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Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8

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

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NikonNIKKOR Z 40mm f/2NikonNIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2021June 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length40 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionSix elements in four groups10 elements in seven groups; front focusing
Special elementsTwo aspherical elementsOne ED and one aspherical element
Coatings–Fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 at infinity; effective f/5.6–32 at closest focus distance of 0.16 m. Main aperture values refer to infinity
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
Adaptor support–Compatible with the Nikon ES-2 film digitising adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.29 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.17×1×
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 0.16 m from the focal plane; front lens barrel extends when focusing close. Limiter selects FULL or 0.16–0.30 m close range, rather than excluding close distances as Digital Camera World states
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.17×Maximum 1× life-size reproduction; barrel markings indicate 1:2, 1:1.4 and 1:1. Nikon UK states approximately 5 cm between the lens front and subject at closest focus
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisation. Original Z50 and Zfc bodies lack IBISNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras may provide in-body stabilisation
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet focusing and silent aperture control through the control ringNear-silent autofocus and a silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter52 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm74.5 mm
Length45.5 mm66 mm
Weight170 g260 g
ControlsOne programmable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the cameraCombined focus/customisable control ring, AF/manual switch and close-range focus limiter; focus-distance and reproduction-ratio indicators appear on the extending barrel according to Nikon's release
Filter detail52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch46 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states dust- and drip-resistant sealing, but explicitly does not guarantee resistance in all conditionsNikon USA describes dust and drip resistance; not a waterproof rating. Fluorine front coating resists dirt and smudges
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 × 66 mm from mount flange; barrel extends during close focusing
Weight detailApproximately 170 g for either finishApproximately 260 g
Lens hoodNot included; Nikon UK now lists optional HN-43 hoodHN-41 included
In the boxLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; no supplied hood or caseLC-46B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HN-41 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 specificationNikon USA states late-June 2021 availability. Earliest exact global and first UK retail day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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