.8 and you inspect your edge sharpness, then yes it might be worth the extra. The size, weight, larger focal range and the convenient 82mm filters meant it was an easy choice for me. I also bought the Z20mm f1.8 so I wouldn’t feel jealous of the f2.8 lens, but in practice the prime is not used very much.
What level? Bigger… more expensive… heavier…. Bigger filter… and you can’t see a difference in real world as you more than often use the 2.8 at higher F stops! Just question about things are relative…
