Hey guys, just wanted to drop a new review on the Nikon Z 40mm F2 lens. Please follow our IG for more sample pics at @perlaimages /@themonochromememoirs. Its really an amazing piece of gear with a unique focal length and incredible image quality. Would for sure recommend this as a staple in your wedding photography kit. Hope this helps! - Will
Hey Will, I just did a live music shoot last weekend with my Zf and 40mm f2 SE. The venue was a dark and dingy pub with the lights turned off and the area only lit by flashing LED lighting. The images I've captured with this setup are phenomenal. It's an incredible lens. At f2 the photos are sharp with brilliant colours and contrast. I'm loving the Zf. Focusing was easy and fast with no hunting in this low light environment. What a camera!
I shoot live music, aka LMV Productions. I bought the Nikon Z 40mm . I looked through tons of Flickr photos and loved the images. The one I got was so soft from f/2 - f/4.5 I couldn’t use it . Even soft I liked the rendering of the photos . I shoot on my Z9 a Voightlander 40 f/1.2 and it’s awesome. I got the M mount adapted and am having soft focus at longer distances. Getting a front focus. I sent back the Nikon Z 40 and during Black Friday bought another. The more I shoot with 40mm the more I see how useful focal length it is . Then the rendering of the Nikon Z 40mm is awesome. May pull the trigger again.
I bought the 40mm back in 2021 because it was the only small Z prime lens available. I never would have considered a 40mm lens otherwise. Then I started using it, and now it's on my Z6 like 90% of the time. I love if for travel and taking family photos. It's a great focal length and such a great value. Thanks for all the videos!
The 40mm has been my go to on my Z9 for a bit now. It's size and weight are great, but the way it renders is exactly what I'm looking for. I shoot mostly film, and this lens keeps giving me images that I love. It gives me something my other lenses (50, 85, 20, 105) don't give me! I think it has something to do with it's simple optical design
I got the Z 28 mm f/2.8 and Z 40 mm f/2 with my Nikon Zf. While I ditched the camera quickly - it just doesn't fit my needs - it kept both lenses and use them on my Z8. Both are really great and complement each other very well while being small and lightwight. Both are a great choice for any Z-shooter, providing solid quality while being affordable. Both have their own character (or: characteristic?) which make them easily recognisable and fun to use.
The 40 was the first lens i bought when I went mirrorless. The way that lens renders is what sold it to me. It has so much character (flaws) that remind me of shooting film lenses.
I am a portrait photographer and work with models as well. This lens is on my Z50 whenever I am doing location portraits. On the Z50 it's like a 60mm, which is great!! Love your videos...
Will, mine is arriving tomorrow. I can’t wait 😅!! I’ve always been a Nikonian ever since. My 2 systems close my heart are my, Olympus OMD and my Nikons. Thank you for your videos.
Loving my Zf. Have the 2 SE lenses for when I don’t want to manually zoom and some older zeiss and Nikon lenses adapted when I want to force myself to slow down. Love this setup.
The 40 is awesome and definitely a must buy if you're in the Z system. I use mine on a gimbal with the z6II and it's so small and light. It's also a great lens for dance floor photos at the reception. You stay inconspicuous and it's the perfect focal length to capture just about anything.
I bought the Z 40mm f/2 back in October 2021. It was glued to my Z7 for about 6 months afterwards. It has "character", that indefinable quality that some imperfections give a lens -- the good kind of imperfections!
I really like the 40-45mm focal length on 35mm format. I discovered it by accident when I started to play around with old cameras from the 1950s. Many had 42mm lease and really liked the look and versatility over the 35 or 50mm I had been used to, simply gives a very natural perspective. My 40mm is on order!
I bought both the 40mm f2 and the 28mm f2.8 when they first came out in 2021. Both should be in every Nikon Z owners bags. Fantastic versatile lenses. I frequently use one or the other of them on my Z6 for general walking around photography. They also pair nicely on the Z50/Zfc with 42/60 mm equivalent focal lengths. Sharp, compact, and each under $300, how can you go wrong?
Your original series turned me on to the Z mount when it was still a bit under performing, but has really developed into an awesome system. I have dropped the 40 f2 into a river, and yes, the water gets in, but nothing that 5 days in a zip lock bag with water absorbing silica couldn't dry out. The camera on the other hand was fine Sadly I could not take the 40 f2on a recent long distance hike in rainy northwest Spain I hope they will bring a water resistant version, even if more expensive.
Excellent review of an excellent lens. I bought mine with my Z5 year and a half ago and I love the way it renders I used to use my 28 F2 on my D3 hundred for a few years and it became my favourite combination just a little wider than normal. So when the 40 F2 came out I thought this is the perfect lens to buy with a Z5. I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Regards Gerry
I can confirm all your statements about this lens. I own it since it came out. And now it's my always-on lens on my Z8. I first thought how ridiculous it is, to use a 200 USD lens on a 4500 USD camera, but it works and it seems that 40mm is my preferred focal length. I have the Fuji System as my second system and I bought the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 which I love at my X-T5 the same way I love the 40mm f/2.
Thank you for making this video. The fact that you mentioned you prefer this over the 35 1.8 g with adapter speaks volumes. I was concerned one wouldn’t be able to use it for client work but this vid proves otherwise. Thanks again.
I agree with this assessment. I shot my first and only wedding on D750 with a Voigtlander 40mm f/2 lens with great results. I find 40mm the best all around focal length so it will be my first prime lens when I buy into a new mirrorless system.
I concur with this bloke. I took this out to a bar & took shoots of my friends at a bar. Im utterly shocked at the quality of photos. The portraits of my friends were utterly superb. The casual shots of the botanical Gardens were equally superlative. Im utterly new to digital photography & I was amazed at the quality of photos & my knowledge is low. I did use film cameras in the past. I utterly agree with this bloke. Another huge advantage with this camera & lens is its very compact. You can go to a bar & no one blinks an eye lid when you take a few photos
I got the Z5 with the 40mm f2 and absolutely love it, I had a yashica 35mm camera with a 42mm lens and loved that format and having it with my Nikon is an dream.
