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.
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.