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Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

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/1.8 S
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2021December 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length40 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionSix elements in four groups12 elements in nine groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo aspherical elementsTwo ED and two aspherical elements
Coatings–Nano Crystal Coat; the maker does not list a fluorine coating for this model, despite Photography Blog describing one
Aperture detailf/2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/1.8–16; electromagnetic aperture control
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; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.29 m0.4 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailQuiet stepping-motor autofocus, according to Nikon UKStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.29 m measured from focal plane; barrel length remains constant while focusingMinimum 0.4 m measured from the focal plane; internal focusing
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.17×Maximum 0.15× according to Nikon Japan's specifications
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisation. Original Z50 and Zfc bodies lack IBISNo lens optical VR; uses in-body stabilisation on compatible cameras. Nikon UK quotes up to five stops under CIPA standards for the original compatible camera system, not every Nikon Z body
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet focusing and silent aperture control through the control ringNear-silent autofocus, reduced focus breathing and smooth aperture changes
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter52 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm76 mm
Length45.5 mm86.5 mm
Weight170 g415 g
ControlsOne programmable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the cameraCombined focus/customisable control ring and AF/manual switch; no distance scale, as Photography Blog notes
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 conditionsMount and moving barrel parts sealed against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof rating
Dimensions detailStandard version approximately 70 × 45.5 mm; SE approximately 71.5 × 45.5 mm, measured from lens mount flangeApproximately 76 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 170 g for either finishApproximately 415 g
Lens hoodNot included; Nikon UK now lists optional HN-43 hoodHB-90 included
In the boxLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; no supplied hood or caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-90 hood and CL-C1 case
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 specificationAnnounced August 2018. Nikon Japan's updated November notice confirms 7 December 2018 local availability after an earlier planned date; earliest exact global and UK day unconfirmed, so December precision retained. ePHOTOzine's 2022 review introduction does not describe the original launch chronology

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