Probably the best lens recommandation i've ever seen ! Beyond convincing. You made me realise how much small & light lenses are actually enjoyable. So i've got the 28 right after the 40. I can always have one in my pocket. Loving'em both. Merci Will 🙌
That lens is surprisingly good. Perfect family/engagement/storytelling lens, I've used it many times for those, but I haven't used it for a wedding yes. Now I want to!
Only other person I have heard of who uses both the harness and spider holster but I love it. The Z8 with 50 1.2 or 35-150 get heavy if not switching from holster carry to harness carry or I need to add pads to my spider holsters because its eats into my thigh after a while
I bought my 40mm last year on black Friday. I got it for street photography because it's a good compromise between the 35mm and 50mm. It is really a sharp lens. It has become one of my favorite lenses. I've even used it for portraits a few times when it's too tight for my 85mm. Nikon needs to come out with more small lenses like the 40 for the zf.
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs the 24-70 f/4 would probably work ok on it. I don't think it's a heavy lens. I know that some UA-camrs are using it for weddings. I'm pretty sure they'll switch to the z6 III when it comes out though. I don't think the next z6 and z7 will have a stacked sensor. They'll still have screen blackout in burst mode. I hate that. I don't need 20 fps or 8k video. I've never even tried the video on my z6 II. I would prefer a 33 or 36 MP z6 III with the stacked sensor and processor so that the auto focus is just as good with no screen blackout. Make it shoot 10 to 14 fps with 6k over sample 4k video or something like that.
I totally agree about the 40mm .. with my X-H2 adapted with sigma 28mm f/1.4 equivalent to 40mm full frame. I shot an entire wedding at that focal length
I don’t have this lens but I do own two other 40mm lens…..it’s a great focal length just for general shooting. Sometimes a wider lens or longer lens becomes too usual or obvious. I use my 40s when I want to “refresh” my seeing….it also pushes me too coz it doesn’t give me “easy compositions”, but a more honest point of view.
Another great video Will! I have this lens and the 28mm f2.8 version also.They are fantastic lenses that work great on my Z6. The 40mm is excellent as a general purpose walking around lens. Thank you Will for another excellent video brother!
Somehow images of my Sony GM lenses and G (20 1.8) look way better when adapted to the Zf compared to the A7 IV. Don’t know, but the processor and sensor combination of the Zf is really awesome.
This lens is so good optically I wish Nikon would make a "premium" version that had some weather sealing and whatever else premium features they could add without increasing the size much if at at all, because optically this lens is absolutely awesome and f2 is a totally solid maximum aperture. If not, they could go all out and make a 40mm f1.4 S lens in the future to compliment this. In fact, this brilliant little lens is something on L, RF, and E mount are missing - a sharp, small f2 lens of a usable focal length that's a joy to shoot. Maybe Canon's 35/1.8 RF lens is slightly better in a few ways but I'd rather walk around with this lens all day.
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs I completely understand your thoughts regarding the possible production of a 40mm f1.4 S lens, but making such a lens as compact and light as the 40mm/2.0 is simply impossible, alas. I believe that much of the success of the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (SE) lies in the unique combination of dimensions, weight, price and optical properties. The more I look at this lens and test it, the more it becomes obvious why it was made this way, including the plastic base of its body and mount mount.
I also owned a Nikon Zf and a 40mm f2 and recently sold it to finance a Nikon Z8. I found the image quality and the lens speed to be good, but not exceptional. Also, the aspect of light weight and small size is less important for me than the lens speed. So I would go either for a 35mm f1.4 or a Tamron 35-150mm f2.0-f2.8. In a way, this already includes a 40mm f2, but also includes lots of other useful focal lengths.
This video is the second one I’m watching on your channel. The first one was on 50s. I loved your take on 50 but as you said here, 50 is bit tight at times. If you have ONLY one lens gotta carry the whole day, unless you’re doing wildlife / macro, 40 is the way to go.
Back the the 1970's when I was starting out I had a Nikkormat FS with a 45mm f2.8 GN Nikkor mounted on it. I called in my "pocket camera" because it fit easily into the pocket of my Denim Jacket. Have many good memories of that meterless camera and it's tiny pancake lens that worked so well for night shots on Ski Slopes with a roll of Tri-X. Last July I decided to upgrade from my D70 to the Nikon Z7 II. While choosing what lenses to match with that camera I narrowed my choice rather quickly to the 24-120 f4 S lens and the 40mm f2. In part because a 24-120 was a constant companion on the D750. I don't regret that choice for lenses even a tiny little bit because it was the perfect combination to start out with. Anytime I want to go light and just wander around in a small town the 40 is the perfect choice. If I want a versatile lens for doing some Landscape shooting the 24-120 is ideal.
Sounds very similar to yhe Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 pancake. It costs about $100 these days but is a great lens. I used it to shoot arriving guests on the red carpet for a big hip hop event last year. No wide angle distortion, high quality optic, and it is so light and compact. Nikon was smart to do a Z version and make it one stop faster.
I have the 40 mm z , i used it in my z7-2 and to be honest I put it back in my camera bag and There it stayed till I got my z 8 ... I was testing the lenses for their sweet spots . I found the ,z 40 mm lens on the z 8 is amazing. I agree in fact I have been blogging about it to others if they have tried the z 40mm ...I did a shoot in a local shop (not with a gun photo shoot) the thing is light weight makes it a joy to use. However the mount is plastic so just be aware of that fact ... I totally agree with you on this gem... So cheers for the info....
I got this lens when I ordered the camera. I've use the 40mm (and equivalent ) for some time. It's a great 'one lens' option. I use 3 different cameras ( INikon Df & Zf, Canon 5DSR and Fuji) and law have a 40.
Been using 40 f2 on Zf for a week or so. Tried it before and sold it as it’s soft wide open and close. Definitely can have chromatic aberrations on strong backlit scenes. Have been a fan of Fuji 27 for a LONG time.. Gave 40 another shot with the Zf… still had its limitations but once you accept it’s not a test chart lens.. it’s a grab moments lens.. it all makes more sense. It’s fun. It’s plenty sharp. It’s sharper and better overall than the Nikon 35 1.8 that lived on my Nikon bodies for years. It produces great colors. It’s not intimidating. When I bought the Zf I grabbed the 40 f2 and Z 50 1.8 S. 50 is sharper for sure.. but on the way out the door I keep grabbing the 40.
I’m excited about this camera, being a 19 year 4/3 and m4/3 shooter. But there seems to be a very limited small prime choices in this focal range with auto focus for this camera. So I’ve been very skeptical about this cheap prime, but you may have convinced me.
In LR I have noticed to my surprise that a big part of my best film photos have been taken with a 40mm lens ! CONTAX pancake Zeiss 40mm/f2, Konica Auto S3 Hexanon 38mm/1.8, Minolta Pancake, and Voigtländer Ultron.. (and if course the CONTAX G2 Zeiss 45mm/2!) 🤔
I use the Sigma 40mm f.1.4 Art. It's a TANK of a lens but it's optically fantastic. I use it for events. I used it at a wedding recently for some situations. 40mm is a cool focal length.
I adore this lens on my Zf. This is just an ideal focal length for people photography. As far as the image quality, this lens definitely punches above its retail price. It has some quirks, but the overall look of the image it produces is very nice. I'm an ethusiast, so I don't carry two cameras with me. The 40 kind of gives me a little bit of what the 35 and the 50 would separately. Then if I can have an 85mm in the bag if I want to do portraits and get that extra blur and background compression, and a wider lens like a 28 or 24 if I want to capture more of a venue. I wish Nikon 28mm was an f/1.8 or f/2, though.
An interesting video thanks. I brought this lens recently with high hopes and I accept its not in S class series but returned it within a few days and I'm wary of getting another one! Whether I had a poor copy is unclear but optically even at F5.6 it wasn't good to put it politely! It was worse on a higher res body than the Z6.
Will I also discovered and love 40mm, most natural looking FL, also the closer you get to 43mm (it is also the exact diagonal distance of a 35mm sensor) so there is a mathematical relationship afoot
Thanks for the review. Always good to try something different. Just went to check on the Nikon page for some more details, they state that the lens is sealed for dust and water (with the usual caveats...).
coming from Fuji, I am experimenting this lens with the Z6 and i have to say this is a great combo ! I wish to test the (great) 50 1.8S to compare, an other focal lenght but not so compact :/
Even with the grip on Z8 its been killing my wrist. That Zf 40mm f2 combo is interesting to me. Just spent so much on Nikon gear this year and worried Z6III may make me regret the purchase. I am trying to justify it by getting that flippy screen for youtube videos.
Thanks for the video 👍🏻 I'm a little stuck between the different camera and lens combos so it's back to the drawing board for me. The z8 was cancelled. Thanks again for the info 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Will. The other issue I’ve found with AI NR when batching a large number is that it’s running its default settings on each, and I’ve had cartoonish faces as a result. Worse on my Z8 compared with my Z6, so I’m looking forward to the mythical Z6iii as the perfect sports body.
Hi Will - glad you found this lens - seems like many people are not finding it that it is being packaged as a kit lens with the Zf (the SE version of course). This is a lens that I have been touting since its inception a few years ago - it punches way above its weight (as you know). It is probably the best budget mid range prime of any brand. I think you can buy it new for $249 - it has exceptional IQ, flare control, and zero focus breathing - few, if any other lenses in this category from and brand can say as much for anywhere near the price. I use this lens as a walk around all the time - haven't used it much for pro work - but did shoot a wedding shower with it once and the photos came out great - I really should start using it more for this sort of stuff, but either way, I would not hesitate to use it for any application - in spite of owning and using all the S line primes. Can't beat the size, weight, portability, IQ, and price. I completely concur with your recommendation and glad to see that you came to the same conclusion that I did about this under-rated gem. Thanks for all you do. -PD
Thanks for the review, Im looking for a Lighter kit for Weddings. I have the 40mm myself. Im thinking of picking up the 26mm 2.8 for my ZF body and 40mm for my Z8. Do you think this would be a good combo
Nice review indeed. Is micro-contrast good, some people are saying that this little thing is a micro-contrast beast compared to the other lenses, thanks to the fewer elements that it has?
I use two z9 for my wedding photography, but I also own the Zf and the 40mm for personal usage. But for sure I can see myself easily use my Zf and the 40mm for a whole wedding day.
I’ll have to try it at some point but I’m really feeling just about the same way using the 28mm 2.8 as well. That’s the lens that’s basically gonna be married to my ZF
Have you tried the Sigma 40 Art? It’s huge but it produces some of the most amazing images and it works great on the Z8 with the FTZ adapter. I would love to hear your take on it…😎
I bought the 35mm 1.8 so I pretty much have it covered. The only reason I would purchase it would be to become a wedding guy. What do you think of the 24-70mm 2.8? Talked to guy yesterday that had one and he said it is on his camera 95% of the time. Thinking about that as an option.
I was hoping Nikon release an updated Zfc with a few compact primes. I am very happy they released this FF version but for me as a traveller, I would've loved the samller form factor of the Zfc and lenses. Storage space and weight are of paramount importance. Yet, I am still tempted to buy this. One thing is I have heard about this is that the sensor isn't locked in place when the camera is turned off so as a motorcycle traveller, this is making me wary of purchasing it. There will be tons of riding on rough roads and thus lot of vibrations. Will the Zf be ok? I understand this channel might not be able to accurately answer it but maybe someone reading this can chime in. Thanks.
Cheers, for the video, have that lens but have not had the chance to get out with it. Hobbyist, still have to do the day job at 67 lol. Keep up the good work 👍
Yeah, the high iso on the Zf is just sick. ISO 3200 is just damn near pristine (unless you try to recover a lot of shadow detail in post). To me, even ISO 6400 looks very clean. ISO 12800 looks very good if your image is well exposed. And yeah, if LR or DXO Pureraw...it's just absurd.
Hello Will. Thank you so much for all your videos. I really appreciate all the work you put into them and I totally love your minimalist approach to gear etc. I used to work as a profesional photographer for a couple years back but I got burned out so I quit (sold it all). I’ve recently bought a Canon R6 mk2 with the rf50mm 1.8 because I just want to do it for fun. The camera i amazing and the lens also, I don’t have money to buy anything else now, but there is this thought in my mind that it would be great to have a 24-70 2.8 because that would be more flexible. On the other hand I don’t want to go into debt and be paying it back for the next couple of years. I would love to feel content with the 50 1.8 and just enjoy it without this stupid “I want to have another lens” in my head! Can you please advise, I’m sure it would help to read a comment from you. Thanks again
I paid a whopping $250 for mine a year and a half ago before Nikon raised their prices and it is glued to the Zf now. I still use my 50mm F lens on the odd occasion I get my old D750 out, and I only still have the D750 because of that lens (something about that sensor). But on the Z cameras the 40mm is my preference. I now trust it with everything from a motorcycle show to a Japanese Garden. The 40mm and the Zf will be most of what I use for travel now.
I really want to ask about the Z5 and Z50; Im just a hobbyist, and Ive had a lot of experience with the Nikon D40X for a solid 6 years now, with both kit lenses. Now, I want to upgrade but Im unsure what is best for me; I really like both cameras, and will still shoot mostly just photos, so I am not sure what to get, and what each is good for. I know about the basic differences but don't know which one is like "recommended". The Z30 is out of the list because of no EVF though, and weather sealing is quite healpful.
I will be honest I haven’t used the Z5 yet, but owned 2 Z50s. Z50 is great but you get better image quality with a full frame camera and get access to better lenses, and it’s not much larger than the Z50.. for me I’d always pick the full frame for my main camera. Hope it helps 👍
Hi Will... It was great seeing you and another one of your great videos even with your photography on a different spectrum than mine. Even though my experience with the Z50 wasn't positive and I sold it, I still do tell anyone that are younger in age to strongly consider switching over to the Z series. Obviously with me rapidly approaching 67, I'm staying with my DSLR's because I can't justify coughing up the money to switch since photography is a serious hobby for me and not an occupation except some real estate jobs. But I still would encourage any of your younger viewers to make the switch, because Nikon has dropped the 3xxx, 5xxx DSLRs and now it's just the 7500/7800 model that's available. I still would love to find a D700 even if it's outdated. As always great hearing you and wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Duane
It is lenses like these that really make you question yourself and past decisions on expensive aps-c lenses because full frame is "too expensive" lol Great review buddy. I love this lens and it is genuinely hard to believe that you can get results like this gives for the money it cost
Am I missing something here with noise reduction. I do hundreds of photos Adobe Camera raw and it takes seconds. I do have a powerful computer but still same with laptop. I do weddings too
Hey guys, just wanted to drop a new review on the Nikon Z 40mm F2 lens. Please follow our IG for more sample pics at @perlaimages /@themonochromememoirs. Its really an amazing piece of gear with a unique focal length and incredible image quality. Would for sure recommend this as a staple in your wedding photography kit. Hope this helps! - Will
What lens do you usually pair this with for a 2 prime combo?
Hey Will, I just did a live music shoot last weekend with my Zf and 40mm f2 SE. The venue was a dark and dingy pub with the lights turned off and the area only lit by flashing LED lighting. The images I've captured with this setup are phenomenal. It's an incredible lens. At f2 the photos are sharp with brilliant colours and contrast. I'm loving the Zf. Focusing was easy and fast with no hunting in this low light environment. What a camera!
So true! They freaking knocked it out of the park with this combo
I shoot live music, aka LMV Productions. I bought the Nikon Z 40mm . I looked through tons of Flickr photos and loved the images. The one I got was so soft from f/2 - f/4.5 I couldn’t use it . Even soft I liked the rendering of the photos .
I shoot on my Z9 a Voightlander 40 f/1.2 and it’s awesome. I got the M mount adapted and am having soft focus at longer distances. Getting a front focus.
I sent back the Nikon Z 40 and during Black Friday bought another. The more I shoot with 40mm the more I see how useful focal length it is . Then the rendering of the Nikon Z 40mm is awesome.
May pull the trigger again.
I bought the 40mm back in 2021 because it was the only small Z prime lens available. I never would have considered a 40mm lens otherwise. Then I started using it, and now it's on my Z6 like 90% of the time. I love if for travel and taking family photos. It's a great focal length and such a great value. Thanks for all the videos!
The 40mm has been my go to on my Z9 for a bit now. It's size and weight are great, but the way it renders is exactly what I'm looking for. I shoot mostly film, and this lens keeps giving me images that I love. It gives me something my other lenses (50, 85, 20, 105) don't give me! I think it has something to do with it's simple optical design
Totally agree 👍
I got the Z 28 mm f/2.8 and Z 40 mm f/2 with my Nikon Zf. While I ditched the camera quickly - it just doesn't fit my needs - it kept both lenses and use them on my Z8. Both are really great and complement each other very well while being small and lightwight. Both are a great choice for any Z-shooter, providing solid quality while being affordable. Both have their own character (or: characteristic?) which make them easily recognisable and fun to use.
