Although it isn't a member of Nikon's premium S Line of lenses, the Nikkor Z 40mm F2 ($299.95) still draws lovely photos with defocused backgrounds wide open and delivers tack-sharp results at smaller f-stops. It's one of the better values in the Nikon Z system overall. The lens makes some compromises to meet its budget-friendly price—namely, it forgoes weather protection and doesn't offer a reliable autofocus experience for moving subjects. But it nonetheless presents plenty of appeal for both FX and DX camera owners who want a low-cost option that captures a unique view of the world.The Nifty Forty In the SLR days, low-cost 50mm lenses all fell under the Nifty Fifty moniker—that includes characterful, background-blurring primes like the old Nikkor AF-S 50mm F1.8 G and rival Canon's EF 50mm F1.8 STM. For its mirrorless version, Nikon opted for a wider 40mm angle that makes it useful as an everyday carry for both full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) format sensors. Our Experts Hav...
The affordable, background-blurring Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2 lens focuses a bit slowly, but we like the characterful look of its images.
Crisp, bright optics; Useful focal length; Capable of blurred-background look; Angle of view useful on both FX and DX cameras; Nominal focus breathing
Inconsistent autofocus performance; Can show false color aberrations in background; Control ring isn't very useful; Plastic construction; No weather protection