7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard.

Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $79 vs $249 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 145g (5.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.1x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is $79, $170 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8.
  • Weight: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 55g (1.9 oz) vs 145g (5.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) is 18mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 for standard.

Who should choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)?

Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $79 vs $249 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 145g (5.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.1x.

What is the main difference between the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?

Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Nikon Z)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length18mm28mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements49
Optical Groups37
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/6.3f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/6.3f/16
Aperture Blades07
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View76°75°
35mm Equivalent27-27mm
Focus
AutofocusNoYes
Focus MotorStepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance20 cm19 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.2x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$79$249
Filter Size46mm46mm
Diameter56mm70mm
Length6.6mm45.5mm
Weight55g (1.9 oz)145g (5.1 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo