Nikon Introduces Compact NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lens

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When looking for an ideal everyday lens, what pops into your mind? Wide-angle? Normal? If you’re looking for something from Nikon, the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 might be just the happy medium you’re seeking. Straddling wide-angle and normal-length fields of view, this svelte prime is about as versatile as a single focal length lens can get.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lens

Designed for Nikon’s mirrorless Z system, and equally at home on FX- or DX-format bodies, this compact lens is wide enough for street shooting and landscapes but selective enough for portraiture and detail shooting, too. The bright f/2 maximum aperture also means it’s adept in low-light conditions and can control depth of field for isolating subjects with selective focus. Additionally, a rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to desirable, smooth bokeh.

As such a compact and simple lens, there isn’t too much to its physical construction beyond a single programmable control ring, which can be set to adjust manual focus, aperture, or a variety of other camera settings. And, inside, there’s a stepping AF motor that offers fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus performance with minimal focus breathing to suit photo and video applications.

What are your thoughts on this simple, elegant, and versatile lens from Nikon? Are you a fan of the 40mm focal length? Tell us what you think of the latest Z-mount lens in the Comments section, below.

4 Comments

Do you need an adapter to use the Z lenses on an FX body?  I have a D750 and think this would be perfect to take along on hiking excursions.  

This lens is only compatible with the Z system mirrorless bodies, and unfortunately it won't work with the F-mount DSLRs like the D750. There isn't an adapter to use Z lenses on F-mount bodies because of flange focal distance issues (more info on that here if you're interested: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/introduction-to-lens-mounts-and-lens-adapters). In terms of FX and DX, this are just Nikon's own terms for sensor size: FX is full-frame and DX is APS-C.

This looks like a GREAT travel and specialty Lens useful for Nikon DX and FX!

 

I have been very happy with my recent purchases of the Nikon Z System. That includes the Z50 and two GREAT kit lens, The Z 6 !! and the 24-70 F4 kit lens, and the Nikon Z fc with the silver in 16-50, which is a VERY nice camera to use and LOOK at. Adding this 40 mm svelte F2.0 lens is a good move for Nikon. HOWEVER, the Nikon Z lens I am REALLY AFTER is the roadmap Z 200-600 which I am hoping is TRIM and has variable aperture to reduce size, weight, and price. I NEED the supertelephoto zoom range and clarity without the massive price and being FORCED to use teleconverters which have great limitations, also to by pass the need for FTZ adapter.

Definitely agree about the versatility of this lens- it's nice that it'll feel at home on any of those cameras, DX or FX. And I'm also looking forward to seeing what super-tele lenses Nikon has in store for the Z system; a lightweight 200-600 would be awesome.