The 40 was the first lens i bought when I went mirrorless. The way that lens renders is what sold it to me. It has so much character (flaws) that remind me of shooting film lenses.
Character is the best word I left out of this review. It’s so true, fun to shoot with and so different
I am a portrait photographer and work with models as well. This lens is on my Z50 whenever I am doing location portraits. On the Z50 it's like a 60mm, which is great!! Love your videos...
Will, mine is arriving tomorrow. I can’t wait 😅!!
I’ve always been a Nikonian ever since. My 2 systems close my heart are my, Olympus OMD and my Nikons. Thank you for your videos.
Loving my Zf. Have the 2 SE lenses for when I don’t want to manually zoom and some older zeiss and Nikon lenses adapted when I want to force myself to slow down. Love this setup.
The 40 is awesome and definitely a must buy if you're in the Z system. I use mine on a gimbal with the z6II and it's so small and light. It's also a great lens for dance floor photos at the reception. You stay inconspicuous and it's the perfect focal length to capture just about anything.
💯💯
I bought the Z 40mm f/2 back in October 2021. It was glued to my Z7 for about 6 months afterwards. It has "character", that indefinable quality that some imperfections give a lens -- the good kind of imperfections!
Facts!!
I really like the 40-45mm focal length on 35mm format. I discovered it by accident when I started to play around with old cameras from the 1950s. Many had 42mm lease and really liked the look and versatility over the 35 or 50mm I had been used to, simply gives a very natural perspective. My 40mm is on order!
Gonna love it!
I bought both the 40mm f2 and the 28mm f2.8 when they first came out in 2021. Both should be in every Nikon Z owners bags. Fantastic versatile lenses. I frequently use one or the other of them on my Z6 for general walking around photography. They also pair nicely on the Z50/Zfc with 42/60 mm equivalent focal lengths. Sharp, compact, and each under $300, how can you go wrong?
I wish there was a weather sealing gasket, don't mind the plastic build at the price, living in the PNW rain at weddings is common.
Your original series turned me on to the Z mount when it was still a bit under performing, but has really developed into an awesome system. I have dropped the 40 f2 into a river, and yes, the water gets in, but nothing that 5 days in a zip lock bag with water absorbing silica couldn't dry out. The camera on the other hand was fine Sadly I could not take the 40 f2on a recent long distance hike in rainy northwest Spain I hope they will bring a water resistant version, even if more expensive.
Excellent review of an excellent lens. I bought mine with my Z5 year and a half ago and I love the way it renders I used to use my 28 F2 on my D3 hundred for a few years and it became my favourite combination just a little wider than normal. So when the 40 F2 came out I thought this is the perfect lens to buy with a Z5. I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Regards Gerry
Thanks for watching Gerry and appreciate the support
I can confirm all your statements about this lens. I own it since it came out. And now it's my always-on lens on my Z8. I first thought how ridiculous it is, to use a 200 USD lens on a 4500 USD camera, but it works and it seems that 40mm is my preferred focal length. I have the Fuji System as my second system and I bought the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 which I love at my X-T5 the same way I love the 40mm f/2.
Thank you for making this video. The fact that you mentioned you prefer this over the 35 1.8 g with adapter speaks volumes. I was concerned one wouldn’t be able to use it for client work but this vid proves otherwise. Thanks again.
I agree with this assessment. I shot my first and only wedding on D750 with a Voigtlander 40mm f/2 lens with great results. I find 40mm the best all around focal length so it will be my first prime lens when I buy into a new mirrorless system.
I concur with this bloke.
I took this out to a bar & took shoots of my friends at a bar.
Im utterly shocked at the quality of photos. The portraits of my friends were utterly superb. The casual shots of the botanical Gardens were equally superlative.
Im utterly new to digital photography & I was amazed at the quality of photos & my knowledge is low. I did use film cameras in the past.
I utterly agree with this bloke. Another huge advantage with this camera & lens is its very compact. You can go to a bar & no one blinks an eye lid when you take a few photos
What an encouraging video as I unbox my Zf with the 40mm SE! Keep up the great content! 👍🏾
Let’s go!
I got the Z5 with the 40mm f2 and absolutely love it, I had a yashica 35mm camera with a 42mm lens and loved that format and having it with my Nikon is an dream.
Probably the best lens recommandation i've ever seen ! Beyond convincing. You made me realise how much small & light lenses are actually enjoyable. So i've got the 28 right after the 40. I can always have one in my pocket. Loving'em both. Merci Will 🙌
That lens is surprisingly good. Perfect family/engagement/storytelling lens, I've used it many times for those, but I haven't used it for a wedding yes. Now I want to!
🤝🤝🤝
I bought a 40 with Z6 2 and added 26 2.8 and 85 1.8. Nice for family landscape and street. FTZ for G lenses
Only other person I have heard of who uses both the harness and spider holster but I love it. The Z8 with 50 1.2 or 35-150 get heavy if not switching from holster carry to harness carry or I need to add pads to my spider holsters because its eats into my thigh after a while
I LOVE this lens. Started using it for street photography and just used it this weekend for a boudoir shoot. It's wonderful.
I bought my 40mm last year on black Friday. I got it for street photography because it's a good compromise between the 35mm and 50mm. It is really a sharp lens. It has become one of my favorite lenses. I've even used it for portraits a few times when it's too tight for my 85mm. Nikon needs to come out with more small lenses like the 40 for the zf.
Totally agree. That camera was made for pancake lenses, they work and look so good
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs the 24-70 f/4 would probably work ok on it. I don't think it's a heavy lens. I know that some UA-camrs are using it for weddings. I'm pretty sure they'll switch to the z6 III when it comes out though. I don't think the next z6 and z7 will have a stacked sensor. They'll still have screen blackout in burst mode. I hate that. I don't need 20 fps or 8k video. I've never even tried the video on my z6 II. I would prefer a 33 or 36 MP z6 III with the stacked sensor and processor so that the auto focus is just as good with no screen blackout. Make it shoot 10 to 14 fps with 6k over sample 4k video or something like that.
