It's actually quite refreshing listening to a gear review from someone who isn't really a gearhead. The comparisons you give are more real-world, whereas the reviews of others tend to bore me sh*tless because they get so hung up on stuff that just isn't going to matter outside of a lab. I can't afford either of these lenses 😂 but it was an interesting watch nonetheless. Cheers Tom

Due to the excellent ISO performance of the Z6II, I had no issues shooting the northern lights in Iceland with my 14-30 multiple times already. I also accidentally dunked the camera + extended lens into a glacial river on one of my trips. Even though, the combo was fully submerged for multiple seconds, I couldn't detect any moisture inside afterwards.

I do love your videos Thomas, you're just so honest, I don't mind what videos you put out, adventure ones are my faves, but you make me smile anyway with how honest you are

I own both lenses and I have to say, the 14-30 has impressed me time and again. I just returned from a Pacific Northwest trip and for the first time, I left the 14-24 f/2.8 home. The 14-30’s weight, size, and performance, convinced me to make it my full-time ultra-wide “travel lens” and my back thanked me for it lol.

Glad you are now fixed up. You have made wise decisions in my opinion. I doubt you will use the 14-30 very much , but it’s handy to keep in the bag. I’ve always got mine with me , just in case.

Bought the 14-30 last week, early days but I’m blown away by it so far, and finally not having to spend hundreds on a special filter system just to use a CPL filter is a godsend

I also once faced a choice between these two lenses for my Z6. As a result, I counted the number of photos that I took with filters, it turned out that there were not very many of them. I always wanted to shoot quality astro. As a result, I bought a 14-24 and did not regret it, I shot several impressive night landscapes with it, it is well suited for landscape and astro and will be lighter in weight than 2 lenses 14-30 and 20 1.8. If you don't need to shoot astro then 14-30 would be the best choice.

Another great video Tom, thank you! I bought my 14-30mm f4 when I bought my Z6ii and have used it for astro ......fabulous. Now I've upgraded to the Z8, and the 14-30mm is just as impressive 😁

Thank you for the comparison video! This literally has been the conversation I have had with myself for the better part of a year! As someone who does lots of hiking photography adventures, I keep leaning towards the 14-30 f/4 (size, weight, filters), but then there is the part of me that would like to do more astrophotography...but I really like my sleep and I am often in bed by 9pm, so there is that!😴

Two (kind of conflicting) things: 1. I like that you usually don’t talk about gear. It’s great watching a photography channel about photography! 2. Because you don’t usually talk about gear, when you do talk about gear, it’s much more interesting to me. Your perspective isn’t one of chasing gadgets, but rather finding the right tools to achieve your vision. You’re also very practical, both in deciding between the 24-70mm lenses and these. Plus, who doesn’t like talking about gear a little. Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing your next big trip!

I went with the 14-24 2.8 because I do a good amount of astro. When you have the 14-30 you could afford the 20mm F 1.8 and carry it when you need it for the occasional astro session.

You have a really great real world comparison and practice-relevant gear videos. That's what makes your gear reviews a lot more interesting than simple gear head videos from others. Also your comparisons are very well done. As far as i know the Z-Mount 14-24 mm f/2.8 does also have the possibility to use small "drop-in" filters at the back of the lens. Don't know how it's exactly called.

Thanks for the video. I enjoy listening to the thought process on how and why you choose a lens. I prefer your travel videos (to include those that are two to three episodes) but these are important too. I think you're fine so long as you keep a balance of mostly your bread and butter travel, landscape videos in the majority. With respect to your video I own the 14-30/4. I am learning to shoot wide so that was a factor in buying as well. I like the lens and all the issues I have with it can mostly be narrowed down to user error.

You're good at this because you are insanely practical. Thank you for your honesty

Great to see some Nikon love after the past few years pre-Z9.

Thank you Thomas. I have been struggling with this choice for months. The timing of this video was perfect for me. I’m buying the 14-30 f/4!

Absolutely love the 14-30 f4! I hired the 14-24 and with similar results as yourself, I actually appreciate the extra 6mm at the end of the 14-30. Got mine mint from Park cameras for £849!

