Nikon Z8 Camera with Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens Kit

Key Features

Camera

• 45.7MP FX stacked CMOS sensor with EXPEED 7 processing
• Advanced subject detection AF with 3D Tracking
• Up to 20fps full-resolution RAW shooting with AF/AE
• Blackout-free EVF for continuous high-speed shooting
• Internal 8K/60p N-RAW and 4K/120p video
• 5-axis in-body VR
• 3.2-inch four-axis tilting touchscreen
• CFexpress Type B/XQD and UHS-II SD card slots

Lens

• Professional ultra-wide zoom
• Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
• 650g compact S-Line construction
• 16 elements in 11 groups with four ED and three aspherical elements
• Nano Crystal and ARNEO anti-reflective coatings
• 0.28m minimum focusing distance throughout the range
• 9-blade rounded diaphragm
• 112mm front and rear gel-filter compatibility

Product Summary

At 14mm, you can put something in the foreground and still hold an entire landscape or sky behind it. It’s the focal length for interiors with nowhere left to step back, and for architecture where a standard wide-angle just won’t take in enough. Zoom towards 24mm and you’re into more familiar territory for landscapes, environmental portraits and video, with the Z8’s 45.7MP sensor resolving enough detail for large prints and client work that gets scrutinised at 100%.

The constant f/2.8 aperture is what makes this lens worth having after dark, not just during the day. Astro, aurora, city lights, blue hour: this is where a fast, genuinely wide lens earns its keep, gathering more light while the optical design keeps stars and other point light sources well controlled across the frame. Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings are doing real work here too, keeping flare and ghosting under control when the moon or a streetlight decides to sit right in your composition.

None of this is much use if you can’t get the kit to where the shot is. At 650g the lens doesn’t punish you on a long hike, in-body stabilisation helps with shots where a tripod isn’t practical, and extensive weather sealing provides reassurance when a wet coastline or exposed ridge line is part of the day.

In More Detail

NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

The included S-Line zoom provides an expansive 114° angle of view at 14mm on full-frame, allowing dramatic foregrounds, large skies and confined spaces to become central parts of the composition. Zooming towards 24mm provides a more restrained wide perspective for environmental subjects and establishing shots, while the constant f/2.8 aperture maintains exposure and light-gathering capability throughout the range.

Its optical formula uses 16 elements in 11 groups, including four ED and three aspherical elements, with Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings helping to control flare and ghosting. Light fall-off towards the edges is carefully controlled even when shooting wide open, while point light sources are rendered cleanly across the frame. These characteristics are particularly valuable for astrophotography and nightscapes, where stars, streetlights and other small highlights can expose optical imperfections that are less obvious during daylight shooting.

At approximately 650g, this is an unusually compact professional ultra-wide zoom and remains manageable when carrying equipment to remote landscape locations. A 0.28m minimum focusing distance throughout the range also allows strong foreground elements to be placed close to the front of the composition, emphasising the exaggerated perspective available at wider focal lengths.

Filter support is unusually flexible for an optic this wide. The supplied HB-97 hood accepts 112mm screw-in filters, while a rear slot accommodates gel filters, providing options for controlling reflections, exposure or colour in landscape and architectural work. Autofocus is smooth and quiet, with virtually no focus breathing or focus shift while zooming, extending its usefulness to professional video as well as stills.

45.7MP Stacked Sensor and EXPEED 7

Among our Nikon Z mount cameras, the Z8’s 45.7MP FX-format stacked CMOS sensor is built for speed as much as resolution. Files go up to 8256 x 5504 pixels, native ISO runs from 64 to 25,600, and the electronic-only shutter reaches 1/32,000 sec with silent shooting and no mechanical shutter vibration to work around.

Pixel Shift uses the sensor-shift VR mechanism to capture a series of RAW frames, which NX Studio merges into files up to 180MP. Current firmware lets you combine Pixel Shift with Focus Shift or auto-exposure bracketing, useful when a single exposure or focus plane isn’t going to cut it, particularly for product, architecture and other carefully controlled subjects.

High-Speed Shooting and Blackout-Free Viewing

Full-resolution 45.7MP RAW images can be captured at up to 20fps with continuous autofocus and auto-exposure. With a compatible high-performance CFexpress card, the buffer is rated at over 1,000 RAW images during a continuous 20fps burst.

High-Speed Frame Capture+ increases this to 30fps for 45MP JPEGs, 60fps at approximately 19MP or 120fps at approximately 11MP, with AF/AE tracking. Pre-Release Capture buffers images before the shutter is fully pressed, helping with unpredictable action.

The 3.69-million-dot Real-Live Viewfinder remains blackout-free during continuous shooting and refreshes at up to 120fps, providing an uninterrupted view when following fast or erratic subjects.