The z40mm is honestly the best prime ive used, taking into account its portability.
I've been shooting with this lens for about a year and I love the way it renders. I shoot with a Z8 and the combo is so light.
I think I paid $279 18 months ago or so for the 40mm f2, and it has been worth every penny. Glad you picked one up.👍
I totally agree about the 40mm .. with my X-H2 adapted with sigma 28mm f/1.4 equivalent to 40mm full frame. I shot an entire wedding at that focal length
I don’t have this lens but I do own two other 40mm lens…..it’s a great focal length just for general shooting. Sometimes a wider lens or longer lens becomes too usual or obvious. I use my 40s when I want to “refresh” my seeing….it also pushes me too coz it doesn’t give me “easy compositions”, but a more honest point of view.
Another great video Will! I have this lens and the 28mm f2.8 version also.They are fantastic lenses that work great on my Z6. The 40mm is excellent as a general purpose walking around lens. Thank you Will for another excellent video brother!
Fantastic lens brother glad you’re enjoying it!
Somehow images of my Sony GM lenses and G (20 1.8) look way better when adapted to the Zf compared to the A7 IV. Don’t know, but the processor and sensor combination of the Zf is really awesome.
This lens is so good optically I wish Nikon would make a "premium" version that had some weather sealing and whatever else premium features they could add without increasing the size much if at at all, because optically this lens is absolutely awesome and f2 is a totally solid maximum aperture. If not, they could go all out and make a 40mm f1.4 S lens in the future to compliment this.
In fact, this brilliant little lens is something on L, RF, and E mount are missing - a sharp, small f2 lens of a usable focal length that's a joy to shoot. Maybe Canon's 35/1.8 RF lens is slightly better in a few ways but I'd rather walk around with this lens all day.
Facts
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs I completely understand your thoughts regarding the possible production of a 40mm f1.4 S lens, but making such a lens as compact and light as the 40mm/2.0 is simply impossible, alas. I believe that much of the success of the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (SE) lies in the unique combination of dimensions, weight, price and optical properties. The more I look at this lens and test it, the more it becomes obvious why it was made this way, including the plastic base of its body and mount mount.
I also owned a Nikon Zf and a 40mm f2 and recently sold it to finance a Nikon Z8. I found the image quality and the lens speed to be good, but not exceptional. Also, the aspect of light weight and small size is less important for me than the lens speed. So I would go either for a 35mm f1.4 or a Tamron 35-150mm f2.0-f2.8. In a way, this already includes a 40mm f2, but also includes lots of other useful focal lengths.
Just purchased for street photography. Looking forward to its arrival.
This video is the second one I’m watching on your channel. The first one was on 50s. I loved your take on 50 but as you said here, 50 is bit tight at times. If you have ONLY one lens gotta carry the whole day, unless you’re doing wildlife / macro, 40 is the way to go.
Back the the 1970's when I was starting out I had a Nikkormat FS with a 45mm f2.8 GN Nikkor mounted on it. I called in my "pocket camera" because it fit easily into the pocket of my Denim Jacket. Have many good memories of that meterless camera and it's tiny pancake lens that worked so well for night shots on Ski Slopes with a roll of Tri-X. Last July I decided to upgrade from my D70 to the Nikon Z7 II. While choosing what lenses to match with that camera I narrowed my choice rather quickly to the 24-120 f4 S lens and the 40mm f2. In part because a 24-120 was a constant companion on the D750. I don't regret that choice for lenses even a tiny little bit because it was the perfect combination to start out with. Anytime I want to go light and just wander around in a small town the 40 is the perfect choice. If I want a versatile lens for doing some Landscape shooting the 24-120 is ideal.
Agree, bought it on sale last year, image quality stunned me 👌
I never lock Spider too. But none of my cameras never fell off the spider 🙂You just convinced me to try 40 mm f2, tnx!
Sounds very similar to yhe Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 pancake. It costs about $100 these days but is a great lens. I used it to shoot arriving guests on the red carpet for a big hip hop event last year. No wide angle distortion, high quality optic, and it is so light and compact. Nikon was smart to do a Z version and make it one stop faster.
I have the 40 mm z , i used it in my z7-2 and to be honest I put it back in my camera bag and There it stayed till I got my z 8 ... I was testing the lenses for their sweet spots . I found the ,z 40 mm lens on the z 8 is amazing. I agree in fact I have been blogging about it to others if they have tried the z 40mm ...I did a shoot in a local shop (not with a gun photo shoot) the thing is light weight makes it a joy to use. However the mount is plastic so just be aware of that fact ... I totally agree with you on this gem... So cheers for the info....
Thanks for watching brother
It’s almost standard on my wife’s z6 II…. She shot most of a wedding this summer….Amazing lens!
Sure is!
I got this lens when I ordered the camera. I've use the 40mm (and equivalent ) for some time. It's a great 'one lens' option. I use 3 different cameras ( INikon Df & Zf, Canon 5DSR and Fuji) and law have a 40.
I love my z40mm used mostly for street photography and it’s just perfect
I preordered it even with the Z35 1.8 already in my collection. It’s an awesome lens that just works.
Been using 40 f2 on Zf for a week or so. Tried it before and sold it as it’s soft wide open and close. Definitely can have chromatic aberrations on strong backlit scenes. Have been a fan of Fuji 27 for a LONG time..
Gave 40 another shot with the Zf… still had its limitations but once you accept it’s not a test chart lens.. it’s a grab moments lens.. it all makes more sense.
