Great Lens (40mm) - Field Test and Review (demo w/ Nikon D3400)

After reviewing the fixed 50 f/1.8 and fixed 35 f/1.8, I received a bunch of questions regarding the fixed 40 f/2.8. I have not published a video in a few months and thought now would be a good time to review the Nikon fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens:).
If you are having a tough time deciding between the 35 and 50, you might consider the 40. The image quality and build quality are on par with both the 35 and 50, however the maximum aperture is f/2.8. Nonetheless, unlike the 35 and 50, this is a true macro lens which is nice.
Feel free to follow me on Instragram - realworldpicts
=== LINKS ===
Nikon 40mm f/2.8 lens: amzn.to/30ocJBM
Video review of the fixed 50: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2O3i4mrbN6Nn8k
Video review of the fixed 35: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHiTlo2QlrKgj6c
Macro video which includes the fixed 40: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqvHimaXr9Ctj8U
Nikon 50mm f/1.8: amzn.to/2kD7EkF
Nikon 35mm f/1.8: amzn.to/2J3qHmU
Canon 50mm f/1.8: amzn.to/2LQT1q6
Nikon D3400 w/ 18-55 kit lens: amzn.to/2gjCOdW
Roberts Camera: robertscamera.com
============
Music by: J Hacha de Zola (two songs - 7 League Boots and Blue Sky)

[@monsunm3880]

I've been missing you. Thank you for coming back. As always excellent!

[@ajh5124]

Enjoyed your review and your presentation style is quite soothing and pleasant to watch/listen to. Keep up the great work!

[@MajorJohnSmith]

Great to see you back, glad your well.

[@mattscott573]

Great to see you back. Love your gear reviews, and excellent timing as I'm just considering getting this lens for my D5200. Regards from England 👍

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Matt and welcome from the United States!:)

[@yousufjeenah7209]

Nice to see u back, good luck. Really enjoy you tutorials

[@deneshreddi]

Really seeing your videos after long time , welcome back

[@melissaparks5947]

Glad to see you back. Love these shots. Look forward to more photography

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Melissa!:)

[@tito40ify]

Another great video as always. Glad to see you are back and doing well. Keep those videos coming..

[@RealWorld]

Thanks Jose!:) I have another vid in the works so stay tuned!:)

[@SergioGVasco]

You've been missed. Really glad to enjoy this new video by you , thank you for sharing. Hope everything's running smoothly for you and yours. Cheers, from a portuguese who was "forced" to come to France three years ago.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be back!:) Welcome from the United States!:) How is France doing with COVID-19?

[@robcassie2549]

Great video, glad to have you back and see you’re well. Love the photos with this lens, I especially love the tank images. Look forward to seeing more videos soon 👍

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Rob!:) I spotted the tank and plane a nearby VFW post - very cool to see up close:). Stay tuned as I have another adventure video on the way!:)

[@rob.cassie]

@@RealWorld Would you be able to do a review on the "Sigma 10-20mm 1:4-5.6 EX DC HSM" (its a few years old now) I have inherited one and it fits my Nikon D3400 and I would love to know your thoughts on it and for you to show some snapshots and hear what you think about it as you do in your videos. I wait with anticipation : ) many thanks

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the suggestion Rob ... I really like the lens as well:). I will see if I can get my hands on one:).

[@krayemwido2318]

Welcome back best teacher ! I guarantee you that me and so many people miss your great videos Keep in touch and be safe!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be back!:)

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Great to see you back!

[@tomnicholas8264]

Good to see you back! Enjoyed the video - thanks!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks Nick and glad to be back!:)

[@CJEAGLES36]

I'm so happy to see a video from you the day before I go to Yosemite. You always give great inspiration. So glad to have you back. Keep the videos coming

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back and enjoy your trip!:) You should have some great opportunities for some awesome shots ... capture some good memories and be safe!:)

[@yangliengheng8571]

It's been a long time. Happy to see you back.

[@cindylang6206]

So good to see you again!

[@chrisdavid1410]

These videos are always a joy to watch.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the feedback Chris!:)

[@dwayne8667]

Started watching your videos when I got my D3400 a few years ago, learnt so much. I have since switched to Sony. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Dwayne!:) I am considering the Sony A7 III ... stay tuned:).

[@andrewgrabham4666]

Yep, I'm still loving my D3400. Thanks for introducing me to the fixed 40 and stay safe and well.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Andrew and glad to be of help!:)

[@earavichandran]

Happy to see you after long time sir. Interesting video.

