Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 vs. Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8: The Comprehensive Showdown of Wide-Angle Wonders

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Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of Nikon’s most sought-after wide-angle lenses: the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 and the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8.

As photographers delve into the captivating world of wide-angle photography, capturing stunning landscapes, breathtaking architecture, and immersive interior spaces becomes a newfound passion. The choice of the perfect lens can make all the difference in conveying the grandeur and emotion of these expansive scenes.

That’s where our in-depth comparison comes in, guiding you through the subtle nuances, key features, and performance differences that will help you make the most informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, join us as we dissect these two optical powerhouses, unraveling their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which lens will elevate your wide-angle photography to new heights.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey that will change the way you see and capture the world around you!

Overview

Nikon AF NIKKOR 14mm F2.8D EDNikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED
Max ApertureF2.8F2.8
Aperture TypeFixedFixed
Focal Range (mm)1414-24
Max Format35mm FF35mm FF
Zoom Ratio (X)11.7

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 14mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, including film, DSLR, and 35mm cameras, making it a versatile option for photographers using older camera models. Its wide aperture provides a good balance of low light performance and depth of field control, making it suitable for various photography genres, such as landscapes and architecture.

In contrast, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 is a zoom lens with a focal range of 14-24mm and a fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its zoom range. This lens offers more flexibility in composing shots, as it provides a range of wide-angle focal lengths in a single lens. The fixed aperture means that low light performance and depth of field control are consistent across the entire zoom range, providing a more predictable shooting experience.

Comparing the two lenses, the Nikon AF 14mm lens is a prime lens. It has a simpler structure that helps for better image quality. However, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens offers greater versatility in terms of focal lengths, as it is designed to perform consistently across its zoom range.

Design and Ease of Use

Nikon AF NIKKOR 14mm F2.8D EDNikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED
Diameter x Length (mm)⌀87×86.5mm⌀98×131.5mm
Weight (gr)6701000
Weather SealingNoYes
Zoom MethodNo ZoomRotary (internal)
Distance ScaleYesYes
DoF ScaleYesNo
Hood SuppliedYesYes

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 is smaller in size with a diameter of 87mm and length of 86.5mm, while the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 is larger, with a diameter of 98mm and length of 131.5mm.

In terms of weight, The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 is lighter, weighing 670 grams, while the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 is heavier, weighing 1000 grams.

The Nikon AF 14mm lens offers better portability, balance, storage, and ease in lens swapping due to its smaller size and lighter weight. This could be an advantage for photographers who need to travel or move around frequently, shoot in crowded or sensitive environments, or change lenses quickly.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8, being a zoom lens, offers more versatility in terms of focal lengths, which can be beneficial for capturing a wider range of subjects and scenes without needing to swap lenses. However, its larger size and heavier weight could make it more challenging to handle and carry around.

Lens Mount and Barrel

First let’s talk about the lens mount.

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 features a chromed brass mount with a black-headed screw serving as a mounting index. However, it lacks a rubber gasket for sealing against dust and water. On the other hand, the lens mount of the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 is metal with a rubber gasket, providing a better seal against dust and water. It uses the G lever to operate the aperture but does not support gel filters inside the mount.

In terms of lens barrel, the Nikon AF 14mm lens barrel is primarily metal, giving it a sturdy and premium feel, resembling an iron softball. It is covered with rubber and plastic, featuring a metal unlock button, a chromed brass finish, and a laser-etched aperture ring at the bottom.

For the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm, the lens barrel has a texturized metal finish with plastic zoom and focus rings coated in ridged rubber for a secure grip. The lens maintains a constant physical length during zooming, with the inner lens tube moving slightly according to the focal length.

The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens mount and barrel offer better protection against dust and water, thanks to its rubber gasket. Its lens barrel design provides a balance between metal and plastic materials, offering a combination of durability, professional feel, and secure grip.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens mount and barrel have a more premium metal construction but lack dust and water protection. The lens barrel design is more focused on sturdiness and a professional appearance.