Advanced Subject Detection and 3D Tracking

The 493-point hybrid AF system combines 3D Tracking with subject detection for:

• People: eyes, face and upper body
• Animals: dogs, cats and birds, including eyes, heads and bodies
• Vehicles: cars, motorbikes, bicycles, trains and aircraft

Dedicated bird detection helps maintain focus against complex backgrounds, while 3D Tracking follows subjects as their position, orientation and distance change.

AF sensitivity extends down to -9 EV with Starlight View enabled in supported modes. Firmware updates have also introduced refinements to subject detection, including bird and aircraft tracking.

8K RAW and Professional Video

Internal recording reaches 8.3K/60p in 12-bit N-RAW and 4.1K/120p for high-resolution slow motion. Oversampled 4K UHD can also be created from 8K capture.

Formats include N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ, H.265/HEVC and H.264/AVC. N-RAW records 12-bit footage internally and can simultaneously create Full HD proxy files for editing.

Recording is available in 8-bit, 10-bit or 12-bit depending on format. N-Log provides greater latitude for grading, while HLG supports HDR delivery.

Video Monitoring and Recording Controls

Tools include:

• Waveform monitor
• Zebra patterns
• Focus peaking
• Red REC frame indicator
• Fine ISO control in 1/6 EV increments
• Linear manual focus with compatible lenses
• Adjustable AF speed and tracking sensitivity
• Dedicated video information display
• Timecode support
• RAW proxy recording
• Audio attenuator
• Slow shutter speeds down to 1/4 sec

Audio can be recorded using 24-bit linear PCM with compatible formats. 3.5mm microphone and headphone connections support external audio and monitoring, while compatible XLR adapters provide additional professional microphone options.

5-Axis VR, Four-Axis Monitor and Professional Handling

Five-axis in-body Vibration Reduction supports handheld stills and video, with electronic VR also available for video. Synchro VR coordinates in-camera and lens stabilisation with compatible NIKKOR Z lenses.

The 3.2-inch, 2.1-million-dot touchscreen tilts in four directions for high- and low-angle shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation while remaining aligned with the camera body.

At approximately 910g with battery and memory card, the body is around 30% smaller than the Z9 and omits its integrated vertical grip. It retains extensive weather sealing, while a sensor shield closes when the camera is switched off to help protect against dust and fingerprints during lens changes.

Low-Light Handling

Several features support operation in dark environments:

• Illuminated buttons help identify controls
• Starlight View brightens the display
• Warm display colours help preserve night vision
• Lo1 and Lo2 reduce viewfinder brightness
• Image frame display makes the edges of the shooting area easier to identify

Creative Photography Tools

Additional in-camera functions include:

• Focus Shift Shooting for subsequent focus stacking
• Multiple Exposure
• Interval Timer Shooting and Time-Lapse Video
• Long Exposure Noise Reduction
• Creative Picture Controls

Storage, Power and Connectivity

One card slot accepts CFexpress Type B or XQD media, while the second supports UHS-II SD cards. CFexpress provides the sustained write speeds required for demanding bursts and high-resolution video, while SD can be used for backup, overflow or separating file types.

Power comes from an EN-EL15c rechargeable Li-ion battery, with in-camera USB charging and compatible external USB power during operation. Older EN-EL15-series batteries offer varying levels of compatibility and performance.

Two USB-C terminals separate data communication from charging and power delivery, allowing external power without occupying the data connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, while wired Ethernet is supported through a compatible USB-C adapter for image transfer and remote workflows.

Building an Ultra-Wide System

The included 14-24mm establishes the ultra-wide end of a professional NIKKOR Z system, leaving plenty of scope to add focal lengths according to the subjects you shoot. Landscape photographers might complement it with a standard zoom and lightweight telephoto, while architectural specialists can add primes or perspective-control options where more specialised rendering is required.

Existing F-mount optics can also be used with the optional FTZ II Mount Adapter. Compatible AF-S, AF-P and AF-I models retain autofocus and exposure functionality, allowing photographers with an established DSLR system to transition gradually while making the included ultra-wide their native Z-mount starting point.

Flash and Accessory Compatibility

The Creative Lighting System and compatible Speedlights are supported for TTL flash photography, alongside compatible third-party lighting systems.

HDMI, USB-C, microphone, headphone and accessory connections support external microphones, monitors, recorders, remote controls and other production equipment.

Read our Nikon Z8 review for first-hand shooting impressions, sample images and video, and to see how the camera performs for wildlife, landscapes, portraits and everyday photography.

Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Sample images

14mm
8 sec
ISO 5000.
f/2.8

14mm
1/500 sec
ISO 100.
f/2.8

14mm
1/50 sec
ISO 1250.
f/5.6

What's in the Box

• Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera
• EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• MH-25a Battery Charger
• UC-E24 USB Cable
• HDMI/USB Cable Clip
• BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
• BF-N1 Body Cap
• AN-DC26 Strap
• NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens
• LC-Z1424 Front Lens Cap
• LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap
• HB-96 Lens Hood
• HB-97 Lens Hood
• CL-C2 Lens Case