Amidst Wide & Normal

The NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is the company’s FX format compact, prime, affordable option for its Z series cameras. Shridhar Kunte tests it.

- Shridhar Kunte

NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2

Nikon, in an attempt at creating a strong base for its Z system cameras, has introduced compact and affordable prime lenses. Several lens manufacturers have started moving on to 40mm focal length range as the new normal. Nikon’s 40mm is one of them; the focal length being wide enough for true to nature shots as well as head and shoulder portraits.

Features

Designed for Z series cameras, the lens can also be used on DX format cameras, where it provides a 60mm equivalent focal length. The optical design comprises two aspherical elements that help in limiting spherical aberrations and distortion. This eventually will reflect in higher sharpness and accuracy in image reproduction. The lens elements are treated with Super Integrated Coating. This helps in controlling flare and ghosting, and enhances image quality in terms of contrast and colour bandwidth, while using the lens in bright and backlit situations.

The lens uses an internal focus design that helps in keeping its overall length constant over the entire focusing range. Full time manual focusing is also possible, during which only the internal groups are moved. The programmable control ring is set to adjust to manual focus by default. However, this setting can be changed, and the ring can also be used to control aperture or exposure compensation.

Handling