Thank you for your investment in time and effort to compare the two lenses. Shooting turning into work when one is testing hardware as opposed to finding inspiration is too familiar... 😝 It's like practicing a musical piece compared to playing expressively. The reward is being one with your gear, fluid and in control when you're *compelled* to shoot by the subject in front of you. Like the New York City cabbie when a musician hurrying down the street yelled out "Sir, how do I get to Carnegie Hall?" The cabbie yelled back "Practice, man, PRACTICE!" Watched your Svalbard video last evening after running across your channel. Outstanding! It truely felt like being there with you and your images , for me at least, captured the place wonderfully - though I would be equally pleased to return. Thanks again from Texas, where one could fry eggs on the sidewalk at present...

Thomas, I get a lot out of watching your videos but your analysis of the use of a Kase circular filter with the 14-30 f/2.8 needs a bit of discussion. 14-30 users should try using the Nikon HB-97 lens hood designed to fit not only the 14-30 f/2.8 but the 24-70 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/4.5-5.6! The hood has a magnetic ring so any Kase Wolverine 112 m filter works in the same way with all three lenses. This universal system takes you all the way from 14mm to 400mm (with x2 converter) with the same hood and filters. Works for me!

Another fantastic video. Cheers!

Great Video Thomas, I'm with you 100% on the 2.8 zoom, plus the 14-30 covers a lot of your Landscape subjects, I believe that focal length, overlap to avoid frequent lens changes is far more important than and extra stop of light. we use tripods and much wider ASA range to cover that! and weight is important! thanks for sharing

Thanks for making this video. I've been using the 14-30 f/4 since I switched to the Z system many years ago. I always wondered if I was missing out not have the 14-24 f/2.8. It appears not. 🙂

Several times I tried to convince myself I needed the 14-24 f2.8 - after all, I already had the 24-70 and 70 -200 Z lenses. However, I bought the 14-30 f/4 and love it - especially as I can swap the NISI filter system I use between the 14-30 and the 24-70 without making any changes. A brilliant lens and really great value.

I enjoy your gear reviews. They're honest and trustworthy

I’ve had the 14-30 since it came out and love this lens, superb. The lightweight build and filter options alongside great performance make it excellent.

Love the thumbnail on this one :) I have the 14-30mm f/4 and have been very very happy with it - I don't really user ultra-wide enough to justify anything bigger or more expensive, but given what you do it must be a more difficult decision!

Hey Thomas, thanks for the comparison. I am a MFT shooter (lower size, cost and the quality works for me). I bought the Zuiko 12-45 F4.0 over the 12-40 F2.8 and I love it. When shooting in darker or night scenes I like to use a higher F stop anyway to get a start burst from nearby lights. For low light I use a prime. Cheers from southern Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Tough choice. I admire your ability to be pragmatic about the choices you make. Well done. To the filter question, I am very fortunate to own some of the 2.8 zooms and I love the kase 112 mm magnetic filters. In my workflow, I simply clip the 12-24 mm lens hood with magnetic insert on to any of the 2.8 lenses I have and away I go.

I’ve been watching Thomas for years now and have seen the thought and process he uses in making real world decision on gear and absolutely value his opinion especially now that he’s using some Nikon gear. Thank you!

Nice one Tom. The reason I sold my GFX a few years back was to buy the Z7 with 14-30 and 24-70 F4. Just about to get a cup of tea and watch your Svalbard video

The first Z lense I bought was the 14-30 mm f/4 to replace the 16-35 f/4 from my D800. With the lower weight, lower price and smaller size it was a no-brainer for me. Not once have I been disappointed so far.

To be honest I really like your tech videos. :D They also make your channel more versatile.

Good info! I just got my Z8 and will be using my F mount lenses for a while…except I’ve ordered their 180-600. I will replace my landscape lenses over time! Thanks for taking me along!

For astro work you could use the 20mm f1.8 lens which is a stellar lens as well. And it is lightweight and small too. As for filters in the 14-40 lens, I believe you could stack filters if you use the Kase 92mm filters. They are a bit larger than the 85mm but give you the option of stacking on a wide angle lens. Hudson Henri has some good videos about it.