In conclusion, if you prioritize durability and a professional feel without a strong emphasis on dust and water protection, the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 may be the better choice. However, if you value protection against dust and water, as well as a balanced combination of materials in the lens barrel, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 could be the ideal option.

Weather Sealing

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens lacks explicit weather sealing or gaskets at the lens mount. There are no internal seals at the rings, switches, and front of the barrel, nor is there any fluorine coating on the front element. This makes the lens more susceptible to damage and wear from dust, moisture, and light water splashes.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 features weather sealing with rubber seals that repel dust, dirt, moisture, and other grime. The metal mount feels secure and has a rubber gasket to seal against dust and water. Additionally, there are internal seals at the rings, switches, and front of the barrel. This lens offers better protection against the elements and is more suitable for outdoor photography in various conditions.

Weather sealing is an essential feature for photographers who often shoot in harsh conditions, as it provides protection against dust, moisture, and light water splashes. It can also contribute to the overall durability and performance of the lens in various weather conditions.

In conclusion, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens offers superior weather sealing compared to the Nikon AF 14mm lens. This makes it a more suitable choice for photographers who frequently shoot outdoors or in unpredictable conditions, as it provides better protection for the lens and maintains optimal performance.

Rings

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 features a focus ring and a control ring for switching between autofocus and manual focus. The rings boast rubber coatings for an enhanced grip, ensuring comfort during use. The focus ring offers a smooth rotation, providing precise manual focusing, while the control ring allows for effortless switching between focus modes. The manual focusing operation is a breeze, thanks to the button and rotating focus ring design.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 comes with a 25mm wide zoom ring and a 15mm wide focus ring. Both rings are adorned with ridged rubber coatings, ensuring a secure grip. The zoom ring has a short rotational travel, taking just a quarter turn to move through the entire focal range.

The ridges on the zoom ring are wider, with two notches cut into each for added grip security. The focus ring has a throw of around 50 degrees, offering smooth movement and easy handling. A windowed distance scale with five settings in meters and feet is located just behind the zoom ring.

While both lenses feature well-designed rings, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm’s ridged rubber coatings, short rotational travel, and additional notches on the zoom ring contribute to a superior tactile experience. Moreover, the 50-degree focus throw enhances precision and control. Considering the factors mentioned above, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm’s rings outshine the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8’s in terms of ergonomics, precision, and control, making them the clear winner in this comparison.

Switches/Buttons

Starting with the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8, it sports an AF/MF switch, allowing you to effortlessly toggle between autofocus and manual focus modes. The lens also features an independent ring for manual focusing, simplifying the focusing process. However, this lens does not have any additional switches or buttons for other functionalities.

On the contrary, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 is equipped with a slider switch offering M/A and M settings. These settings enable you to engage autofocus with manual override or set the lens for manual focusing exclusively. It’s important to note that this lens lacks an IS switch due to the absence of built-in image stabilization. Furthermore, there are no focus limiters or other switches or buttons on this lens.

Filter Thread

Starting with the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8, although it lacks a filter thread on the front element due to its bulbous design, it compensates with a rear gel filter holder. Gel filters can be easily cut to size, inserted into the holder, and reused multiple times. These lightweight, cost-effective filters are a practical solution for photographers working with the Nikon AF 14mm lens.

In contrast, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 does not have a traditional filter thread, meaning that physical filters cannot be attached directly to the lens. However, third-party filter options, such as the LEE Filters SW150 Mark II Lens Adapter or the Kase Rear Lens ND Filter Kit, are available for this lens. While these solutions may add to the overall size and cost of using the lens, they provide photographers with a range of filter options for the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens.

In summary, each lens offers a unique approach to filter compatibility. The Nikon AF 14mm lens provides a simple and cost-effective solution with its rear gel filter holder, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers.

