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Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 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

NikonNIKKOR Z 40mm f/2NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2021September 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length40 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionSix elements in four groups10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo aspherical elementsOne aspherical element
Aperture detailf/2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/1.4–16
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 57°; DX 38°50′FX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.29 m0.37 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.17×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailQuiet stepping-motor autofocus, according to Nikon UKMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.29 m measured from focal plane; barrel length remains constant while focusingMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance published
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.17×Maximum 0.17×
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisation. Original Z50 and Zfc bodies lack IBISNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet focusing and silent aperture control through the control ringSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter52 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm74.5 mm
Length45.5 mm86.5 mm
Weight170 g420 g
ControlsOne programmable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the cameraSeparate 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, 0.75 mm pitch62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states dust- and drip-resistant sealing, but explicitly does not guarantee resistance in all conditionsDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailStandard version approximately 70 × 45.5 mm; SE approximately 71.5 × 45.5 mm, measured from lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 170 g for either finishApproximately 420 g
Lens hoodNot included; Nikon UK now lists optional HN-43 hoodHB-115 included
In the boxLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; no supplied hood or caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hood
Release detailSeptember 2021 UK launch coverage gives September 30 availability, while Nikon USA specifies later that autumn. Month precision is retained. The later SE changes the exterior finish and diameter, with the same optical specificationNikon 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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