Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G | NikonNIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | August 2011 | April 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 40 mm | 28–135 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Macro lens | Yes | – |
| Optical construction | Nine elements in seven groups | 18 elements in 13 groups |
| Special elements | – | Three ED elements, one aspherical ED element and four aspherical elements |
| Coatings | – | Meso Amorphous Coat and fluorine coating on the front element |
| Aperture detail | f/2.8 maximum aperture at infinity; Nikon notes the effective aperture becomes smaller at close focus, with camera exposure and displayed aperture automatically compensated | – |
| Diaphragm | Seven rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | DX 38°50′; angle of view equivalent to 60 mm on FX | FX 75° to 18°10′; DX 53° to 12° |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | APS-C | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Nikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DX | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.163 m | 0.34 m |
| Maximum magnification | 1× | 0.25× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | No |
| Autofocus detail | Ultrasonic motor with manual focusing available; both reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual override | Stepping motor autofocus and internal focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum focus 0.163 m from the focal plane at life-size reproduction. Digital Camera World reports a 3.5 cm working distance from the lens front at maximum magnification; the barrel extends when focusing closer | Minimum focal-plane distances of 0.34 m at 28, 35 and 50 mm; 0.39 m at 70 mm; 0.43 m at 85 mm; 0.49 m at 105 mm; 0.57 m at 135 mm |
| Magnification detail | Maximum 1× life-size reproduction | Maximum reproduction ratio 0.25× at 55–135 mm |
| Stabilisation detail | No optical VR, confirmed by both reviews | No optical VR, confirmed by Digital Camera World; camera stabilisation depends on the body |
| Video features | – | Focus-breathing suppression, linear manual-focus support and power zoom; Hi-Res Zoom synchronisation requires a supported camera and suitable firmware |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | – | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 52 mm | 95 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 68.5 mm | 105 mm |
| Length | 64.5 mm | 177.5 mm |
| Weight | 235 g (better) | 1,210 g |
| Controls | Focus ring and distance window; focus limiter selects the full infinity–0.163 m range or infinity–0.2 m | Zoom rocker, electronically coupled zoom and focus rings, customisable control ring, two L-Fn buttons and A–M switch; no mechanically driven manual zoom ring |
| Zoom design | – | Internal power zoom with eleven selectable speeds on compatible cameras; adjustable zoom-ring direction and rotation angle, with firmware and camera compatibility requirements |
| Filter detail | 52 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports the thread does not rotate during focusing | 95 mm screw-in filter thread; HB-116 rectangular hood has a filter adjustment window |
| Weather resistance | ePHOTOzine identifies a mount gasket but explicitly notes no weather-resistance claim; no general rating is assigned | Maker dust and drip-resistant design; protection is not guaranteed in every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 64.5 mm from the mount | Approximately 105 mm maximum diameter × 177.5 mm from the mount flange |
| Weight detail | – | Approximately 1,210 g including tripod collar, used in the main specifications; approximately 1,120 g without it |
| Tripod mount | – | Tripod collar with removable foot |
| In the box | LC-52 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-61 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouch | LC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-116 hood and CL-C5 case |
| Release detail | Nikon Japan records 25 August 2011 availability | Nikon USA specified April 2025 retail availability; the February announcement date is not used as the on-sale date |
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