Nikon Z 40mm f/2 Review

For years, one of many greatest causes to decide on a mirrorless camera over a DSLR was to avoid wasting weight. Not all of at present’s mirrorless cameras comply with that sample – simply have a look at the Canon EOS R3 and Nikon Z9 – however saving weight remains to be a excessive precedence for a lot of mirrorless photographers. That’s why I used to be so excited to check two of Nikon’s lightest mirrorless lenses not too long ago: the 28mm f/2.8 and the 40mm f/2. The 40mm f/2 is what I’m reviewing at present.

Though the earliest Z-series lenses had been hardly heavy, Nikon was clearly leaning within the route of picture high quality even on the expense of weight (to not point out worth). For instance, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S – one of many first three Nikon Z lenses – weighs 415 g / 0.91 kilos and prices $630 when it’s not on sale. By comparability, the 40mm f/2 that I’m reviewing at present weighs 170 g / 0.37 kilos and prices $300.

Cameras are techniques. Though mirrorless cameras are inclined to weigh lower than DSLRs, that benefit can vanish relying on the lens you pair with the camera. Contemplate the Nikon Z6 II + 50mm f/1.8 S mixture, which weighs 1120 g / 2.47 kilos. It’s pretty mild, however hardly featherweight. Even a DSLR can beat it, just like the Nikon D780 + 50mm f/1.8G combo at 1025 g / 2.26 kilos.

I’m not saying that the 2 kits attain the identical degree of efficiency, however it goes to point out how shortly the mirrorless weight benefit can evaporate. That’s the place the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is available in. Pair it with the identical Z6 II, and the entire setup weighs 875 g / 1.9 kilos. You received’t simply beat that with a DSLR.

Then there’s the difficulty of worth. Most of Nikon’s mirrorless lenses are glorious performers, however they’re hardly low cost. To avoid wasting lots of of {dollars}, I’m certain that loads of photographers can be keen to lose a little bit of construct high quality and optical options, as long as the compromises keep affordable. Because the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is $300, it’s a straightforward lens to justify for somebody who simply desires a chief lens with out a lot problem.

Though some photographers might marvel why this lens is a “nifty forty” reasonably than a “nifty fifty,” it might serve a really related goal on the finish of the day. The f/2 most aperture is a lot if you would like a blurry background, as long as your topic is shut sufficient. And with a focal size between the basic 35mm and 50mm views, it really works nicely as a walk-around lens that’s neither too huge nor too slim for widespread, on a regular basis topics.

That’s the gross sales pitch for the Z 40mm f/2 in a nutshell. It’s mild and well-priced, and it’s a helpful focal size to maintain in your camera by default. Though the lens doesn’t earn Nikon’s “S-series” designation – signifying that it could not have the identical optical efficiency as their finest glass – that’s not an issue for many photographers. As long as the Z 40mm f/2 in all fairness sharp and doesn’t have any obtrusive faults, the load and worth alone shall be sufficient to maintain it fashionable.

All through this overview, that’s the usual I’ve tried to bear in mind. Nobody expects perfection out of considered one of Nikon’s least expensive lenses, however is it nonetheless a good selection for light-weight/finances photographers? I’m getting a bit forward of myself, however the reply is sure – though the lens is hardly with out its faults. That may change into clearer as you learn additional within the overview.

For now, let’s check out the entire specs of the Nikon Z 40mm f/2.

Specs

These are hardly probably the most superior specs, particularly for a Nikon Z lens. Two of the lens’s six parts are aspherical, however that’s about the place the particular glass stops. There is no such thing as a fluorine-coated entrance factor, no ED glass parts, and no nano crystal coating. To not point out that the lens mount is plastic, a signature of lower-end lenses.

Granted, these underwhelming specs serve a goal. If the Z 40mm f/2 had extra superior options, it wouldn’t shine within the two most essential factors on the record above: the load of 170 g / 0.37 kilos, and the value of $300.

Is the tradeoff worthwhile? On stability, I feel so, however it’s a difficult query. Let me dive a bit extra into the construct high quality and dealing with of the Z 40mm f/2, and you may make that call for your self.

Construct High quality

One of many greatest promoting factors of the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 is that it’s such a small and moveable lens. It’s not fairly a pancake lens – some photographers seek advice from it as a “muffin” lens as an alternative – however both manner, you’ll hardly discover when it’s in your camera.

As I discussed a second in the past, one cause for the minimal weight of 170 g / 0.37 kilos is the all-plastic exterior of the lens. That even contains the lens mount – undoubtedly not part of the lens that I’d need to be plastic.

I don’t suppose the selection of a plastic lens mount was a weight-savings measure a lot as a cost-savings measure. However this isn’t space to compromise, because the lens mount must be one of many sturdiest elements of a lens. Because it attaches to the steel bayonet of Nikon Z cameras, the Z 40mm f/2’s mount will inevitable put on down and scratch over time.

Past that, because of the lack of a fluorine coating, water and dirt have a tendency to stay to the entrance factor of the 40mm f/2 greater than on some Nikon Z lenses. The small dimension of the lens’s entrance factor helps considerably in wet circumstances, however it’s nonetheless some extent in opposition to the lens for utilization in harsh climate.

Apart from that, I’m truly pleasantly shocked with the 40mm f/2’s construct high quality and development. There are not any shifting exterior elements on the lens in any respect, and the design is constructed to tight tolerances. In a wide range of climate circumstances, from mud to freezing rain, the Z 40mm f/2 functioned like regular. If it had a steel lens mount and a fluorine-coated entrance factor, its construct high quality would earn an ideal 5/5 in my guide.

Be aware that there’s additionally a “Particular Version” of this lens, which is formally referred to as the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 SE. The Particular Version prices simply $10 greater than the usual model of the lens, and it adjustments the outside design to look extra retro. In any other case, the 2 lenses are similar, together with their optical design, weight, and dimension. You’ll be able to see the Particular Version here.

With that, let’s cowl the dealing with options of the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 – not that there’s a lot to cowl!

Dealing with

The 40mm f/2 has only a few dealing with options in any respect. There are not any switches on the lens, and there’s just one management ring (which 99% of photographers will maintain assigned to guide focus). This makes it one of the sparse lenses Nikon has made because the movie age.

At minimal, I’d have preferred to see an AF-M change just like the one discovered on most different Nikon Z lenses. As a result of there isn’t one, you’ll have to open the AF settings on the camera itself if you wish to disable autofocus.

Nonetheless, the dearth of dealing with options signifies that there’s not a lot to complain about, both. It’s a really easy lens that will get out of your manner more often than not. I discussed earlier that the low weight makes it simple to neglect that the Z 40mm f/2 is in your camera. The shortage of any buttons or switches contributes to that impression.

Subsequent up, I’ll cowl the optical traits of the Nikon Z 40mm f/2, together with focusing efficiency and sharpness checks within the lab. Click on the menu under to go to the following web page of this overview, “Optical Options”: