Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G | NikonNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | August 2011 | February 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 40 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Macro lens | Yes | – |
| Optical construction | Nine elements in seven groups | 17 elements in 15 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | – | Three ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elements |
| Coatings | – | Meso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings |
| 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 | f/1.2–16 |
| Diaphragm | Seven rounded blades | 11 rounded blades |
| Angle of view | DX 38°50′; angle of view equivalent to 60 mm on FX | FX 63°; DX 44° |
| 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 | Native Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.163 m | 0.3 m |
| Maximum magnification | 1× | 0.2× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | – |
| Autofocus detail | Ultrasonic motor with manual focusing available; both reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual override | Multi-focusing system with dual stepping motors; automatic or manual 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 0.3 m from focal plane; no separate AF/MF distance published |
| Magnification detail | Maximum 1× life-size reproduction | Maximum 0.2× |
| Video features | – | Suppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring; linear manual focusing can be enabled through compatible camera settings |
| Stabilisation detail | No optical VR, confirmed by both reviews | – |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | – | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 52 mm | 82 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 68.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Length | 64.5 mm | 150 mm |
| Weight | 235 g (better) | 1,060 g |
| Controls | Focus ring and distance window; focus limiter selects the full infinity–0.163 m range or infinity–0.2 m | Two customisable L-Fn buttons for horizontal or vertical shooting, customisable control ring and manual focus ring; AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews |
| Filter detail | 52 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports the thread does not rotate during focusing | 82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | ePHOTOzine identifies a mount gasket but explicitly notes no weather-resistance claim; no general rating is assigned | Sealed body, mount and movable barrel parts for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 64.5 mm from the mount | Approximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 150 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | – | Approximately 1060 g |
| Lens hood | – | HB-110 included |
| In the box | LC-52 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-61 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouch | LC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-110 hood and CL-C2 case |
| Release detail | Nikon Japan records 25 August 2011 availability | Nikon USA states late February 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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