Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED vs Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G zoom
Related: Nikon, Nikon 20mm, Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G, Nikon Lenses
Get Nikon 20mm f/1.8G at B&H Photo.
Several readers have asked about the new 20mm f/1.8G versus the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G zoom (bulky and bulbous and heavy), noting the size/weight/filter issues of the zoom.
I don’t look at size and weight as the top issues, though the 20/1.8 is really a joy to carry compared to the 14-24, and that alone is a huge plus for many users. And it takes standard filters. But the 14mm - 18mm range and 24mm range is eminently flexible.
My main issue with the 14-24 is its challenging peripheral-forward and central-rearward focus shift, as I’ve documented in multiple case studies in Making Sharp Images (and in its review). The 14-24 is a very sharp lens, but if sharpness won’t stay where you put it (moves its peak zone by aperture), then it’s often sub-optimal (mediocre) where intended. Particularly at f/5.6 which is a very important aperture for me. The 20/1.8 might have its own quirks, but I don’t have all the answers yet.
(not to scale)
