Nikkor Z 40mm F2 Review: Both Cheap and Fun?

Photographer Dustin Abbott shares a deep dive review of Nikon's inexpensive Nikkor Z 40mm F2 lens. | This video is sponsored by Fantom Duffel. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN20 to get 20% off | Read the Text Review: tinyurl.com/40Zreview | Visit the Image Gallery: tinyurl.com/Z40pics | Purchase the Nikkor Z 40mm F2 @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/4cg8A6d | Adorama howl.me/cmroYZzxgk5 | Amazon amzn.to/4ehRff2 | Camera Canada shrsl.com/4kmf9 | Amazon Canada amzn.to/3Xlz2am | Amazon UK amzn.to/3VCxzve | Amazon Germany amzn.to/3VCmqKK
Check out the DA Merch here: bit.ly/TWIMerch | Become a Patron: / dustinabbott | On the Web: dustinabbott.net/ | Sign up for my Newsletter: bit.ly/1RHvUNp | Instagram: bit.ly/DLAinsta | Facebook: on. 1nuUUeH | Flickr: bit.ly/1UcnC0B | 500px: bit.ly/1Sy2Ngu Follow Craig @ / craigstoffersen
Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at:
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/1TA0Xge
Adorama: howl.me/cjU0LKdp3LN
Camera Canada: bit.ly/DLACameraCan
Sony Canada: www.thesonyshop.ca/?ref=abbott
Amazon: amzn.to/3HrY64d
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3qG1p18
Ebay: bit.ly/DustineBay
Into the AM Clothing: bit.ly/intotheAMda and use code DUSTIN10 for 10% off
Make a donation via Paypal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/dusti...
=============================
Table of Contents:
=============================
0:00​ - Intro and Concept
1:16 - Fantom Duffel
2:06 - Build and Design
6:49 - Autofocus
8:28 - Video
10:25 - Image Quality Summary
14:59 - Conclusion and Pricing
16:44 - Optical Deep Dive
---------------------------------------------------------
Oben Tabletop Tripod shown in video: bhpho.to/3vL8YWy
My Cameras:
Purchase the Sony a7RV @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/3ZivNyZ | Adorama howl.me/cjNY1LU3gFH | Amazon amzn.to/3CRCDlq | Camera Canada shrsl.com/3vulf | Sony Canada bit.ly/BuyA7R5 | Amazon Canada amzn.to/3H8yeNH | Amazon UK amzn.to/3kbg5FM
Purchase the Sony Alpha 1 @ Camera Canada shrsl.com/2wdk2 | B&H Photo bhpho.to/3upRFZd | Adorama howl.me/cj2nQpjLBKW | Amazon amzn.to/3t1m8MD | Sony Canada bit.ly/BuySonyA1 |Amazon Canada amzn.to/3cVFrBB | Amazon UK amzn.to/2OtrjGe | Amazon Germany amzn.to/3d0GtMO | Ebay ebay.us/i371Vs
Canon EOS R5: B&H Photo bhpho.to/3iMH18x | Amazon amzn.to/33L3D53 | Camera Canada shrsl.com/2jqth
Purchase the Fujifilm X-H2 @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/3KAInTC | Adorama howl.me/cjyzbiO5lVp | Amazon amzn.to/41zMzKl | Camera Canada shrsl.com/4128o | Amazon Canada amzn.to/40gY4W7 | Amazon UK amzn.to/43Grn7a | Amazon Germany amzn.to/3L6hwjR
Get a discount off all Skylum Editing Software (Luminar, Aurora HDR, AirMagic) by using code DUSTINHDR at checkout: bit.ly/LuminarDLA
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Keywords: Nikkor, 40mm, F2, Nikkor 40mm F2, Nikon 40mm F2, f/2, Nikon, Nikon Z8, Z, Z-mount, Z8, Review, mirrorless, Full Frame, Sports, Tracking, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Handling, Focus, Portraits, Resolution, High ISO, Image Quality, Sample Images, Photography, 45MP, #letthelightin, #DA, #NIKON, #Z8, #nikonz8

[@livejames9374]

I’m happy one of if not the best photography reviewers on KZbin is reviewing some Nikon products.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m really enjoying my Z8.

[@robertb2345]

You can add a metal mount and gasket to the 40mm by taking it off of an FTZ adapter. If you do a mount swap make sure to use the screws from the 40mm on the FTZ swapped mount.