It’s fun. It’s plenty sharp. It’s sharper and better overall than the Nikon 35 1.8 that lived on my Nikon bodies for years. It produces great colors. It’s not intimidating.
When I bought the Zf I grabbed the 40 f2 and Z 50 1.8 S. 50 is sharper for sure.. but on the way out the door I keep grabbing the 40.
I’m excited about this camera, being a 19 year 4/3 and m4/3 shooter. But there seems to be a very limited small prime choices in this focal range with auto focus for this camera. So I’ve been very skeptical about this cheap prime, but you may have convinced me.
Love this lens, it's basically lived on my Z6 since I got it a year or two ago. Great walk about/travel lens
In LR I have noticed to my surprise that a big part of my best film photos have been taken with a 40mm lens ! CONTAX pancake Zeiss 40mm/f2, Konica Auto S3 Hexanon 38mm/1.8, Minolta Pancake, and Voigtländer Ultron.. (and if course the CONTAX G2 Zeiss 45mm/2!) 🤔
I use the Sigma 40mm f.1.4 Art. It's a TANK of a lens but it's optically fantastic. I use it for events. I used it at a wedding recently for some situations. 40mm is a cool focal length.
I adore this lens on my Zf. This is just an ideal focal length for people photography. As far as the image quality, this lens definitely punches above its retail price. It has some quirks, but the overall look of the image it produces is very nice. I'm an ethusiast, so I don't carry two cameras with me. The 40 kind of gives me a little bit of what the 35 and the 50 would separately. Then if I can have an 85mm in the bag if I want to do portraits and get that extra blur and background compression, and a wider lens like a 28 or 24 if I want to capture more of a venue. I wish Nikon 28mm was an f/1.8 or f/2, though.
I am using it with the z6. It is perfect for me, together with the 105mm.
You haven't posted in ages. Hope you are all good.
An interesting video thanks. I brought this lens recently with high hopes and I accept its not in S class series but returned it within a few days and I'm wary of getting another one! Whether I had a poor copy is unclear but optically even at F5.6 it wasn't good to put it politely! It was worse on a higher res body than the Z6.
Will I also discovered and love 40mm, most natural looking FL, also the closer you get to 43mm (it is also the exact diagonal distance of a 35mm sensor) so there is a mathematical relationship afoot
Makes total sense. Feels natural and unique at the same time.. love this focal length
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Im not a Nikon shooter but that ZF with the 40mm is on my list , will be my first Nikon
Thanks for the review. Always good to try something different. Just went to check on the Nikon page for some more details, they state that the lens is sealed for dust and water (with the usual caveats...).
Picked up my Zf with the 40mm f2 and have been loving it! Was planning on picking up the 50mm 1.8 S, now I'm not so sure! Great video!
I have both and have a feeling this 40 will get lots of mileage this year!
coming from Fuji, I am experimenting this lens with the Z6 and i have to say this is a great combo ! I wish to test the (great) 50 1.8S to compare, an other focal lenght but not so compact :/
I love this lens I use it for family photos but colors are so good I want to try at weddings. I have the 50 1.2 so its hard to put that down
Amazing IQ on that 50 but man is it a pain to slog around all day 😭
Even with the grip on Z8 its been killing my wrist. That Zf 40mm f2 combo is interesting to me. Just spent so much on Nikon gear this year and worried Z6III may make me regret the purchase. I am trying to justify it by getting that flippy screen for youtube videos.
back in 2013-2016 I used the Voigtländer 40mm/2 on D600. It was a brilliant focal lenght for a citywalk.
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how is the AF performance with f-mount glass?
Thanks for the video 👍🏻 I'm a little stuck between the different camera and lens combos so it's back to the drawing board for me. The z8 was cancelled. Thanks again for the info 👍🏻👍🏻
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Photos up to iso 16000 do not require de-noise, even less so for weddings. In what conditions do you work that you need to de-noise ?
Thanks Will. The other issue I’ve found with AI NR when batching a large number is that it’s running its default settings on each, and I’ve had cartoonish faces as a result. Worse on my Z8 compared with my Z6, so I’m looking forward to the mythical Z6iii as the perfect sports body.
Hi Will - glad you found this lens - seems like many people are not finding it that it is being packaged as a kit lens with the Zf (the SE version of course). This is a lens that I have been touting since its inception a few years ago - it punches way above its weight (as you know).
It is probably the best budget mid range prime of any brand. I think you can buy it new for $249 - it has exceptional IQ, flare control, and zero focus breathing - few, if any other lenses in this category from and brand can say as much for anywhere near the price.
I use this lens as a walk around all the time - haven't used it much for pro work - but did shoot a wedding shower with it once and the photos came out great - I really should start using it more for this sort of stuff, but either way, I would not hesitate to use it for any application - in spite of owning and using all the S line primes. Can't beat the size, weight, portability, IQ, and price.
I completely concur with your recommendation and glad to see that you came to the same conclusion that I did about this under-rated gem.
Thanks for all you do.
-PD
Thanks for the great comment my friend!
Great Video ! What is the Zikon camera body that your were using for this review ?
Thanks for watching! That’s the Nikon ZF
Great review Will. Is the ibis good on this also? Eg 8 stops on the FZ?
Thanks for the review, Im looking for a Lighter kit for Weddings. I have the 40mm myself. Im thinking of picking up the 26mm 2.8 for my ZF body and 40mm for my Z8. Do you think this would be a good combo
I've put an order for one! Thank You for your video!
Nice review indeed. Is micro-contrast good, some people are saying that this little thing is a micro-contrast beast compared to the other lenses, thanks to the fewer elements that it has?
I like mine
Was at a function last weekend
Had the Zf and the 40mm f2 only - perfect.
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Your video are always the best. I miss your video. Please come back here!
I use two z9 for my wedding photography, but I also own the Zf and the 40mm for personal usage. But for sure I can see myself easily use my Zf and the 40mm for a whole wedding day.
