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The Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is a standard lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 2021. The focus is done by Stepper Motor, it does not have image stabilization. The average price, when it has been added to the JuzaPhoto database, is 299 €;
36 users have given it an average vote of 9.5 out of 10.
MOUNT
This lens is available with the following mounts:
Nikon Z: this lens is compatible with mirrorless fullframe and APS-C Nikon Z.
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Pros: Good image quality. Compact and not showing off. Very useful focal length.
Cons: Looks cheap (I hope it is robust)
Opinion: For years I used my Nikon Df using the Voigtländer 40/2 and 58/1.4 as my standard lenses, rather than the classic 35 / 50 / 85mm. While 58mm remains my favourite focal length for casual portraits, I admit that 40 is much better for event coverage.
On the Zf, the Nikon Z 40/2 would be a match made in heaven, but for the plastic construction of the latter. Optically, it is better than the Voigtländer, esp. wide open, also with less artifacts but still with a non-clinical look. The bokeh in particular is interesting, not busy but somewhat "vibrant", providing a nice backdrop to sharp foregrounds and very good subject separation.
And for event coverage? I recently decided to make it my sole lens on a graduation party, all shot in B&W and using some significant "electronic" zooming (well, cropping in PP). With hindsight, I do not regret not having taken the classical 24-70/2.8 with me. Lots of keepers. The cropped shots are quite acceptable in B&W, with the Zf sensor providing an illusion of film grain, somewhat HP-5 like.
Bottom line, while it is a lens with many compromises, it is a very good buy. The kind of lens to always keep in the bag, esp. when one needs a rest and shoot instinctively. Do not forget to purchase a short third party hood, as none is supplied and the front lens is a bit exposed, being close to the front of the barrel.
The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.
Opinion:I have the SE version, which gives a wonderful aesthetic to the ZF. In particular, despite the small front lens, it is nice to see the aperture blades semi-unfolded in the rest position. The lens allows you to move by perceiving only the weight of the camera, and to take advantage of its excellent aperture and versatile focal length for different photographic genres. It invites you to approach the scene or to compose it a bit in the "old way", restoring a certain taste in photography. What really annoys (beyond the absence of the lens hood that can be found after market for a few €), is that the aluminum-colored bezel is not (precisely) aluminum and that the bayonet is plastic. For the price of 300 € Nikon could make this EFFORT!!
Pros:Lightweight, compact does what you don't expect, really great
Cons:Nothing to report
Opinion:The focal length is interesting, it is a real all-rounder. excellent rendering and colors, It is always in the bag and helps on many occasions. To those who complain that it has something plasticky cheap I answer with only 2 comments: the photos are taken with the lenses and not by touch, and with the price of the 50 f 1.8 or the 35 f 1.8 you buy 3 !! lens hood? you can find plenty on Ecommerce sites starting from 10 € (the one that starts with A..) . Autofocus not a lightning bolt but more than enough for portraits, street and landscapes, of course you don't make birdlife with it (but only because it's too short Hahaha). Really bad not to have it
Opinion:Purchased in July 2023 and used on a Nikon Z6II, this lens always ends up in my backpack when I go out to photograph. Its light weight and small size make it easy to carry around, almost forgettable. Every time I look at it, I wonder if it was a sensible purchase, so much so that sometimes I'd rather shoot with the iPhone. Yet, despite my initial hesitation, all the photos I've taken with this little lens make me say, "Not bad, this little bastard." In conclusion, I use it less frequently because I prefer other lenses, such as the 28-70mm f/2.8, which is much heavier and bulkier. However, when I use this lens, I'm always happy with it – it's great for portraits and moving photos. One good thing is that my 10 year old daughter loves it and uses it all the time. In the future, I plan to buy the Nikon Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 as well, when the price is cheaper.
Pros:Very nice all-rounder, very interesting focal length, adequate image quality
Cons:SE stand-off version, pitiful construction
Opinion:A super interesting focal length, longer than the 35mm, but shorter than the 50mm. One of my favorites, since it allows you to shoot with an "all-rounder" lens, which can alternate between street and portrait set without great sacrifices. With the 50mm it would be limiting in one direction, with the 35mm in another. In fact, it is sold together with the ZF in KIT, designed as a unique lens, and what a KIT! It's a shame it's all plastic, and the SE version, called SPECIAL EDITION, is actually a plastic. Alas, I can't stand to ride with a jewel like the ZF, and to feel in my hand this snag with a gray painted plastic bezel that wants to emulate an old AI. I would have happily spent twice as much for a specimen with a decent construction. I understand the basic version, but why make the SE out of plastic? Why Nikon, why? Basically, it is recommended for those who want a compact 35\\50 mm to be mounted on a Z body and are aware of its CHEAP nature (although the photographic results are not at all), not recommended completely for those looking for a premium feeling from its lenses and a rewarding user experience.
The sample photos are selected automatically between all photos posted by JuzaPhoto members, using the camera and the lens selected in the techs. If you find evident errors (e.g. photos taken with cameras and lenses that are not available yet), you can contribute to improve the page by sending a private message to the user that has entered incorrect values in the photo caption.