[@ronshaw9311]

Glad your back. I have missed your content. A good macro lens is handy to have.

good to see you back -

[@oldfilmguy9413]

You've been missed - just thinking about you the other day and now a video - great timing! Cheers and be well!

[@RealWorld]

Appreciate the post and stay safe!:)

[@prasadkashid6881]

Good to see you back 👍🏼

[@abhiimanyuusiinghh1136]

Good to see you after so long :)

[@817Lio]

Good to have you back, your good videos were missed. TC

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back!:) Stay tuned as I have another vid in the works:).

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Glad to see that you are doing well.

[@burnkitty82]

Thank you for all your videos. They have really helped me gain confidence with my nikon d3400.

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help/inspiration!:) If I can do it so can you!:)

[@FeliciasJourney27]

Yay! You’re back!

[@tarif7541]

after a long time ..:) happy to see you again...

[@CanadianArchivist]

Good to see you back!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks Andrew and glad to be back!:)

[@potatoesofdefiance]

Great to see you back Mark! Hope you are doing well. Thank you for another great review.

[@RealWorld]

All is well and hope you are the same!:)

[@potatoesofdefiance]

@@RealWorld : ​ All good here. :-) Great to see you outdoors and shooting again. I was watching your tutorial on flash photography, thinking how we haven't heard from you in 3 months, when the notification popped up telling me you are back. Dusting the kit today. Look forward to stepping out this weekend myself. Take care and stay safe.

[@johncampbell1453]

Glad you’re back!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks John!:) I have another video in the works so stay tuned!:)

[@susanvanriper9605]

Thanks! I have this lens! I don't use it much but now I will! Your videos have been very helpful! Greatly appreciate it!

[@soloexpat6932]

Finally!! you’re back 🤗🤗

[@shahriar_wayne]

i learned a lot about photography from your videos. good to see you back

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be of help!:)

[@karlmalibiran736]

I'm glad your back.

[@XLahorra]

One of the first channels I watched to learn about Nikon photography.

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help and enjoy the ride! :)

[@BeammeupSpotty]

thanks!!!! Just got the lens for xmas this year. Nice to see it in action!!!!

[@RealWorld]

Enjoy the lens - it is solid!:)

[@TeestaFalcon]

Another awesome video. This is again going to be my guide with all those meta-data. Looking forward for fun with this lens. Regards from India

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help and enjoy the lens!:)

[@WBProTrax]

Thanks for another great review. You a big help to us beginners!!💯💯

[@tomwarrington4150]

Great to see you back. I have the Nikon 35mm for my Nikon D3400 and I love it. I almost went with the 40mm but I really wanted that 1.8 f stop for low light work. I love the D3400 because of it's size and it's lightweight. Again great to see you back and glad to hear you're doing well.

[@Betterifitsfree]

As he mentioned that the 3400 is no longer in production. I luckily found one cheap at the right time. Absolutely love it and follow Mark often on here. Enjoy yourself shooting and hope you catch what you are looking for.

[@RealWorld]

Thank you and glad to be back:). I like the ability to hit f/1.8 as well or at least the low 2 range. f/2.8 is a slight trade off if you want a true macro lens. Do well on this side and hope the same for you!:)

[@RealWorld]

Would like to see Nikon bring back the IR sensor or at least the function button in the next version:).

[@tomwarrington4150]

@@Betterifitsfree I've been using my D3400 for about 4 years now, before that I used a D80 which Nikon doesn't produce anymore either. Both have served well over the past 10+ years.

[@tomwarrington4150]

Would love to see it that! For macro work I picked up a Tamaron lens for a good price to help stay creative during these crazy times.

[@StarcraftSlICER]

Finally you are back! Awesome! Hope everything is fine. Greetings from Germany!

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back and welcome from the United States!:)

[@abhroy]

Welcome back , Sir 🏆🎍🎉 3 months is a huge gap indeed . Thank YOU . Best Regards . God Bless 🤗 Stay Healthy . Stay Free 😇

[@RealWorld]

Thank you and agreed!:) God bless!

[@muthuspillai9617]

It's long time...👋👋 Happy to see you..

[@waheebaamir7217]

Finally you are here♥️

[@Imnotbatman937]

Glad you're back! I Hope you and your family is staying safe during these unprecedented times. Is it possible for you demonstrate more night time photography and the best methods of doing group portraits? Please & thanks

[@RealWorld]

Thanks Adrian and hope you and your family and doing well:). I have given thought to doing the same (night time photography). I have a video on trailing lights which is great but I may work on another discussing night time photography in general (touching on trailing lights, night portraits, nightscapes, etc.):).

[@rupeshshivdas2593]

Finally back after a long time!!

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back!:) Stay tuned as I have another video in the works!:)

[@slug1948]

Thank you for the excellent review!

[@Jay_Silva1]

He's back!!

[@luisgermansanchez3249]

Hello!!! you're back thanks God. I have the lens and as you said, it is versatile and it offers the advantage of MACRO, also it's not too expensive. Thanks for show us new perspective.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post Luis and glad to be back!:) The fixed 40 is a good option for various reasons:).

[@isaisthere]

Thanks a million for such informative videos you do. Please stay safe and wish you all the best. 🌷🌷🌷

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback and God bless!:)

[@jeffinjerin]

Very long time after You came back 🤩

[@RealWorld]

Agreed - it has been a few months and feels good to be back!:)

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

Hey Sir, Nice to see you. Thanks for sharing!

[@nhancao4790]

You're finally back!

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be back!:) I have another video in the works so stay tuned!:)

[@ludivandrodias8196]

I miss him too

[@Art_In_Image]

yes sir where were you

[@RealWorld]

just busy with life ... lots going on:)

[@slidersteph]

Its nice to see your informative videos. I have a nikon d3400.

[@brandonprescott5753]

Welcome back.

[@Srijitupload]

Excellent video after a long time Mark..Hope you and family are doing well now. Hope we all get over this soon. Amen

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be back!:) Doing well and hope you are doing the same - God bless!

[@Srijitupload]

@@RealWorld Yes we are ok despite India being world's 3rd now after America and Brazil with over 1 million cases.

[@RealWorld]

Ouch - stay safe!:)

[@RealWorld]

Good to be back!:) Stay safe and God bless.

[@Srijitupload]

@@RealWorld Thank you we will and you all too. :D

[@dlinton4870]

Really enjoyed your video. Thank you so much!

[@SeshuTD]

Hi Long time no see... Great to see your video again... Stay safe...

[@brianbrowning7752]

Very informative. Much appreciated. Thank you!

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help Brian!:)

[@peepingtube7]

I purchased it few days ago. very good lense for close up/micro photos and a fantastic lens for indoor portrait photography.

[@RealWorld]

enjoy the lens - a great/versatile lens :)

[@drvijaysamalad]

Great to see you Mark! I keep enjoying your videos. Can you please review 105mm Nikon Micro. I'm in a dilema, whether 90mm Tamron SP Di VC or 105mm Nikon. I own a D 5600. Budget is essential too. Have a great time! Thanks in advance!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/suggestion!:) I will see if I can get my hands on it.

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video 👌

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

Good looking 40mm prime ! Im also starting to really like the Folk singer in the music for video !

[@RealWorld]

agreed and the music as well:). i exchanged messages with the band and they seem very nice:).

[@DjPorkchop73]

Fantastic video as always! I like seeing images popup in your videos that you used elsewhere (the big brick head guy from your Post Processing Images with High ISO video). I need to go take a doube take at the video you mentioned with this lens and macro tubes. My wife says she loves your video intro and I would agree. It is one of the cleanest ones on YT (imo). Stay safe and be well!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:) LOL - I've been waiting for someone to pickup on that (using similar images captured in previous videos)!:) I tend to slip similar shots into the video as I feel this can given a reference to how other lenses preform ... good catch!:)

[@dashsidhartha]

Please upload a video on how to shoot the comet Neowise with an entry level camera. Really need that guidance. Thank you and stay safe.

[@sanjeewaten141]

Glad to see you again sir its been a long time🙂 Sir, can you please give some tutorial about online photo marketing.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback/suggestion!:) I may add this to my idea list:).

[@dongilliam8976]

I have this same lens and camera body. I really like it.

[@richita3177]

Hey, always love your videos, makes me want to get out and photograph. Cheers Rick from Australia

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Rick and glad to inspire!:) Now, get out and have some fun!:)

[@brentheart2021]

Nice.. We need more videos from you sir.

[@RealWorld]

I have another in the works so stay tuned!:)

[@jaxonkm]

Thanks for the video... U taught me photography is beyond expensive gadgets.... Thanks a lot...

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be of help!:)

[@suddenfootloss1337]

Glad you’re back man! Did you any editing to the images after?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question:). Yes, I shot everything in RAW and conducted minor post edits using Lightroom prior to exporting in JPEG for the video.