[@allee2445]

great thanks! would you happen to know where i can buy just the mount? i don't have the ftz adapter :(

[@robertb2345]

@@allee2445 You will need to buy a cheap used or for parts FTZ adapter. Then take that apart.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s interesting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This video is sponsored by Fantom Duffel. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN20 to get 20% off

[@marleenvandam6931]

Thanks for this review Dustin! I have this lens in use on the Zf and was positively surprised how nice the images are of this lens : it gives a nice soft classic look rednering which I particularly like.While not as sharp as the other S lenses in the , I like the look more than than the S lenses

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It does have a very nice rendering.

[@MaxR.]

The 40mm f2 is a No-brainer. I loved it extremely on my Z5. Loved the images from it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed. The rendering exceeds the purely technical performance.

[@Austinite333]

I have on the way for my Z6. In defense of the plastic mount it is actually a very high quality material and is very easy on the camera’s metal mount. We also have to consider weight advantages of a plastic lens vs metal. Nothing wrong with a beautifully constructed lens but remember you have to deal with the extra heft and you have to pay for it!

[@guffey1989]

Thanks for the review Dustin. The 40mm f2 was my very first Z-mount purchase, starting with my Z5 then on to my Z6. I have been in love with this lens since buying it. It may not hold up as well on Nikon's premium 45MP cameras, but on a humble 24MP it does just fine for my needs. Like you noted, this 40mm is definitely a "grab and go" lens, I find myself carrying it around more often than not. I thought I was getting a good deal at $300 a few years ago, so it really is a no-brainer now for anyone wanting 1st-party glass on a budget. This 40 has generally been my pack-light, street and walk-around lens for several years now. With the new 35mm f1.4 coming soon, I think it will become my "premium" portrait shooter. Thanks again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s a fair take.

[@jamesjin8839]

Havn't checked this channel for a while and its such a pleasant surprise that you're starting to review Nikon gear. A long time awaited choice for you to explore seriously. I started with Sony, had an entire line of "mandatory" GM lenses( 24GM, 35GM, 50GM. 135GM etc.) and these days I use the last few of them adapted on my Z8 since Z mount has not updated all their "summit-fi" level primes. The ETZ adapters enabled me to shoot all the best 11 aperture blade primes on my Z mount body almost as native. Seriously there are many killer combos with this system nowadays for you to enjoy.(There is also an EF adapter to let you use some older EF mount lenses for decent standard usage as well) In my opinion Nikon has really reversed the under dog impression upside down. Great time to check them out now, still or videos. Have fun exploring. Me? I'm stuck at the computer for Davinci's dnxhr to be finally encoded by handbrake which simply takes days to finish with RAW video footages. It's a hell of a wait but it's definitely worth it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What brand ETZ adapter are you using? It's something I'm interested in exploring

[@jamesjin8839]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Somehow it seems youtube's comment swallows URL sometimes for mistaking me as a bot?(lul) So I have state again: I'm using the Megadap ETZ 21 pro for Z8 to adapt Sony E mount lenses including everything from Sony, Tamron, Sigma and some Zeiss lenses. The pool is so huge to explorer. Do take note though these adapter probably will only keep you working when firmware is matching the latest to their standard meaning if Nikon rolls out newer firmware chance is your current adapter might not work again until Megadap sync their latest version to work with the camera so be aware of that. Where I'm also using a Fringer EF-NZ adapter(a new version of II is coming out 17th this month.) to adapt EF mount lenses if you even have some of those lying around. I used it back when Z mount doesn't have a 100-400 zoom. It's ok for generous AF but obviously I'm never into sports and wild life photography so reserach more if you need that info.

[@stjepanjina]

Great, I didn't know you started doing Nikon z reviews. Bravo!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I bought a Z8 about two months ago.

[@technodronesogxl9783]

Excellent review as Always. I'd go for the 50 1.8. I just bought the Viltrox 16mm 1.8 lens. I'm slowly but surely building around my Z8.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I love the Viltrox 16mm on the Z8. I haven’t yet tested the 50mm F1.8, but I certainly hope to get to it if I can find a decent source for loaners.

[@unique93obr]

New 35mm f1.4Z have almost the same chart...if it's simmilar to this 40mm that would be great...it will be only 600$, and for that price it will be the best bang for the buck for lots of photographers...and for those who wants more clinical sharpness, contrast, etc...there is 35mm f1.8S :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It’s a very interesting lens. I look forward to testing it.

[@Youmemba]

Love the natural vignette draws you into the image

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It definitely works for some (but not all) images.

[@craigcarlson4022]

I’venhad the lens for 2-3 years and would agree with all your findings.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's good to hear.

