Brightin Star 24mm f/1.8 full-frame autofocus lens for Nikon Z-mount announced

A fresh entry has just appeared on the full-frame scene that you might find interesting, especially if you’re on a budget. Brightin Star has just launched its AF 24mm f/1.8 full-frame autofocus lens for both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount systems. It appears to be a solid, affordable option that could rival the pricier first-party lenses.

When it comes to wide-angle primes, you likely know what to look for: sharp images, quick focus, and dependable autofocus. Brightin Star claims their new 24mm f/1.8 checks all those boxes, combining modern design and a speedy aperture in a compact size. If you’ve been considering the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S but are put off by the cost, this lens might be just what you need for that perfect focal length. I find it exciting to see third-party brands making high-quality gear more accessible, allowing you to expand your creative options without breaking the bank.

Optical Clarity and a Dazzling Aperture

The Brightin Star 24mm f/1.8 offers a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8. What’s intriguing is that it has a 14-blade aperture diaphragm, which is quite impressive. This design should create very smooth, circular bokeh, even if you slightly reduce the aperture from f/1.8. Imagine city lights at night transforming into soft, round shapes behind your subject. This is what having more blades can achieve.

The lens itself has a detailed construction, indicating that the brand values image quality. According to Brightin Star, it includes 14 elements grouped into 11 sections, featuring various types of special glass: high-precision aspherical elements, Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements, and high-refractive-index elements. This intricate setup aims to minimize optical issues, such as distortion and those annoying purple fringes. If these promises are accurate during real-world use, you can expect clear, sharp images from edge to edge, even at the widest settings.

Fast, Silent, and Videographer-Friendly Autofocus

If you take videos (and let’s face it, most people do these days), you’ll find Brightin Star’s autofocus features very appealing. The lens is equipped with an STM (Stepping Motor), which Brightin Star claims offers quick, precise, and quiet autofocus. This quietness is important for recording clear audio, and the company has designed the motor to work well for both photos and videos.

One of the standout features for videographers is the “near-zero” focus breathing, which Brightin Star states can go as low as 10%. I know how annoying it can be when the picture shifts a lot during a focus change. Brightin Star says this issue is nearly eliminated, helping keep your framing steady. If you’re filming an interview or moving between subjects in a scene, this could make the lens a worthwhile consideration. Additionally, the lens features an automatic focus system that detects faces and eyes, allowing for sharper focus in portraits and street photography.

Size, Weight, and Build Quality: A Daily Companion

The Brightin Star 24mm f/1.8 is made for easy carrying. It weights approximately 444 grams (around 15.6 ounces) and measures roughly 75mm in width and 88mm in length. This size makes it small and lightweight for a fast full-frame lens, which means it should sit well on a full-frame Z camera. It’s perfect for days of shooting or travel when you want to keep your gear manageable.

Another handy feature is the USB Type-C port located on the lens barrel. This allows you to update the lens’s firmware directly, ensuring it remains compatible and performs well without requiring modification to the camera itself.

24mm: Your New Street Photography Weapon

If you enjoy street or documentary photography, you understand the special qualities of the 24mm lens. It’s wide enough to capture the surroundings and tell a complete story, but it doesn’t distort images like an ultra-wide lens can.

Brightin Star believes that the 24mm focal length allows you to include more of the city in your photos, whether it’s busy sidewalks, tall buildings, or close-knit gatherings. This lens can effectively showcase the connection between your subject and their environment, transforming ordinary moments into striking images.

Conquering the Night with f/1.8

The ability to shoot in low light is a big plus. If you like taking photos during the “blue hour,” at night, or in dark places, the lens with a f/1.8 aperture allows you to use a lower ISO. This keeps your photos looking clean and sharp. Since it gathers light well, you won’t always need a tripod to get clear, bright shots after sunset.

Subject Isolation in a Crowded Scene

When taking environmental portraits, an aperture of f/1.8 is excellent for making your subject stand out while still showing the surroundings. Brightin Star points out that this wide aperture causes the background to blur naturally, so your subject remains clear and sharp against a soft backdrop. The smooth bokeh from the 14 aperture blades helps ensure the focus stays on the subject, even in busy city scenes.

To enhance this effect, get close to your subject while shooting at f/1.8. This approach makes the depth of field even more noticeable, adding depth and clarity to your photo.

Excitement with a Pinch of Skepticism

It looks like companies like Brightin Star are really stepping up their game in providing budget-friendly, high-quality lenses. The new 24mm f/1.8 appears to make a strong impression. However, it’s not time to say goodbye to your Nikkor S lenses just yet. We should wait for independent reviews and actual sample photos to see if this lens really lives up to its claims of “exceptional optical clarity” and consistent sharpness from edge to edge.

For hobbyists or new professionals, this lens could be a fantastic option. You won’t have to delay for the pricier Nikon version, you can grab a fast, modern wide-angle lens right now and start capturing the exciting stories you want to tell.

Pricing and Availability

The Brightin Star AF 24mm f/1.8 lens for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts is now available. Brightin Star is offering it at a special introductory price of $309.99, which is $20 off its usual price of $329.99. You can buy it from their official website, and they expect it to be available on Amazon soon. Keep in mind that availability may differ based on your location, and the company will provide more updates through their retail partners.

For a full-frame autofocus lens with an aperture of f/1.8, especially with features like minimal focus breathing and a 14-blade aperture, that price below $350 is quite a deal. It makes the 24mm focal length more accessible for many Nikon Z users, which is great for you.

[via Brightin Star; Image credits: Brightin Star]

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