[@Archmage88ttv]

The 40mm micro comes with the 10-20 wide angle in a package. Would make a great guide video

[@rainw4246]

Great job.

[@svitella6889]

Glad your back! Learned so much about photography from your videos. If you're relatively new to photography and had to pick one would you go with the fixed 35, 40 or the 50? Keep the videos coming!!

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question Steve!:) The answer would ultimately depend on your plans for the lens. Nonetheless, if given the choice, I might lean towards the 50 as I like having a bit more reach on my shots:).

[@svitella6889]

@@RealWorldI got the 35 and while its a great lens i kind of had my doubts and wished I went with the 50 for the same reason. Thanks for the response and again keep the videos coming!!! Cheers from Canada

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help!:) The 35 is a great lens and same quality as the 50. Many like the 35 especially indoors as a wider angle is more helpful ... good to have both if possible:).

[@Primumnonnocere7]

Best Len, my favourite Dx

[@villamnisi9053]

Great to see you back Sir. I bought my first DSLR with is the Nikon D3400 because of you and I've been happy ever since. Thank you so much for all the help. Is there any way I can share my D3400 work with you?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be of help!:) Please post back a link to your instagram account if you have one or perhaps a link to google photos, etc. If you don't want the world to seem them, feel free to send an email to [e-mail] ... note: I do not check this account often but will use it for situations like this one:).

[@villamnisi9053]

@@RealWorld Thank you very much Sir, here's my Instagram ( instagram.com/nhlanhlamnisi_studios ). I also posted my first ever KZbin video today where I'm shooting with my D3400 here ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqi5iXp5gNWofKc ).

[@yuvrajsoni246]

Welcome buddy long time no see plz buddy post vids 👍😁😊 You are my inspiration love from india

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post and glad to be an inspiration!:) Welcome from the United States!:)

[@briantaylor2599]

Great video nice to see you back have missed you. Do you use the auto focus or manual focus, many thanks.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question Brian:). I am a fan of auto focus as I feel the camera is better at locking focus compared to my eyes:). Nonetheless, I will switch to manual after using the cameras AF when taking certain night/dark photos.

[@briantaylor2599]

@@RealWorld thank you for the information, you have helped me so much with my photography as I have the d3400 and it makes it easy to follow your tutorials. are you going to do any follow ups on using speedlights with the remote triggers please as I am hoping to do some family portraits in the near future and any help in that department would be great. I have watched your intro to flash triggers which has whet my appetite. Many thanks.

[@Thinkingthings1]

I just picked up a Nikon 40mm f 2.8G yesterday for half the price. I'm using a D3500 body with that also.

[@RealWorld]

Ahhhhh nice! Do you like the lens so far? Seems solid and no issues throughout my testing.

[@DarthPrime10]

Great video of the 40mm macro. Have you ever consider making a video of the 40mm macro versus the 85mm macro?

[@RealWorld]

hmmm - this might make for an interesting video/comparison - ty:)

[@nidheeshms4499]

awesome

[@mujeebrahmankottakkal8878]

Love from India ❤️

[@satanikduttagupta9818]

I was just searching for 40mm as I am planning to buy one. Very good review man. Could you please share the basic differences between 18-55 and this one ?

[@RealWorld]

Glad to be of help!:) The main difference is the f-stop and true macro capabilities.

[@abhinndwivedi45]

Please camper nikon 18-55mm vs 35 mm lens

[@asliprgshorts1411]

good to see you back. but i wanna know which lens is best for indoor-potrait photography,35-50 or 40mm?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question!:) All three are solid choices, however if I had to pick just one for indoor photography, I might lean towards the fixed 35 ( amzn.to/2J3qHmU ):).

[@katieshuler6867]

I have been using lightroom 6 standalone version for a few years. I was given the new Nikon D780 and lightroom 6 does not recogize the photos on my SD card. Do you know of a work around to get this fixed?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question Katie:). Yes, I experienced the same issue and found a solution. Watch this video I created a couple of years ago (you are free to watch the whole video but what you are looking for starts around 12 mins:)) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqLHkHakoJJ5eK8

[@ridouanelog7596]

Amazing video ! Can you tell me please what camera is great for photography, D3400 or D3200 ? and Thanks Again

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/question:). I would go for the D3400:).

