Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE Review
The Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE mounted on the new Nikon Zf
A Hands-On Review of the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE With Sample Images on the Nikon Zf
It was hard to ignore the Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE lens when the Nikon Zf was launched back in September. Virtually all of the early reviewers had the 40mm f/2 SE on hand while some also used older Nikkor lenses adapted to the Zf.
At this point, we only have two native Z lenses with retro-styling fully matching the Nikon Zf design-wise. I think other Nikon Z lenses look sharp on the Zf but if you are looking for the true retro-vibe, this or the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE would probably be your first choice.
With the launch of the Nikon Zf, the 40mm f2 SE suddenly had a new audience and until then it may not have received the attention that it deserved. Let’s take a closer look.
Introduction
The Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE was announced in December of 2022 alongside a black edition Nikon Zfc and was available in early 2023.
The 40mm f/2 SE is a full-frame Nikon Z-Mount lens and fits natively without an adapter to cameras such as the Nikon Z5, Z6 II, Zf, Z7 II, Z8, and Z9.
When this review last updated the Z 40mm f/2 SE retailed for $306.95. Many retailers also offer the 40mm f/2 SE as a kit lens with the Zf, which will save you a bit depending on where you shop.
English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2
Specs, Build Quality, and Handling
Here is a list of the main specs of the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE:
40mm full-frame focal length
SE - Special edition vintage design
Stepping motor autofocus with IF, internal focusing, and full manual override
Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
Focus ring programmable to other functions
Two aspherical elements
Super integrated coating
Filter size, 52mm
Minimum focus distance, 11.4" / 29 cm
6 elements in 4 groups
Dimensions: 2.8 x 1.8" / 70 x 45.5 mm
Weight: 6 oz / 170 g
There is no mention of weather sealing.
For the first week with my Nikon Zf, I used adapted lenses that add a bit of weight and bulk to the overall package. It felt like a zen-like moment when I mounted the lightweight, 6 oz / 170 g, Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE on the Nikon Zf.
The Zf camera and Z 40mm SE lens are incredibly well-matched. The total weight of the camera, lens, battery, strap, and UV filter is 33.5 oz, 950 g. I would have no concerns with this setup as a daily carry or travel camera/lens combination.
In comparison, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R that I used extensively for our 5050 travel project, weighs 26.8 oz, 760 g.
Another setup that I have used extensively over the past year is the Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR. This combination weighs 41 oz, 1,164 g.
A size comparison between a Fujifilm GFX 50R with the GF 50mm f/3.5, Nikon Zf with the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE, and Fujifilm X-Pro2 with an XF 35mm f/1.4
The Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE has a plastic mount and I would normally snicker at this. After all, I bought into the Nikon Zf idea because of helf and a solid feel. But once you mount the lens it has an excellent fit with no wobble or play, and the whole package feels solid.
The focus ring is very smooth and works well for manual focusing override. Even if you use autofocus 100%, it is still nice that the focus ring has a good feel as this is where your left hand will rest.
The special edition vintage looks of Z 40mm f/2 SE are well done and appreciated as they blend well with the Zf and remind me of a long line of Nikkor AI-S lenses from years gone by, lenses I used to admire with eyes glued to photo dealer’s window displays.
In Action
The stepping motor works well for autofocus and is very responsive in all the modes I have tried, from 3D tracking to eye-tracking, and also using a small focus point placed in the center of the frame.
Carrying the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE for street photography or a casual stroll along the beach is a breeze and while cycling the lens does not feel heavy, nor does it get in the way.
I am surprised how quickly I have adjusted to not having an aperture ring but inevitably ponder if this lens and perhaps future Nikon SE vintage lenses should have one. It would certainly round off the vintage experience nicely but I can also see it adding cost and weight. This will be the segway into the next paragraph.
Alternative 40mm Options
If you favor lenses with an aperture ring and are willing to adapt lenses in the 40-45mm focal length range, there are a number of choices, especially if you also count manual focus lenses.
I already have another 40mm lens. It is a manual focus Voigtländer Ultron 40mm SL IIs, that I have used on my Nikon film cameras and GFX 50R. To this point, I think I slightly prefer the rendering from the Voigtländer over the Nikkor Z 40mm but it is a close call.
The Voigtländer combined with the adapter, however, is bulkier and more than double the weight. In ways I enjoy the manual focusing experience with the Zf, and at other times it is advantageous to have autofocus. Although at the same focal length, it is easy to build a case for having both.
You would think having two 40mm lenses would stop me from looking at other alternatives. But Voigtländer may just have a perfect solution for Z-Mount cameras such as the Nikon Zf. Along with several other native Z-Mount lenses, they have a very tempting option in the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z.
If you would like to see photos captured with the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs on the Nikon Zf, please check my Zf review here:
A few weeks after this review was posted I acquired the Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 (Z-Mount). You can read my review here:
A comparison between the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE and Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs with a K&F Concept adapter mounted on a Nikon Zf
Image Quality
I am still getting used to Nikon colors but they shine through vividly with the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE. I have taken a liking to the “Camera Rich Tone Portrait” profile in Lightroom. The photos in this review are based on RAW files.
Sharpness is great, even at f/2 and I prefer this lens when shot wide open or near wide open. It is sharp when stopped down also but may lack some character at medium to far distances. It is early in the game and I may be overthinking this and need more sample images to solidify this claim.
There is a very slight but pleasing vignetting at f/2 but it starts to disappear by f/2.2 already, as far as I can see.
The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom if on your mobile phone.
Conclusion
When you pick up the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE you quickly realize it doesn’t feel like an old Nikkor AI-S lens although it does a pretty good job at mimicking one. It doesn’t feel like a lens you will have fifty years from now and yet, when mounted on the camera the overall feeling improves dramatically.
The Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE, however, is a modern lens, featuring fast autofocus, and gives you the option to travel lightweight with a Nikon Z camera. It especially pairs well with the new Nikon Zf or Zfc rounding off the retro look.
Image quality appears very decent and the fast f/2 maximum f-stop allows you to create photos with creamy bokeh and nice separation from your main topic as well as low-light photography while keeping a lower ISO value.
The Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE is an affordable addition to any Nikon Z camera and it is hard to find any serious flaws. The affordability especially makes it an easier choice to make and for this and several other reasons mentioned above, it is indeed hard to resist.
Pros
Affordability
SE Special Edition Vintage Retro-Styled Looks
Fast f/2 maximum F-Stop
Lightweight
Cons
Does not have an aperture ring
Price / Availability
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Check availability and current price at B&H Photo
Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE - B&H Photo
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Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE - Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Lightroom and some of the photos have been cropped slightly.
Please click to view larger images.
Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/5.6, Moment CineBloom 5%
Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/8, Moment CineBloom 5%
Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/8, Moment CineBloom 5%
English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2
West End, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2.2
West End, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2.8
Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2.2
Burrard Street, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2.2
Beach Drive, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2
West End seen from Vanier Park, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/8
Vanier Park, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/8
Vanier Park, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2
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