The Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE mounted on a Nikon Zf — 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

When the Nikon Zf was launched in September, the Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE lens was hard to ignore. Virtually all the early reviewers had the 40mm f/2 SE on hand, while some also used older Nikkor lenses adapted to the Zf.

We only have two native Z lenses with retro styling that fully match the Nikon Zf in terms of design. 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 f/2 SE suddenly had a new audience, and until then, it may not have received the attention it deserved. Let’s take a closer look.

Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE hands-on review with the Nikon Zf — The Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE mounted on the new Nikon Zf

Introduction

The Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE was announced in December of 2022 alongside a black-edition Nikon Zfc and became available in early 2023.

The 40mm f/2 SE is a full-frame Nikon Z-Mount lens that mounts natively, without an adapter, on cameras such as the Nikon Z5 II, Z6 III, Zf, Z7 II, Z8, and Z9.

The Z 40mm f/2 SE retailed for $306.95 when this review was last updated, but is often on sale. Many retailers also offer the 40mm f/2 SE as a kit lens with the Zf, which can save you a bit, depending on where you shop.

A young man sits on a large piece of drift wood at English Bay Beach in Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE. — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2

Specs, Build Quality, and Handling

For the first week with my Nikon Zf, I used adapted lenses that added a bit of weight and bulk to the package. Mounting the lightweight, 6 oz (170 g) Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE on the Nikon Zf felt like a zen-like moment.

The Nikon Zf camera and Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 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 am not concerned about the weight of this setup as a daily carry or travel camera/lens combination.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and XF 35mm f/1.4 R, which I used extensively for our 5050 travel project, weigh 26.8 oz (760 g).

Another setup I have used extensively over the past year is the Fujifilm GFX 50R with the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR. This combination weighs 41 oz (1,164 g).

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.

A size comparison between a Fujifilm GFX 50R, Nikon Zf, and Fujifilm X-Pro2 — 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 typically snicker at this. After all, I bought into the Nikon Zf idea because of the 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 look of the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE is well done and appreciated. It blends well with the Zf and reminds me of a long line of Nikkor AI-S lenses from years gone by, lenses I used to admire with my eyes glued to photo dealers’ window displays.

The windows at the Cactus Club on Beach Drive in Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE. — Beach Drive, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2

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. The lens does not feel heavy or get in the way while cycling.

I am surprised how quickly I have adjusted to not having an aperture ring, but I inevitably ponder whether 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 segue into the next paragraph.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE seen on the Nikon Zf — The Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE mounted on the new Nikon Zf

Alternative 40mm Options

If you favor lenses with an aperture ring and are willing to adapt lenses in the 40-45mm focal length range, you have several choices, especially if you also count manual-focus lenses.

I already have another 40mm lens. I have used a manual-focus Voigtländer Ultron 40mm SL IIs on my Nikon film cameras and GFX 50R. To this point, I slightly prefer the rendering of the Voigtländer over that of the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE, but it is a close call.

The Voigtländer, combined with the adapter, is bulkier and more than double the weight. In some ways, I enjoy the manual focusing experience with the Zf, and at other times, it is advantageous to have autofocus. However, it is easy to build a case for having both at the same focal length.

You would think that having two 40mm lenses would stop me from considering other alternatives. However, Voigtländer may have a perfect solution for Z-mount cameras such as the Nikon Zf. Along with several 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:

Nikon Zf Review

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:

Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Z - Review

A comparison between the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE and Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs and adapter mounted on a Nikon Zf — 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, too, but it may lack some character at medium to far distances. It is early in the game, and I may be overthinking this; I need more sample images to solidify this claim.

There is a very slight but pleasing vignetting at f/2, but as far as I can see, it starts to disappear by f/2.2 already.

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 on a mobile phone.

One of the A-maze-ing Laughter statues in Morton Park, Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE. — West End, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/2

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 of 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.

However, the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE is a modern lens featuring fast autofocus. It also allows you to travel lightweight with a Nikon Z camera. It pairs well with the new Nikon Zf or Zfc, rounding off the retro look.

English Bay on a November late after, Vancouver, Canada. Sample image from a Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE. — English Bay, Vancouver, Nikon Zf, Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE @ f/8

The image quality appears very good, and the fast f/2 maximum aperture lets you create photos with creamy bokeh and clear separation from your main subject, as well as low-light shots, 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. Its affordability, especially, makes it an easier choice, 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

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so at no additional cost by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us, helping us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE - B&H Photo

Nikon Zf - B&H Photo

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