The Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S is a Nikon Z-mount large-aperture wide-angle lens. Which one is better for the starry sky or the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, which will be released later? Since this question is often asked, let's take a look at the Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S.
First, the appearance of the shape
Connect to the Nikon Z 6II. The first thing you'll notice is the large focus ring, which weighs 505 grams, which is very light compared to similar models from other companies. Despite its lightness, the build quality is as expected from Nikon. While it doesn't have image stabilization, it is dust and splash resistant, so you can use it with confidence. It has a long barrel design, which is common with recent Nikon lenses, and balances well with the Z 6II and Z 7II (the Z 50 and Z fc may feel heavy on the front end).
Lens hood attached. Comes with a large flower-shaped lens hood with a soft line from the hood to the tip of the lens. When wrapping a lens heater for starry sky photography, it is best to use a thin heating wire heater rather than a cloth heater.
The filter diameter is 77mm.
2. The depiction of images around the starry sky
Now, let's look at the nearby images of the stars that interest us.
摄影器材：尼康Z 6II + 尼克尔Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO3200、f1.8、SS15秒、无AWB图像处理
Enlarge the top left corner by 100%
In fact, the general comment on this lens is that the peripheral image is a bit loose when fully open, and the peripheral area is darkened, but from this image, there is no problem at all and it seems to be in range. Practical range. In fact, it's amazing how much F1.8 can capture. Normally, I shoot with an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400, but because the f-number is brighter, I can lower the ISO sensitivity (in this case, ISO 3200) and shoot. This means that you can take photos without noise, so the benefits of a bright f-number have a huge impact on starry sky photography. Of course, if you set the ISO sensitivity to 6400, the exposure is halved. How wonderful! Although some vignetting is present, it has reached the point where it can be corrected with retouching.
No lateral chromatic aberration was noted, but some axial chromatic aberration does seem to be present. Even in this image, you can see some purple streaks around the star near the center. It's a very minor issue though, and can be easily eliminated with retouching, and if it bothers you, you can stop a bit and set it to f2 or f2.8. By stopping down the aperture to f2, the peripheral light reduction and chromatic aberration are improved, while by stopping down to f2.8, they become almost invisible.
摄影器材：尼康Z 5 + 尼克尔Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO12800、f2.5、SS15秒、AWB Photoshop CC(降噪、白平衡调整)
For reference, this is an example taken on f2.5, although it is only halfway done, both axial chromatic aberration and peripheral dimming have improved to a level that is no longer noticeable.
摄影器材：Nikon Z 6II + NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO6400、f1.8、SS8秒、AWB 使用 Photoshop Lightroom Classic 进行图像处理
摄影器材：尼康Z 6 + 尼克尔Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO12800、f1.8、SS10秒、AWB 使用Photoshop Lightroom Classic、DxO Pure RAW2进行图像处理
Being able to shoot at f1.8 really made it a lot easier. For example, when stars are reflected on the water surface in a landscape, as in these two compositions, it's easier to make the shadows brighter. There is no doubt that the range of expressions will expand.
摄影器材：尼康 Z 6II + 尼克尔 Z 20mm f/1.8 S + VIXEN 星空平台 Polarie U 摄影环境：ISO3200、f1.8、SS15秒、AWB 用Photoshop
CC19 for image processing Combine multiple meteor images and landscape parts into one
Photographing such meteor showers requires physical light-gathering capabilities, rather than increasing ISO sensitivity to brightly capture dark meteors. A lens brighter than f2.8 is useful for shooting meteor showers like this.
3. It is very suitable for starry sky time-lapse shooting
The bright F-number and short exposure mean that many images can be taken in a short period of time, which can express the slow passage of time (the movement of the starry sky), making it extremely difficult to shoot time-lapse shots of the starry sky.
4. What is 20 mm in astrophotography
摄影器材：尼康Z 5 + 尼克尔Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO8000、f2.8、SS25秒、AWB 使用Photoshop CC进行图像处理
When considering the differences between it and the "Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S", many people may wonder whether to use the f-number or the wide-angle value. In recent years, ultra-wide-angle lenses of around 15mm have become standard, and similar compositions have increased. Therefore, we feel that the 20mm viewing angle is refreshing and allows us to express our personality, and there is a decisive difference in the price of the two. With about twice the price, choosing the Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S as your first ultra-wide-angle lens might be the best choice.
摄影器材：尼康Z 7 + 尼克尔Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO6400、f1.8、SS5秒、AWB 使用Photoshop CC进行图像处理
5. The Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S is perfect for everyday use
This time my review focused on shooting the stars, so I'll give you a brief introduction, but the minimum shooting distance is 0.2m, which means you can get very close to the stars. It is a very useful lens for video shooting and depth compositing, and it also has excellent backlight resistance, almost no ghosting or flare, and can be said to be an all-round lens that can be used day and night.
摄影器材：尼康Z 6II + 尼克尔Z 20mm f/1.8 S 摄影环境：ISO800、f5.6、SS1/50秒、AWB#夏日生活打卡季#