Thanks for the comparison video. When I purchsed my Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom, I needed a wide-angle to be the third lens in my zoom kit which consisted of the following Nikkor zooms: 80-200mm f/2.8 28-70mm f/2.8 I did not mind the large size and the limited filter feature of the 14-24mm lens. However, it was a G lens and I needed a lens with an aperture ring for use on my older Nikon film cameras.

I own the 14-30 and when the 14-24 came out I thought about it but I remember owning the 14-24 F mount. I hated carrying two filter systems for the big bulb on the 14-24. It just wasn’t the trouble so I sold it. I have been very pleased with the 14-30Z and it works great for IR. I also rarely shoot night photography for the reasons you listed. I my however buy the 20mm solely for a trip I’m taking that will have night photography opportunities.

I went with the 2.8...I did so for night landscape photography. I sometimes wish I had the 14-30 but ultimately the lens ain't THAT big and the quality is a touch better. Also i grabbed the Kase filters that can be used on all the 2.8s with the same lens hood. Very useful. Very easy.

Thank you for this information, it is really helpful. I have decided it is time to go from my D-850 to the Z-8. I need a lens in this range and it is always good to see someone objectively and realistically weigh the performance of each. I will be purchasing the 14-24mm f2.8. Again thank you for all the content you create.

My vote is the 14-30/4, but I'm a bit biased as that's one of the two lenses that got me into the Z system. It's light weight and small size is hard to beat for backpacking, and 82mm screw-in filters are a lot easier to find. It's also a great performer in infrared. The 105mm /2.8 macro is about as big as I'm willing to go on a lens. Any bigger than that and it just stays at home too often.

Hey Thomas, I like your videos. I like it when you talk tech. Please don't think that takes away from your reputation as a photographer. I enjoy 3 things about photography: 1) Being in the field and taking the picture. 2) Playing with the cameras and tools and such. 3) Sharing the photos and getting feedback from real people. Can you talk about how you share your photos with real people? (Not KZfaq or printed books. I mean your wife, friends, critiques from other photographers).

Dude I LOVE this video. I’ve been dead set on one day getting the 14-25 f2.8 and now seeing that a pro like you leans more towards the f4 I might save $1,000+ !

The price and ability to use multiple 100mm filters with my nisi filter holder did it for me. Very happy with the results from the 14-30.

Although you don't like doing gear/comparison videos, your insight is valuable! Thank you!

Thanks for sharing your thought process. Sometimes, we have to spend time selecting our gear. So, no apology necessary.

Oh I remember this spot!! This was your focus stacking episode years ago!

Loves this episode of Between Two Monitors.

I went through this same super wide selection angst a few years ago. In testing the Nikon lenses I was considering I found that the most usual wide angle focal length I used was 17 to 18 mm. One of the lenses I tried was obsolete but really sharp although it had a bit of light fall off at the edges and didn't have lens stabilization. I was also considering the 16-35 and the 14-24. The 14-24 lost out because of the size and price and the anticipated infrequent use. The 16-35 lost out because I could easily see the difference in lens image quality with it. It just didn't cut it. My favorite was the obsolete 17-34 and the light falloff at the edges didn't matter because when I'm making that type of shot I usually stop down to the point where there is no vignetting. Or, I just won't shoot at the shortest focal length. Plus, I usually crop in from the edges just a bit anyway. Image stabilizer didn't matter because I mostly use a tripod for "serious" landscape work. For handheld work I just shoot at a high enough shutter speed and adjust the ISO. I'm not worried about noise these days. Your video is interesting because I see you going through the same equipment selection process that the rest of us have to at times. And, I intend to continue watching your weekly posts so I'll get to see how your selection works out in the long run. Just keep on keeping on, Thomas, we're with you.

Size is a considerable factor if one has to hike with an ultra wide. I'm headed for a backcountry Greenland shoot and we will helicopter to our camp then hike a lot. The 14-30 has a distinct advantage for those circumstances. A useful video; thanks!

Hello from France, Thomas ! Thank you for this video. I sold my Z 14-30 for the Z 14-24 f2.8. I bought the magnetic kit filter (Nd8, 16, 1000 + polariser) from Kase (Wolverine 112mm) It is an very handy solution for my landscapes. I can stack and let all my filters on the NiSi Lens Hood For Nikon Z 14-24mm F/2.8 S that I bought separately I can adapt the lens hood with the filters on it on my Z 24-70 f2.8 and Z 70-200 f2.8. It is a very very handy system. Cheers.

