Earlier this year I finally took the plunge and added a Nikon body to my kit so that I could test Z-mount lenses. One of the earliest reviews I did was of the Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5 Z, an inexpensive prime lens that nicely covers the “normal” angle of view. My findings were mostly very positive, but I was interested in exploring Nikon’s own value offering at this focal length – the Nikkor Z 40mm F2. I had ordered one almost immediately, but due to some customs delays, it took a little longer than I wanted for it to arrive. Eventually it did arrive, however, and I’ve been spending the last 3-4 weeks with the lens and getting a feel for it and how it compares to the Viltrox. I will release a direct comparison video in the near future, but first I wanted to focus on the 40mm F2 directly. Is the first party lens the way to go? Find out my thoughts by watching the video review below, reading my text review here, and just enjoying the photos in the galleries below.

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This review of a retail-sourced copy of the lens that I purchased new myself.   As always, this is a completely independent review.  All opinions and conclusions are my own. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the 45MP Nikon Z8, which I reviewed here.

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The full retail price of the Nikkor lens is $299 USD (nearly double that of the Viltrox), though it currently is available at right under $230, which is close enough in price to make things interesting. The Nikkor lens obviously has the advantage of being a first party lens and having a wider maximum aperture (F2 is 2/3rds of a stop brighter than F2.5), but surprisingly it is the Viltrox that has the build advantage, as it has a metal lens mount (the Nikkor uses plastic) and includes a lens hood.

Despite having a smaller maximum aperture, the Viltrox is a bit bigger. Nikon has done a great job of keeping the 40mm F2 compact and lightweight. The Nikkor has other strengths as well, included quite fast autofocus, nice bokeh, and even some weather sealing…and it can make some nice photos as well!

Photos of the Nikkor Z 40mm F2

Photos Taken with the Nikkor Z 40mm F2

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GEAR USED:

Purchase the Nikkor Z 40mm F2 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Purchase the Nikon Z8 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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