100% facts
I’ll have to try it at some point but I’m really feeling just about the same way using the 28mm 2.8 as well. That’s the lens that’s basically gonna be married to my ZF
Thinking about to get a nikon ZF and 28 mm +40mm
This lens and the 24-120 f/4 lives in my bag with the Z8. Just keep it for quick pics at our coffeehouse and take pics of the kid.
Can’t beat the ease of use combined with pro level image output!
Have you tried the Sigma 40 Art? It’s huge but it produces some of the most amazing images and it works great on the Z8 with the FTZ adapter. I would love to hear your take on it…😎
I bought the 35mm 1.8 so I pretty much have it covered. The only reason I would purchase it would be to become a wedding guy. What do you think of the 24-70mm 2.8? Talked to guy yesterday that had one and he said it is on his camera 95% of the time. Thinking about that as an option.
I was hoping Nikon release an updated Zfc with a few compact primes. I am very happy they released this FF version but for me as a traveller, I would've loved the samller form factor of the Zfc and lenses. Storage space and weight are of paramount importance. Yet, I am still tempted to buy this. One thing is I have heard about this is that the sensor isn't locked in place when the camera is turned off so as a motorcycle traveller, this is making me wary of purchasing it. There will be tons of riding on rough roads and thus lot of vibrations. Will the Zf be ok? I understand this channel might not be able to accurately answer it but maybe someone reading this can chime in.
Thanks.
Cheers, for the video, have that lens but have not had the chance to get out with it. Hobbyist, still have to do the day job at 67 lol. Keep up the good work 👍
Gotta carve out some time for it brother. It’s a lot of fun and so easy to lug around!
Yeah, the high iso on the Zf is just sick. ISO 3200 is just damn near pristine (unless you try to recover a lot of shadow detail in post). To me, even ISO 6400 looks very clean. ISO 12800 looks very good if your image is well exposed. And yeah, if LR or DXO Pureraw...it's just absurd.
Hello Will. Thank you so much for all your videos. I really appreciate all the work you put into them and I totally love your minimalist approach to gear etc. I used to work as a profesional photographer for a couple years back but I got burned out so I quit (sold it all). I’ve recently bought a Canon R6 mk2 with the rf50mm 1.8 because I just want to do it for fun. The camera i amazing and the lens also, I don’t have money to buy anything else now, but there is this thought in my mind that it would be great to have a 24-70 2.8 because that would be more flexible. On the other hand I don’t want to go into debt and be paying it back for the next couple of years. I would love to feel content with the 50 1.8 and just enjoy it without this stupid “I want to have another lens” in my head!
Can you please advise, I’m sure it would help to read a comment from you. Thanks again
This was my first lens on the z system. My 50mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.8 are my favs but this is such a good walk around lens aswell.
For sure. So versatile
I paid a whopping $250 for mine a year and a half ago before Nikon raised their prices and it is glued to the Zf now. I still use my 50mm F lens on the odd occasion I get my old D750 out, and I only still have the D750 because of that lens (something about that sensor). But on the Z cameras the 40mm is my preference. I now trust it with everything from a motorcycle show to a Japanese Garden. The 40mm and the Zf will be most of what I use for travel now.
Love it
Can I use it zfc for wedding shoot
I really want to ask about the Z5 and Z50; Im just a hobbyist, and Ive had a lot of experience with the Nikon D40X for a solid 6 years now, with both kit lenses. Now, I want to upgrade but Im unsure what is best for me; I really like both cameras, and will still shoot mostly just photos, so I am not sure what to get, and what each is good for. I know about the basic differences but don't know which one is like "recommended". The Z30 is out of the list because of no EVF though, and weather sealing is quite healpful.
I will be honest I haven’t used the Z5 yet, but owned 2 Z50s. Z50 is great but you get better image quality with a full frame camera and get access to better lenses, and it’s not much larger than the Z50.. for me I’d always pick the full frame for my main camera. Hope it helps 👍
The 40mm 2.0 Z IQ is better than the old and good 50mm 1.8 G?
Great video! Do you have the 28mm f2.8 ? I’m thinking about getting both the 40 f2 and 28 f2.8 Thank you
Not yet! Picking up the 26mm soon though
I have had this lens since its launch, the most underrated z lens!
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Hi Will... It was great seeing you and another one of your great videos even with your photography on a different spectrum than mine. Even though my experience with the Z50 wasn't positive and I sold it, I still do tell anyone that are younger in age to strongly consider switching over to the Z series. Obviously with me rapidly approaching 67, I'm staying with my DSLR's because I can't justify coughing up the money to switch since photography is a serious hobby for me and not an occupation except some real estate jobs. But I still would encourage any of your younger viewers to make the switch, because Nikon has dropped the 3xxx, 5xxx DSLRs and now it's just the 7500/7800 model that's available. I still would love to find a D700 even if it's outdated. As always great hearing you and wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Duane
It is lenses like these that really make you question yourself and past decisions on expensive aps-c lenses because full frame is "too expensive" lol Great review buddy. I love this lens and it is genuinely hard to believe that you can get results like this gives for the money it cost
Am I missing something here with noise reduction. I do hundreds of photos Adobe Camera raw and it takes seconds. I do have a powerful computer but still same with laptop. I do weddings too
Hi, nice video by the way. Please can you review the new Nikon 35mm f1.4 Z lens
Mine had to be special ordered, as were 85 3.4 and 26 2.8 from a Nikon dealer.
Thanks for these great videos! Again!
Thanks for the support my friend!
when manual focusing with this lens, is it linear (position based) or is it speed based? thank you
I have the Nikon D810 should I upgrade to the zf? Or continue with the same great camera? Thanks a lot
Dont upgrade if you are mostly into photography, and have nonproblem with the weight.
Moving Z system will cost a lot.