Thanks Heaton. I had the Nikkor F 14-24mm f/2.8 for many years using it with the Nikon D750 and D850. A fantastic lens, but very heavy (1kg). Today I use the Nikon Z6II with Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 for landscape and astrophrography... but I'm looking for a wide angle zoom and the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 is a very interesting option.

Worth mentioning that the larger lens hood on the 14-24 can also be used on the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 so you could just pack the single hood and filter solution you decided upon for the wide angle lens and use it with the other lenses. The 14-24 2.8 also can use rear filters, albeit that's a bit more of a faff to change in the field but the option is there and of course they're tiny plus no vignetting.

A little late as you already went with the 24-70 f4 lens but the 14-30 and 24-70 f/2.8 lens are both 82 mm. I have both and use Kase filters. I just have ring on both lens to easily add to either. An added bonus that the step up ring for 100-400 (77-82) allows you to still use 100-400 stock lens hood. Just need to purchase a 82mm lens cap if you want to keep step up ring attached to it. That way you can use three lens with same filter system and never have to add or remove ring to use them. Very handy.

One of my key considerations is flare/glare with light sources in frame, including the sun. There have been quite a few cheaper wide angle zooms that perform excellently until they have a light source in frame, then it all goes way downhill.

Interesting choice. I bought 14-30 early on in Z world, works very well for landscapes, doesn’t weigh me down and suits my Nisi filters.

I have shot astro on the 14-30. Its ok but the conditions need to be perfect to get acceptable results. With the money you saved, just picj up a 2nd hand z 20mm f1.8. This is what I shoot all my astro on. Its fantastic.

You may not like making videos like this but I enjoy them. I went with the 14-30mm for the same reasons you mentioned. I'm just a hobbyist. I didn't want to pay extra for the 14-24mm and have to get another set of filters. The filters alone could be another $500 or more. I already have an 82mm ring for my filters. Hudson Henry has a good video comparing those 2 lenses and the old 14-24mm f mount lens. The 14-30mm sits right in the middle in terms of sharpness. F/2.8 does come in handy for event or astro photography but these new cameras perform well enough in low light that having a slower lens isn't that big of a deal. I have actually taken a milky way photo with my 14-30mm at f/4. I take about 15 images and stack them to reduce noise so it wasn't that bad. It's just not as good as it 20mm f/1.8 lens.

The 13-30/4 paired with the 20/1.8 actually give you more light gathering than the 14-24/2.8. The money is about the same and the two lenses will be a little heavier in the bag. But if you’re not planning on nightscapes, then you don’t have to pack the 20mm. If you’re going to photograph the night sky, leave the 14-30 in the bag.

Coming from the f mount 14-24mm the new version is nearly 400g lighter, so my perspective was a bit different . I do interior, architecture,landscape and I have a house in the middle of nowhere in Burgundy with very little light pollution. Moonless nights are glorious. So the f2.8 comes handy quite often. Filter wise I use the magnetic filters (one 10 stop nd and one cpl) from kase. I have tried once the 14-30 and was really impressed by the quality. At f8 it is sharper and actually brighter than the old Fmount 14-24. Nikon really did a good job on these f4 lenses.

I was really considering the 2.8 but after seeing how big it is next to the F4, I might reconsider.

Hey Thomas, the Nikon Z8 was a great choice for you. The time you took to decide makes sense. Investing into a new camera systems is an expensive endeavor.

I love my 14-30 f4, such a lovely little lens. I love how compact it is!

Good to see you on local territory and it was funny watching you on the boulders of death. Not too sure if I care for the lens comparisons though.

Tom, Great video and good choice picking up the 14-30. Just wanted to make a point that with the Dynamic range of Z8 paired with New Denoise tools available, you can push your ISO far to get that Astro shot you want. Yes, F2.8 makes a lot of difference for people who mainly shoot in low light at night but for you and a lot of other commoners, I feel it is completely unnecessary to Own F2.8.

