Nikon 40mm f/2 Review – Affordable Gem

The natural progression in prime lens focal lengths is usually 35mm to 50mm to 85mm. Only in the past few years has the 40mm focal length gained popularity.

After using the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens at a few events and weddings, I can see why photographers have enjoyed this field of view.

It’s not so wide as to distort, but it also gives you more working room than the standard 50mm.

Street photography enthusiasts and those looking to capture everyday life around them as seen by the human eye will enjoy the 40mm focal length.

Let’s find out what this Nikon Z 40mm has to offer.

Nikon 40mm f/2 Specs

 

• Maximum Aperture – f/2
• Minimum Aperture – f/16
• Minimum Focus Distance – 11.4″ / 29 cm
• Optical Design – 6 Elements in 4 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades – 9, Rounded
• Image Stabilization – No
• Focus Type – Autofocus
• Filter Size – 52 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) – 2.8 x 1.8″ / 70 x 45.5 mm
• Weight – 6 oz / 170 g

Build & Ergonomics

The biggest knock on the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens is its plastic mount. While a metal mount is found on more expensive lenses such as the Nikon 50mm f/1.2, I would argue that the professional build quality of those lenses is not needed here.

This is the modern equivalent of the nifty fifty lenses of years past – albeit with a slightly wider field of view designed specifically for mirrorless cameras, especially small ones like the Nikon Z 5 or Nikon Z f.

The gain here is size and weight, or lack thereof. While the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 is a great lens, it can be intimidating to subjects and a chore to lug around for long periods.

The Nikon 40mm f/2 lens is very much a muffin lens and can feel as though you only have a body cap attached to the camera.

Focus Performance

Although the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens does not have fast autofocus performance, it did not lag for me either. I used it while capturing moments during bridal prep, and I had no problems.

The small size was a plus as it let me blend in easier.

The lens’s minimum focusing distance of just under 12 inches also helped capture detail shots. The lens has internal focusing, so the lens barrel does not protrude.

There is no vibration reduction or control ring for other functions like many a Z series lens has.

Image Quality

I found that the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens was not super sharp, but also not dull, and everything was in focus. You can probably see a trend here, with this being a very workmanlike lens.

It will get the job done with accurate rendering and nice bokeh. The super-integrated coating helps with lens flare but does not eliminate it.

Nikon 40mm f/2 Sample Images

Here are some sample images taken with the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens, using a Nikon Z 9.

How I Tested the Nikon 40mm f/2

I shoot weddings with a Nikon Z 9 camera, and it was liberating to attach this small and lightweight lens to the massive camera and capture some wedding moments.

I also used it while covering a local artisan fair.

The Nikon 40mm f/2 lens is also sold in a retro variant, showing how suited it is for smaller cameras such as the Nikon Z f or Nikon Z fc.

Alternatives

The natural alternatives to the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens are the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8 lenses.

Both of those alternatives have the S-line designation, which means they will better correct for chromatic aberration and spherical aberration with a higher degree of weather sealing.

Those other lenses will also give you lens function buttons and a programmable control ring at a much higher price.

Value for Money

At around US$250, the Nikon 40mm f/2 offers incredible value.

If you have a small Z camera, this lens, along with the Nikon 28mm f/2.8 lens, will make for a beautiful travel kit, and I don’t think you’ll mind the plastic lens mounts at all.

Please note that at this low price, perks like lens hoods and full weather sealing will be omitted.

FAQ’s

Does this lens show much distortion?

The aspherical lens elements minimize distortion, and most editing software can easily correct any remaining issues.

Can I mount this lens on Nikon DX, APS-C sensor-sized cameras?

Yes. While this is a full-frame lens, it becomes a 64mm equivalent when mounted on an APS-C camera.

Nikon 40mm f/2 Review | Conclusion

I own the professional-grade Nikon 50mm f/1.2 S lens and will continue to use it for weddings.

However, I’m tempted to pick up the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens for travel when I want to go light and not attract much attention.

Remember that if you come from using a DSLR with an older 50mm lens, the image quality and autofocus performance here will astound you. When I grade these lenses as merely good, it’s only because the S series mirrorless lenses have taken such an incredible leap over their DSLR counterparts in all aspects.

This lens is often packaged as a kit with the Nikon Z F retro camera, and I highly recommend that combination.