Nikon has launched the Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. This is good news, because although Nikon’s Z DX format mirrorless cameras – the Z 50 and Z fc – have been well received, the amount of dedicated lenses for the company’s crop-sensor bodies has been pretty limited. As an all-in-one type zoom, the new lens has plenty of potential, too.
Yes, this is a lens designed for APS-C format sensors, and measuring a compact 73x90mm and weighing only 315g, it’s well suited to those Z DX bodies. That said, it can still be mounted on full-frame Z Series cameras where it’ll automatically crop the view into the larger sensor area. The 18-140mm focal length gives an equivalent of 24-210mm and it promises top image quality with a construction of 17 elements in 13 groups including two ED and two aspherical elements.
The 7.8x zoom range is certainly powerful and capable of tacking pretty much any subject you care to put in front of it, but the lens also offers an impressive close focusing distance of 0.20m at the wide end and 0.40m at the long. It’s therefore a neat travel option, capable of filling the frame with textures and small subjects as well as big views and distance details. The Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR also uses an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism for more precise aperture control and consistently stable exposures, especially when shooting video in rapidly changing light.
To keep things sharp when handholding the camera at slower shutter speeds, in low light, and when shooting at the longest focal lengths, the Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR has a Vibration Reduction feature that promises up to a five stop advantage. This is particularly welcome as no Z DX bodies so far have in-body image stabilisation. And as well as its zoom ring, like all Nikon Z lenses it has a customisable control ring – this time with a knurled look a bit like the texture found on the special-edition Z 28mm f/2.8 SE – that can be set to control manual focus, ISO, aperture or exposure compensation.
The lens uses 62mm filters, and to add to its credentials for travel and everyday photography, it has some modest weather sealing against dust and water drops. Available now, it’s priced at £599. Check out some example images from the lens below.