I recently sold my Lee Filters SW150 filter set because of the room it took in the bag, plus for other lenses than my 15-30 f2.8 I needed bulky adapters or a separate filter system. For the square polariser I found just hand holding it just in front of the lens works just fine and saves time , I don’t use grad filters any more so all I miss out on are the ND filters. However changing systems means an f4 wide angle lens is available which is a huge weight and space saver.

I often use filters when I shoot wide angle, and NiSi's filter system fits the 14-30 f4.0 perfectly with no vignetting at all. I can stack two filters in addition to the CPL filter (which I rarely use for wide angel). It was one of several reasons why I bought the 14-30 instead of the 14-24. In the comparison tests I have done, I have not seen any difference, not even in the contrast, but it probably has something to do with the lighting conditions I photographed under.

Very helpful comparison. I've been thinking about these two lenses ever since I traded in my very nice Sigma 14-24 f2.8 Art lens when I bought the Z8 and I switch predominately to Z lenses.

Actually you can use the 97 lens hood with several of Nikons lens. I have the filter set of Kase filters at 112mm and it fits in the 97 lens hood and fits five or six of my lenses. Before you decide I'd check that out. You can also use set up or down rings with them and put them on all your other lenses. NO vignetting with it. Also the 14-24 mm lenses is a fantastic one to have in your tool box. I hope this makes sense...I typed it pretty fast...Thanks for sharing...

Excellent review. Convinced me to get the 14-30 mm f4. I was impressed with how you put on the polarizing filter. Please confirm if it is a magnetic clip and who the manufacture is. Thanks.

I have the 14-30 mm too. It is a great lens light, good and sharp. I love it. Good decision.

My very first Z lens I picked up was that 14-30 having shot a lot of other wide angle lenses on my older DSLR bodies it absolutely smashes them out of the park. MAYBE that 14-24 is a little bit better but that added size/weight would have me leaving it home most of the time. If someone is aiming for a brilliant real estate lens that 14-30 is practically un beatable at its price.

Really enjoyed these comparison video, although I don't shoot with nikon it was still informative, thank you Thomas.

I haven't bought either lens yet but I went ahead and bought the 112mm Kase filters and step up rings. That way, I'd just have 1 set of filters and I just use the Kase magnetic step up rings for any other lens. If I go with the 14-28 F2.8, the 112mm filters will fit them natively and I won't have to worry about vignetting, even when stacking filters.

Thank you

I Like these videos Thomas :D

Thanks Thomas for sharing your thoughts and feelings on both lenses.....I am only a hobbyist & only have a D500 camera...I use a Tokina 12-24mm F4 lens & love the results although most of my pics with this combination are close ups of graffiti etc... Cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

I just bought the 14-30 and made a comparison video to my vintage 20mm lense. I hike long distance a lot and need the lightest wide angle and this is perfect for this. I do like astro too so this will test me but I also have the 20mm 1.8 on my list so that I can swap the lense out if the nights are clear for shooting.

Just to note, you can use case magnetic filters I’m in the special lens hood of the 14-24. They are 112mm I think, nd can live in the lens hood for when you want to use them. You can then use step up rings on all other lenses so that one set of filters will be useful for all your lenses. They are an expensive set of filters though.

I might not have either lens but I do own that t-shirt. You have impeccable taste.

Томас, почему вы не пользуетесь tilt-shift объективами? Хотелось бы услышать ваше мнение.

14-24 2.8 is an incredible lens. I shoot astro so its a no brainer for me. For filters....Maven. They use the universal lens hood that works on the full trinity of 2.8 lenses, plus the 100-400 and a few others. And you can stack w no vignetting.

When yomping up and down the mountains, hills and fells, the 14-30 is the one to have. Even just wandering around a forest or woodland, your back will thank you for it. The 14-24 with all its professional clarity and polish is just going to be 2 1/2 pounds of glass taking up a big space you could use for something else a little lighter.

I have the 14-24 2.8 and its an outstanding lens but i do agree on the filter issue. I also have to carry a whole set of 112mm ND and CPL filters around which by definition are huge and take uo bag space.

Thank you for the comparison video. I'm just about to make the hard decision between these two lenses. I think you might have pushed me towards buying the 14-30.

