Its wide enough for some landscapes and close enough for most portraits.
In this case, the focal length becomes 60mm.
Youre never tricked into thinking this is a premium lens, even though its output is excellent.
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
The Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is, however, extremely light - weighing just 6oz / 170g.
I’d say it looks decent enough on one of Nikons more modern bodies.
Is it boring?Maybe,but it doesn’t look out of place.
For the price, the lens is impressively sharp even at f/2 and exhibits minimal chromatic aberration or vignetting.
Flare is also controlled - despite this lens likely not featuring Nikons higher-end coatings.
Ive shot thousands of images with the 40mm and Ive come to appreciate how it renders a scene.
Despite having a minimum focus distance of 11.8in / 30cm the lens is also quite soft when close focusing.
Thats where my criticisms end, however.
In practical use the 40mm performs admirably.
Autofocus is extremely quick and minimal focus breathing means this is a versatile lens that can also handle video.
I wouldn’t rule out copy variation here since it’s not a widely reported issue, though.
Nikon Z 40mm f/2: sample images
Should I buy the Nikon Z 40mm f/2?
It’s just about wide enough for most street and landscape situations and close enough for waist-up portraits.
Is it a deal breaker?
No, but noticeable coma means astro-photographers may want to opt for an alternative prime.
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
I’ve also extensively tested this lens at night, making use of its wide aperture of f/2.
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
Full image taken at f/5.6(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
Cropped image of bottom left corner(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
The Nikon 40mm f/2 exhibits some softness up close, even central in the frame.
The Nikon 40mm f/2 renders some coma on the extreme edges of the frame.
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
(Image credit: Future / Alex Whitelock)
