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Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8GNikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2011September 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length40 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Macro lensYes–
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elements–One aspherical element
Aperture detailf/2.8 maximum aperture at infinity; Nikon notes the effective aperture becomes smaller at close focus, with camera exposure and displayed aperture automatically compensatedf/1.4–16
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 38°50′; angle of view equivalent to 60 mm on FXFX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleAPS-CFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DXNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.163 m0.37 m
Maximum magnification1×0.17×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailUltrasonic motor with manual focusing available; both reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual overrideMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 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 closerMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance published
Magnification detailMaximum 1× life-size reproductionMaximum 0.17×
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by both reviewsNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter52 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter68.5 mm74.5 mm
Length64.5 mm86.5 mm
Weight235 g420 g
ControlsFocus ring and distance window; focus limiter selects the full infinity–0.163 m range or infinity–0.2 mSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps lens length unchanged
Filter detail52 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports the thread does not rotate during focusing62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceePHOTOzine identifies a mount gasket but explicitly notes no weather-resistance claim; no general rating is assignedDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 64.5 mm from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 420 g
Lens hood–HB-115 included
In the boxLC-52 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-61 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouchLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records 25 August 2011 availabilityNikon USA states late September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessor

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