I do enjoy astro photography, but would rather get a good, fast prime lens for that. They're either faster, or smaller & lighter, or both! For the Case filters, to stack the filters without vignetting, it might help to get a wider set of filters and adapter ring?

For the 14-24, you could try the Kolari magnetic clip-in filters as an option. There's still some flaws - like having to remove the lens to change filters - and the obvious fact that there's no polarizers. I don't know if their filters are any good but I've been thinking of converting my Z5 to full spectrum and I've thought of using their IR clip-ins to get different IR results.

I think it's funny that I've watched and enjoyed all of your Nikon lens and camera comparison videos even though I'm not a Nikon user and don't intend to become one 😂

Have you tried the Kase inlaid ring with the 14-30?

I was hoping for a video of you out and about with your camera

I have the Nikon Z 12-24 f2.8. I share your issues as I have to carry two sets of filters. The lens is superb but with that said if I had it all to do over I might have just gone with the 14-30.

I have enjoyed your recent videos. Being a nikon user it's been interesting an i have the 14-30 F/4 , 24-70mm F2.8 and the 100-400mm in my bag..

Thank you for the video. I am actually in the market for an ultra wide lens for my Z6II. I was considering a F mount lens, the 14-24 from Sigma (with the ftz adaptor I already have). What's your view on the sigma art 14-24?

Hi Thomas, I think the best choice of lens depends on the light you have in the image, let me explain, with the new cameras the backlit sensors are super excellent in low light, so an f4 wouldn't be bad, but if you want to do a sunrise with the f2.8 the little light that there is will capture better and the most important thing you will not have to go very high with the ISO... the other thing is the money that you want to spend, I hope I have helped you 😉

I own both for different purposes. The small one for travel and the large for my normal work including Asto. If you ever want to do Astro the larger one makes more sense.

I'm using the R5 and was deciding between the 14-35 f/4 and the 15-35 2.8 and I went with the 2.8 because it was on sale during Christmas, f4 1500 2.8 1900 instead of 2400 reg price. And the 2.8 comes in handy at Churches, museums, events and the few times I do Astro.

For the 14-30/4, I recommend the Lee Foundation kit, 2 slot setup and the 105mm front CPL extension. Very flexible. The Lee100 version did not improve the system enough, and it was way harder to transport. Btw, your current 3 lenses are all capable for infrared! Wink-wink! ;)

Good Choice Thomas. I have the Nikon 14-24/2.8 for my DSLR, D800e. I then had to buy a Fotodiox Filter kit specifically for it at great expense. I rarely use it as I am not really a wide angle photographer in most cases. A poor decision at the time based on the images of a fellow photographer that they took over a weekend. Lesson learned. You covered most of what I was going to say. Is corner sharpness really that important as its unlikely, especially landscape photography, that a critical element will be at the corner extremities. Size is as important as weight as you have to fit it into your bag. Lastly, will a wireless remote solve your shadow problems. Seems an easy fix.

What's the difference in water sealing between the two?

The usefulness of being able to slap an 82mm threaded polarizer or ND filter cannot be understated. I absolutely love the 14-30mm; it was a first of its kind, and it is still the most compact and affordable way that you can get to 14mm with an UWA zoom on the market. Canon's 14-35mm f/4 L IS is indeed a winner too, in multiple ways, but for the price tag and portability, the Nikon wins my heart as a lightweight adventure travel lens. Throw it on an original Z7, or even a Z5 if you're on a serious budget, and you'll have one of the absolute best collective ratios of performance, versatility, portability, and value. Having said that, the 14-24mm 2.8 is also quite a winner for those who do nightscape work and need f/2.8 a lot. (Pixel-peeping the extreme corners of either lens should never be a deal breaker for any landscape photographer, not at f/8!)

I have been using the drop in filters for my entire kit of lenses. I like being able to have a tiny set of filters that are universal across all my lenses, because they go in the camera and not on the lens so swapping lenses is easier with no fuss in moving the filter over. This doesn't prevent me from needing to CPLs, one special for the 14mm, and adapter couple rings for the other. However, after watching this channel for the past few years, I cannot recommend this to Mr. Heaton as he would probably water log his camera while trying to insert the filters. ;)

The 14-30mm is outstanding, and accepts 82mm filters. Small, powerful package.