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Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 40mm f/2NikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2021March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length40 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in four groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo aspherical elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
Coatings–Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detailf/2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 57°; DX 38°50′FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
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
Teleconverter support–Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.29 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailQuiet stepping-motor autofocus, according to Nikon UKSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.29 m measured from focal plane; barrel length remains constant while focusingDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.17×Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisation. Original Z50 and Zfc bodies lack IBISMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet focusing and silent aperture control through the control ring–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter52 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm90 mm
Length45.5 mm208 mm
Weight170 g998 g
ControlsOne programmable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the cameraAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceNikon states dust- and drip-resistant sealing, but explicitly does not guarantee resistance in all conditionsDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailStandard version approximately 70 × 45.5 mm; SE approximately 71.5 × 45.5 mm, measured from lens mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 170 g for either finishApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mount–Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hoodNot included; Nikon UK now lists optional HN-43 hoodHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; no supplied hood or caseLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
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 specificationUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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