[@MrMiss-cp9bw]

The D3400 is marginally better, with 1 FPS advantage during continuous shooting (and higher max iso), much lighter weight and better battery life. The rest is the same (albeit cameradecision said the flash coverage on the D3200 is better/larger). If the D3200 is very cheap, to the point where you'd be able to pick up a new lens I'd be tempted. If they're close/similarly priced I'd go with the D3400 :)

[@CasualBiker]

The man who made Nikon 3400 a legend 😎🙌 Thanks for the video. I have few questions. Can I use this lens to take portrait and landscape pics similar to 35mm prime lens? What is the farthest distance I can be while taking macro photos. For eg if I want to shoot an Insect? Should I get very close to shoot insects?

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post!:) This lens will do a solid job at both in my opinion. In order to shoot macros you will need to be close (very close):).

[@CloverPhotoandVideo]

The 40mm Nkkor Micro lens is a nice lens and relatively inexpensive. Definitely worth getting is you like to shoot macro.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback Richard and agree!:)

[@samharry5175]

Hi o I have a question for you reading my camera manual says that it should be sent in for calibration every 3 to 5 years but I see where if you buy your camera outside the u s they don't touch it what's the reason for that Nikon is Nikon I'm not a pro but I would love to know that my camera can service me for a long time

[@RealWorld]

Great question:). Since cameras can be purchased from other countries for less money, I believe this is one method Nikon attempts to have people from the US purchase from US retailers (other manufactures do the same (i.e. Canon, etc.)). I do not have an issue in purchasing from another country as I will hold the manufacturer accountable to fix any issues with the given warranty period. On a similar note - I have been shooting for many years and never sent my camera in for repair/adjustment. :)

[@tomislavvukojevic2479]

If lens have DX label on this means on FX body you have 1.5x wider angle so is 26.666mm on FX Body. But if you use lenses with FX label on DX body then you get 60mm

[@RealWorld]

lol - this can be a bit messy:). if you use a DX lens on a FX body, you will black spots on the corners as the lens will not cover the sensor. if you use a FX lens on a DX body, you will fine.

[@dijkie98]

another great video of you! I just don't quite understand why the fixed 40 is a true macro lens and why the fixed 35 (difference is only 5 mm (and 7.5 with the crop factor)) is not a true macro lens.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:) A true macro lens is measured at 1:1 ... this has to deal with the measure of the focal distance from the glass to the sensor. Nonetheless, it is nice to have!:)

[@utsabdhara2269]

Can u suggest for my next lens with nikon d750p..I'm confused between 50mm 1.8 and 40mm micro 2.8... In my case i want sharp portraits, street Photography ,and some wide macro (not very close bugs) What should i do sir...plz replyy..

[@RealWorld]

Both are solid but I might lean towards the fixed 50 for the extra wide aperture (f/1.8).

[@kaled4989]

does the lens perform the same if it attach to a modern camera than d3400 ?

[@RealWorld]

The body of the camera will help influence the overall image but the lens will yield similar results.

[@jayinla228]

Real dumb newbie question but do you need to manually rotate the lense to zoom in or is there an automatic way to do that?

[@RealWorld]

No worries and appreciate all questions!:) On fixed lenses like the fixed 40 in this video or the fixed 35, fixed 50, etc., you do not need to rotate as the focal length is fixed. If you use a variable zoom lens like the 35-80, 18-200, 55-200, etc., you can rotate the lens to adjust the zoom.

[@deepmistry1471]

Sir, what is the main difference between d3400&d3500? All the lens and accessories those are supportable with d3400, will support d3500 too? I'm bad at English. pls consider all the mistake.. thanks and I love your work a lot.Keep posting 💜

[@RealWorld]

Not a problem and glad to be of help!:) A few main difference ... 1) Nikon removed the IR sensor from the D3500 2) Nikon removed the function button from the D3500 3) Nikon increased the grip size on the D3500. The sensor size and resolution are the same and both cameras will yield similar results:). All accessories, lenses, etc. will work on the both cameras.

[@juliocereghini7709]

anybody knows what is the difference betwen Nikkor Micro 105 - 85 - 40??????????

[@RealWorld]

the main difference is glass (the amount of glass and distance needed to achieve the focal distance). the quality of each is very similar.

[@lestorhaslam]

I was going to buy the Sigma 1.4 but this lens is great value and much cheaper, so I’ll opt for this one. Is it weather sealed? Great review.

[@RealWorld]

Thanks for the post/feedback!:) While the fixed 40 does not have a weather seal, I have never experienced any issues with it (i.e. moisture, etc.). It's a great lens and one that I would buy again:).