[@noenken]

The 28 and 40 SE lenses are the only two I use on the original Z6. I think they are fantastic lenses, especially if you leave the vignette correction off.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s interesting.

[@chuckhatcher5073]

I use a cheap collapsible rubber lens hood. It even adds a little protection to the lens when retracted. This is my current favorite walk around lens on my Z6iii.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a fun lens.

[@Sedifet]

Best lens reviewer on KZbin! GG

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@mylucksmiles]

The better the z body you use with the z40 f2 on the better it becomes. Really I was more than happy with the 40 f2 . Just remember it’s plastic and if you are going to have it in your camera a lot …. Metal will win my vote most days. But it’s plastic fantastic ? No buts good.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a fun little lens.

[@USGrant21st]

Nikkor has some spherical aberration as you would expect from double-gauss design. That explains why it gets soft low contrast at short distances. That is also why it has a nice bokeh.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair.

[@dannyli9424]

it's a pretty nice disposable lens. for the price, if it take a picture and last for 6 months and that's worth the money already.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I suspect it will be sturdier than that.

[@deeshith1]

Mahn where is the review of Nikon z6 iii? Been waiting a long time... Hoping it's coming soon😢😢

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't really have a path forward to doing that review. I've started to do Nikon Z mount reviews, but only because I purchased a Z8. Nikon Canada doesn't seem to have a loaner program.

[@malekith13]

A funny thing to consider with that lense is that on a dx sensor it have nearly no vignetting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That shows how concentrated the vignette is in the full frame corners.

[@petertindall7374]

I’ve shot a few group portraits of women in their 70s and 80s with this lens and they are very happy with the results. As a general observation unless they are heavily made up very few women want to be photographed with an ultra sharp lens. I bought mine used for $200 Canadian and it’s one of my favourite lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair.

[@rayrayg9]

Very good review, pretty much matches my 2 years of experience with this lens. Definitely an everyday carry! Although a few things: The focus pull on the rose bushes might have been the lowlight / low contrast of the subject. (?) The "reluctance to move away from the face" I'd say is a plus for me. But since the subject is usually the closest object, it would be better if it just snaps onto it. Lastly, that Fantom bag looks small but fits so much! The convertibility would be convenient as well.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very useful bag, for sure.

[@Youmemba]

Your sharpness test is contradictory to christopher frost test middle of the lens wide open looked pretty sharp to me

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can only report on what I actually see. I guess there's some possibility of sample variation, though that seems like a cheap out.

[@Jwitherow1964]

What Nikon love it

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

:)

[@Ben_Stewart]

Sold out everywhere. The new nifty fifty.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think so.

[@Nobrainer19073]

The problem is 16-50mm kit lens has better quality than the 40mm

[@kevc.2958]

bought 28se and 50 1.8s skipped the 40se😊

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Both solid lenses, from what I hear.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Usual excellent review, however I don't own a Nikon digital....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Neither did I until a few months ago.

[@leosilve]

Enough with the plastic mount please… if you guys want a metal mount don’t buy this lens! As for me this quote from Thom Hogan makes faaaar better sense. As some of you might know, he’s been reliable Nikon reviewer looong before any KZbinr. Here is what he said (quote), “For those of you who are metalists, get over it. The poly carbonate used in both the exterior and lens mount of this lens is fine. Indeed, I've tended to find that most metal-mount lenses brass over time, which means that small metal shavings head towards your image sensor over time. I haven't found the poly carbonate that Nikon uses in lens mounts to do anything similar. I do wish Nikon had added a rubber weather seal at the mount, though.”

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm sorry, but that's a tough sell for me. If plastic mounts are so great, why doesn't Nikkor use them in their higher end lenses? Why do 98% of new lenses have metal mounts? This seems like lipstick on a pig to me, and I say that as a person who personally purchased this lens.

[@leosilve]

The comment was NOT primarily directed to you. Notice I used the word “guys”, so I was commenting more towards people in general who are hung up on the “plastic” mount. I understand different strokes for different folks, but I am merely expressing an opinion. We can still do that right? As for me, I have used Nikkor lenses with plastic mounts since the f-mount days and I still have a few. Now weather sealing is another thing, and the missing gasket is a con for this lens. But I have never had a Nikon plastic mount lens fail on me, subject to proper handling of course.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

And I think that is fair. I don't think that a plastic mount is the end of the world, per se, but it does give an impression of cheapness, which is why I pointed it out. I just think an attempt to make plastic mounts out to be better is a bit disingenuous.

[@ValtersPelns]

Had it, didnt like it.