Meanwhile, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens, although requiring third-party filter adapters, allows for a wider range of filter options, catering to photographers seeking versatility and flexibility. The superior filter thread option ultimately depends on your personal preferences, photography needs, and budget considerations.

Lens Hood

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens hood is built-in and included in the package. Instead of a traditional lens cap, it comes with a soft leather cover designed to fit snugly on the lens. This cover cannot be rotated and primarily serves to protect the lens during transportation and storage.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens hood is built-in and not collapsible, featuring a plastic petal-shaped design. While it doesn’t offer full protection to the front element at the wide end, it serves as a guard against accidental damage. This lens hood cannot be rotated or detached, making it a fixed protective element.

In conclusion, both lenses offer built-in lens hoods, but with different approaches to protection.

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens hood, with its soft leather cover, provides a more practical solution for transportation and storage. Meanwhile, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens hood, with its petal-shaped design, offers partial protection during use.

The superior lens hood ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your photography style. If you prioritize protection during transportation, the Nikon AF 14mm lens hood would be more suitable. If you seek a lens hood that offers some protection during shooting, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens hood might be the better choice.

Focusing and Optical Stabilization

Nikon AF NIKKOR 14mm F2.8D EDNikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED
AutofocusYesYes
AF MotorIn-camera motorSilent Wave Motor
Rotating Front Elementbuilt-in rear gelatin filterDoes not rotate on focusing
Min Focus Distance0.2m0.28m
Max Magnification (X)0.150.15
Full-Time Manual FocusYesYes
Focus MethodRearInternal

Focusing Performance

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens features a rear focusing (RF) design, providing smooth and fast autofocus while eliminating front barrel rotation and lens length changes. It uses a slotted drive screw operated by the camera, which results in moderate noise during autofocus operations.

The autofocus speed is reasonably fast, which is typical for ultrawide lenses, and it focuses accurately. For manual focus, the lens requires pressing a button and then rotating a ring. The action is smooth, making it ideal for use on manual focus cameras. Additionally, the lens does not exhibit focus breathing.

The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens offers fast and accurate autofocus performance, with ring-type ultrasonic autofocus that is nearly silent and has a quick initial autofocus acquisition speed. However, during video recording, focus movement produces an audible clack.

The lens features a manual focus override, allowing for instant switching between autofocus and manual focus. While the manual focus action is generally smooth, some users find the relatively short rotational travel of the focus ring to be somewhat fiddly for applications like astrophotography. The lens has an internally focusing design, ensuring constant lens length regardless of focus and zoom settings. In low-light situations, the lens performs well and focuses accurately for sharp images even with slow shutter speeds.

In conclusion, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens offers superior autofocus performance with its faster, quieter, and more accurate focusing system. Its manual focus override feature also provides greater convenience and flexibility for photographers.

However, the Nikon AF 14mm lens still delivers respectable focusing performance and smooth manual focus action, making it a solid choice for those who don’t require the advanced autofocus capabilities of the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm.

Optical Stabilization

Comparing the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 and Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lenses in terms of optical stabilization, we find that neither lens features built-in optical stabilization. While optical stabilization can be beneficial in certain situations when using wide-angle lenses, such as low-light handheld photography, slower shutter speeds, or video recording, it is not as essential for wide-angle lenses as it is for telephoto lenses.

Many modern cameras now offer in-body image stabilization (IBIS) which can effectively work with wide-angle lenses to minimize the effects of camera shake, even if the lens itself doesn’t have built-in optical stabilization. For wide-angle lenses, using a tripod or a fast lens with a larger aperture can provide more cost-effective solutions for capturing sharp images.

Given that both the Nikon AF 14mm and Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lenses lack optical stabilization, there is no clear winner in this category. However, depending on your camera and specific photography needs, the absence of optical stabilization in these lenses might not be a significant drawback. Remember that factors such as camera support, in-body image stabilization, or using faster lenses can help you achieve sharp images without relying solely on optical stabilization.

