Description
Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE Lens: Compact, Fast, and Stylish Prime for Z Series
The Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE lens is a compact, lightweight, and fast prime lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This special edition lens boasts a classic design reminiscent of vintage NIKKOR lenses, combined with modern optical performance. Its versatile 40mm focal length (approximately 60mm equivalent on DX format cameras) offers a natural perspective ideal for portraits, street photography, everyday snapshots, and even close-up work. The bright f/2 maximum aperture allows for beautiful background bokeh and excellent low-light capabilities, making it a compelling choice for photographers and videographers seeking a stylish and high-performing prime lens.
Classic Design with Modern Optics:
The Z 40mm F2 SE lens features a distinctive knurled control ring, a silver-colored aluminum mount, and a dedicated focus ring, evoking the look and feel of classic NIKKOR lenses. However, beneath its retro aesthetic lies a modern optical formula designed for exceptional image quality on high-resolution Z series sensors.
Versatile 40mm Prime Focal Length:
The 40mm focal length strikes a sweet spot, offering a field of view that feels natural and versatile. It’s wider than a traditional 50mm “normal” lens, making it excellent for capturing environmental portraits and street scenes, while still providing enough compression for flattering individual portraits.6 On DX format cameras, it becomes a roughly 60mm equivalent, perfect for tighter portraits and selective focus.
Bright f/2 Maximum Aperture for Bokeh and Low Light:
The fast f/2 maximum aperture allows for significant control over depth of field, creating beautiful and creamy background bokeh that isolates your subject. This bright aperture also excels in low-light conditions, enabling you to capture clean and sharp images in dimly lit environments without having to drastically increase ISO.
High-Quality Optical Performance:
The lens construction comprises 6 elements in 4 groups, including two aspherical elements. These aspherical elements effectively minimize distortion and spherical aberrations, contributing to high levels of sharpness and clarity across the entire frame, even at the wide f/2 aperture.
Close Focusing Capabilities:
The Z 40mm F2 SE lens offers a close minimum focusing distance of just 0.29 meters (0.96 feet), allowing for impressive close-up capabilities. This lets you capture details of small subjects with pleasing background blur, adding to the lens’s versatility.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus:
Equipped with a stepping motor (STM), the Z 40mm F2 SE lens delivers fast, accurate, and virtually silent autofocus performance.12 This is crucial for both still photography and video recording, ensuring that you can quickly and smoothly lock onto your subject without distracting noise.
Lightweight and Compact Design:
Staying true to the Z series’ emphasis on portability, the 40mm F2 SE lens is incredibly lightweight and compact. Its small size makes it an ideal lens for everyday carry and travel photography, adding minimal bulk to your camera bag.
Durable Construction:
While compact, the lens features a durable construction, ready to withstand the rigors of regular use. The metal lens mount adds to its robustness and provides a secure connection to your camera body.
Ideal for Stills and Video:
The combination of its versatile focal length, bright aperture, fast autofocus, and compact size makes the Z 40mm F2 SE an excellent choice for both still photography and video recording. Its natural perspective is well-suited for vlogging and storytelling, while its bokeh capabilities and low-light performance enhance creative expression.
Key Features:
- Classic special edition design with modern optics.
- Versatile 40mm prime focal length (60mm equivalent on DX).
- Bright f/2 maximum aperture for beautiful bokeh and low light.
- High-quality optical performance with aspherical elements.
- Close minimum focusing distance of 0.29 meters.
- Fast and quiet stepping motor (STM) autofocus.
- Lightweight and compact design for portability.
- Durable construction with a metal lens mount.
- Excellent for portraits, street, everyday, and close-up photography, as well as video.
The Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE lens is a stylish and high-performing prime lens that offers a fantastic combination of classic aesthetics and modern optical capabilities. Its versatile focal length, bright aperture, and compact size make it a compelling choice for Z series shooters looking for a go-to lens for a wide range of creative applications.
