Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Review

The Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is a tiny, 136g prime lens that punches well above its weight. For a $267 street lens, it lands in the 79th percentile for aperture, giving you an f/1.7 maximum to work with. That's a full stop brighter than most kit zooms, and it translates to a classic 36mm full-frame equivalent field of view on Nikon's APS-C Z-mount cameras. It's not trying to be everything, but it knows its job.

And its job is being a compact, fast companion for everyday shooting. Our scoring puts it at an 84.3/100 overall, with its best performance in street photography (80.3/100). It's weakest for landscapes at 54.7/100, which makes sense given its fixed focal length and lack of weather sealing. But for the size and price, the numbers tell a compelling story.

Let's talk about where this little lens shines. Its build quality is in the 97th percentile, which is frankly exceptional for a budget prime. It feels solid, not cheap. The f/1.7 aperture lands in the 79th percentile, giving you great low-light capability and subject separation for the price. Its macro performance is a surprise standout at the 86th percentile, thanks to a 1:5.26 max magnification and a 4.7" minimum focus distance. You can get surprisingly close.

The trade-offs are in the specs you don't see. Autofocus performance sits at the 48th percentile, so it's competent but not class-leading. There's no stabilization (41st percentile), so you'll rely on your camera body. Optical performance is middle-of-the-road at the 58th percentile, meaning you might see some softness wide open at the edges, but the center sharpness is very good for the money.

At $267, the value proposition is strong if you're after a specific thing: a well-built, fast, normal prime for your Nikon Z DX camera. You're paying for that excellent build and the f/1.7 aperture, not for optical perfection or cutting-edge AF. The price-per-performance ratio is good, especially when you consider Nikon's own lens pricing. It's a lot of capability in a tiny, pocketable package that won't break the bank.

Stacked against the obvious rival, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 Z, the Nikon wins on build quality (97th vs. likely lower) and likely autofocus consistency with native Z-mount bodies. The Viltrox might be slightly sharper optically for the price. Compared to a zoom like the Panasonic 14-140mm, you're giving up immense versatility (39th percentile for the Nikon) for a much brighter aperture and better low-light performance. Against the Meike 55mm f/1.8, you're choosing between a normal field of view (Nikon) and a short telephoto (Meike). The Nikon's closer minimum focus distance gives it a clear edge for near-macro work.

If you shoot a Nikon Z DX camera and want a small, fast, well-built prime for everyday and street photography, this lens is an easy recommendation. The data backs it up: top-tier build, a great aperture, and surprising close-focus ability. Just know its limits—the AF is fine, not great, and it's not the sharpest tool in the shed. But for $267, you get a characterful lens that encourages you to shoot more, and that's a win.