Image Quality

Nikon AF NIKKOR 14mm F2.8D EDNikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED
Special Elements2 ASPH2 ED glass elements, 3 aspherical lenses and 1 Nano Crystal Coat
Diaphragm Blades79
Circular ApertureNoYes

Aberration

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 exhibits chromatic aberration, with measured saturation of 4% at 35 degrees hue in the center and 19% saturation at 200 degrees hue in the corners. However, in most actual photos, this aberration is not noticeable. The lens also performs well in controlling coma, thanks to its aspherical elements, leading to minimal distortion in the corners. Moreover, spherical aberration is effectively eliminated by the aspherical design, resulting in sharp images even at large apertures and in the corners.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens demonstrates excellent control over chromatic aberration, with only negligible to low amounts present throughout most of the aperture range. However, at 24mm and larger apertures, chromatic aberration becomes more noticeable. Fortunately, this can be corrected using post-processing software or the built-in chromatic aberration correction available in some camera models.

In conclusion, the Nikon AF 14mm and Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lenses both perform admirably in controlling various types of aberration.

The Nikon AF 14mm does a better job in managing coma and spherical aberration, while the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm has superior control over chromatic aberration across most of its aperture range.

Sharpness

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens showcases remarkable central sharpness that remains consistent across various apertures, thanks to its aspherical design that eliminates spherical aberration. Although the corners appear soft at full aperture, they significantly improve at f/4 and f/5.6 and reach perfection by f/8. The lens’s exceptional center and foreground sharpness compensate for the initial softness in the corners.

In contrast, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens exhibits outstanding sharpness performance, particularly at the shorter end of its zoom range (14mm). The lens delivers excellent center and mid-frame sharpness with a sweet spot at f/5.6. Corner performance improves when stopping down the aperture, with f/8 yielding the best results at 24mm. However, some astigmatism and a noticeable dip in sharpness can be observed towards the corners at the short end. The lens also exhibits some focus shift and corner shading, especially at wide-open aperture.

In conclusion, both the Nikon AF 14mm and Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lenses offer impressive sharpness performance.

The Nikon AF 14mm lens excels in center sharpness and maintains its performance across various apertures, while the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens provides excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range with a sweet spot at f/5.6.

Bokeh Quality

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens is optimized for the features that matter most in an ultra-wide lens, rather than bokeh quality. When shooting a subject at a close distance (e.g., 2 feet), the bokeh of distant backgrounds tends to be poor, with points of light transforming into donut shapes. This is because the primary focus of this lens is capturing sharp images with a large depth of field, rather than creating a pleasing bokeh effect.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens doesn’t produce particularly attractive bokeh either, which is typical for ultra-wide lenses with aspherical elements. However, you can still achieve reasonable bokeh results when photographing subjects up close at the longest focal length of 24mm. The bokeh may appear somewhat nervous due to a degree of outlining.

It’s essential to keep in mind that bokeh quality is generally not a primary concern for wide-angle lenses, as they are designed to capture broader scenes and emphasize depth of field. Nevertheless, in specific scenarios such as environmental portraits or close-up photography, having a pleasing bokeh can add a creative touch and help separate the subject from the background.

In conclusion, neither the AF 14mm nor the AF-S 14-24mm lenses excel in bokeh quality, as this is not a key characteristic for ultra-wide lenses. However, if bokeh is an essential factor for your photography needs, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens may provide slightly better results at its longest focal length (24mm) when shooting subjects up close.

Flare/Ghosting

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens has made significant improvements in flare and ghosting performance compared to its predecessor, the 15mm lens. In challenging situations, such as shooting directly into the sun, the AF 14mm lens exhibits minimal flare and ghosting. This improvement can be attributed to the use of aspherical elements and the elimination of the issues that affected the 15mm lens. However, it is still recommended to avoid pointing the lens directly at light sources on the front element to ensure optimal performance.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens is prone to flare and ghosting when shooting against the sun, particularly towards the border opposite the light source. This is a common issue with most lenses, but the amount of flare produced by the AF-S 14-24mm lens can be rather high under such conditions. However, coatings like the Nano Crystal Coat can help reduce flare and ghosting. Additionally, post-processing software such as Lightroom can easily correct vignetting issues.

In conclusion, the Nikon AF 14mm lens demonstrates superior flare and ghosting performance compared to the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm lens.

Vignetting

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens exhibits some falloff at all apertures. This falloff may appear exaggerated when shooting a gray field and presenting it against a gray background, but it’s not noticeable in actual photos. On FX cameras without vignette correction, there may be some corner darkening, but this can be easily corrected in post-processing.

On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 shows some vignetting, particularly at wider focal lengths and larger apertures. At 14mm and f/2.8, the corner shading can be up to 2 stops darker, but at other focal lengths and aperture combinations, it doesn’t exceed a quarter-stop. The amount of vignetting also depends on the shooting distance and angle relative to the light source. However, some photographers may appreciate a little vignetting in their images, and it’s not a significant issue with this lens.

In conclusion, both lenses exhibit some level of vignetting, with the AF 14mm f/2.8 lens having less noticeable falloff in real-world photos. Meanwhile, the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lens experiences more vignetting at wider focal lengths and larger apertures.

However, it’s essential to consider the intended use and other features of each lens, as vignetting is just one aspect of overall lens performance and can be corrected in post-processing.

Distortion

The Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens has a complex distortion pattern, featuring barrel distortion in the middle and pincushion distortion at the far corners of film or an FX digital camera. This creates a stretching effect in the corners, which can be desirable for ultrawide shots.

However, if you require complete freedom from distortion, other options like the 14-24mm zoom lens, the 13mm f/5.6, or either 15mm might be more suitable, as they have no distortion. It’s worth noting that the distortion on the AF 14mm lens is relatively low-order and can be corrected using software like Photoshop CS2’s lens distortion filter.

In contrast, the AF-S 14-24mm lens exhibits barrel distortion at the widest focal length of 14mm, which gradually decreases as you zoom in and becomes barely perceptible at 24mm. However, even a slight tilt of the camera can produce exaggerations typical of ultra-wide lenses, particularly at the 14mm setting. Despite this, distortion can be corrected in post-processing software, and the lens performs well for landscape photography.

In conclusion, both lenses exhibit some level of distortion, but the AF-S 14-24mm lens has a more manageable and consistent distortion pattern compared to the AF 14mm lens.

Nonetheless, it’s essential to consider the intended use and other features of each lens, as distortion is just one aspect of overall lens performance.

Final Verdict

Taking all the factors into account, the Nikon AF 14mm f/2.8 and the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 lenses each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

For wide-angle photography, the AF-S 14-24mm lens offers greater versatility in terms of focal lengths, better autofocus performance, and superior weather sealing. It also has a more consistent distortion pattern, making it a more suitable choice for photographers who require flexibility and professional-grade features.

However, the AF 14mm lens has better flare and ghosting performance and is more affordable, costing only one-third the price of the AF-S 14-24mm lens. It is also more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight, making it a practical choice for photographers who prioritize budget, portability, and durability.

Ultimately, the choice between these two lenses will depend on your specific photography needs and budget constraints. If you value versatility, advanced features, and are willing to invest in a more expensive lens, the AF-S 14-24mm is the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more budget-friendly, portable, and durable lens, the AF 14mm might be the right choice for you.

Meet the Author


Wei Mao

Wei was a cruise photographer who worked at Disney Cruise Line. He is a lucky traveler who has been to more than 20 countries with his camera while working on an around-the-world cruise. Photography has changed his view of the world forever. Now he wants more people to benefit from photography through his blog.

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