40mm f/2 Nikon Z Preview | First Look | How's It Sit on Z7 / Z50 | Matt Irwin 

*** DATE CORRECTION *** SETH AND MATT - LIVE CHAT USA East Coast 7pm Friday 24th Sept AUD East Coast 9am Saturday 25th Sept Thanks to Sharon for being my amazing editor. THANK YOU X million

Nice to see you having access to the new stuff ahead of the actual release dates. Shows that Nikon considers you a credible yet unofficial spokesperson for them. Good on yer, mate👍😄

That’s not just glass on the inside, it’s literally the last Lens element.

I fell in love with the 40mm focal length after shooting with a vintage 40mm from Konica. Later picked up the voightlander 40mm f1.4. 35mm I always feel is too wide for me and don’t like the distortion. 40 is perfect. Love the 40 for shooting street. I’m really excited about this new lens from Nikon

A welcome release from Nikon. Good as the s line primes appear to be they are quite large for walk about use. Id love something like a 65 f2 to compliment this.

40mm is a terrific focal length for so many applications. Someone once told me to never look down on plain vanilla as it is wonderful. The same is true for 40mm. As a Canon RF shooter, I wish they had one!

That is the rear most Aspherical element with a flat surface..👍👋👋

Just got this lens recently and it is awesome!!! Perfect walk around lens

The rear glass element is great, it helps to keep dust out of the lens

Big fan of the 40mm. My guess is that rear glass is to help keep dust out of the guts of the lens. Seems a bit vulnerable. I've had other plastic lens mounts from Nikon, never been an issue.

I said no in the poll but didn't realise how cheap it was going to be. Still....I think the 50 1.8 is the one to go for. Your pictures with that lens still excite me.

The last glass element - an adaptation to the sensor that has a "hood" or "tunnel" on each photosite (the real sensors in the "sensor"). One layer over the sensor is the Bayer filter and potentially there's the fuzzy filter (*). If a lens projects from a nodal point, then there will be serious vignetting and potentially distortions. Classical lens design as with a double Gaussian (that reduces chromatic aberration) do not work here. So the back-end of the lens ends with a sort-of condenser element that - together with elements before it - project the image as more parallel rays onto the sensor. As far as I know, the first lens that had this kind of back-end was the fixed Zeiss 35mm lens on the Sony R1 compact. It made me aware of the problems with sensors and informed that contrary to what I hoped, mirrorless was not going to end retrofocus lenses but instead adapt retro-focus designs to having this condenser back-end. As double Gaussian designs simply mirror the chromatic aberration caused in the first half by inverting that in the second and thus canceling it out, these can be relatively simple designs. You'll find them in large format camera lenses. But with short focal lengths where you need space for a mirror to flip up and down when you take a photo, that doesn't work, so wide angle lenses for SLR cameras had designs to facilitate the mirror box with a wide angle front on a - sort of - telephoto lens with zero symmetry and very hard to get optically perfect. Decades ago, increasing the number of elements for more corrections was a problem (glare/flare, etc.) but with the Z glass and coatings, Nikon have shown to be able to go much farther than held possible decades ago. (*) fuzzy filter can be formally called anti-aliasing filter, AA filter, low pass filter. It's role is to make images a bit less sharp and in that way make raw processing easier (raw processing is the wild-assed guessing of missing colors in the raw file).

Nice cant wait to get mine!

I turned my maybe I put on the poll to a yes earlier this morning, pre-ordered the 40mm f2. :D Excited to have a small lens, and actually excited about this focal length as I enjoyed it on previous system.s

Already preordered

Got this lens yesterday after watching this for nikon zfc. Thanks 🙂

I have pre-ordered this lens and the 28mm SE here in Canada. Sometimes, when I am walking around weight is a huge factor, given my bad back. Frankly, I often go Nikon FA film camera with a 50mm or 28mm pancake for just that reason. I am looking foward to them. I also think the 40mm focal length could be a very interesting walkabout option.

The eye moves constantly focusing on different areas & the brain receives signals & converts these signals into the complete view that we see. Our angle of view would be approximately 180 degrees (forward facing) and approximately 130 degrees up/down. Most of this area is out of focus. For the area that is focused, a 43.2mm lens on a 35mm sensor would give the closest approximate magnification as the human eye, including the same approximate depth of field, but the overall field of view would be narrower.

2:28, to protect inside of lens of dust and so? For easy cleaning?

I would if I didn’t already have the 35mm S The 20mm, 35mm, 85mm are a great trio primes for me, but I do like how compact the 40mm is. Patiently waiting for the 200-600 to compare to the 100-400 for super telephoto.

My first camera came with a 42mm lens on it. I still think the 40ish mm lenses are a nice focal length for me. They're not as compressing and flattening as the 50mm and not as short as the 35mm, so you still get a nice 3D pop. It's quite different from either the 35 or the 50. I'm not sure if I would get it since I still have my 42mm f2.8 (my first lens), a 40mm f2.8, and a 43mm f1.9. If someone gave one to me I'd definitely keep it. Olympus also recently came out with the 20mm f1.4 Pro which has a very similar angle of view to the Nikon 40mm f2. I think it's great we're getting lenses like this now. I remember when Nikon had the 45mm f2.8 GN-Nikkor and the 45mm f2.8 pancake

Fairly fast for small and lightweight. When you do the full review, please comment on what you gain from going from f4 (typical with my lenses) to f2.

Just received my PB7 rotator yesterday so I had to do a pan with Z7. 3 exposures horizontal, 25% overlap, F8, with grid screen showing. Stitched in photoshop ACR with M2 Mac resulted in 12x48” 300 psi that was beautiful. Corners could be better until F4, but I almost never use 2 or 2.8. There might be a flat lens on the back, but probably not. I think it protects inside and the rectangular shield stops flair. Hasselblad us similar in 1960`s for C and CM cameras. 26 mm 2.8 has same. My lenses are 26,40 85 and a variety of G lenses and Leica lenses adapted. I tried setting menus to DX and get a full viewfinder, 60 mm angle, and 24 MP. Sharp enough for my use. The tiny viewfinder on real DX cameras are on my bad list. I can do 90% of my photos with this one lens. Super resolution Adobe ACR gives 2x length and width for hugh prints or cropping.

I have this lens on my radar for the future. It looks very nice and small mounted on a Z7. Wondering how the bokeh renders at f2 and how it is for video at f2, sharpness and all . Thanks Matt for this first look video. Very helpful.

I’ve ordered one to go with the Z fc, I’m intending using small primes on that as the 28mm goes so well with it.

The glass element may be there to protect the lens element from being cleaned and damaged in the process. It may be easily replaceable. One of the big problems I have is dust so cleaning becomes a factor.

Hi Matt, it would be really great if you could show some sample images this week. At the Moment there is so little to be found on the net :(

Dear Matt, ty for this video! I assume too, that the glas-element you mentioned is the last lens. Should be a semi-convex lens at the end. This would mean that finally Nikon starts to take advantage of the new mount. Bigger opening and the sensor very close to the last lens, i.e. almost no more scattered light or full control over the light the whole way. So curious to have this lens on my camera. Ty again for your first impressions

At the price point I can get over it but lack of a lens hood means I'll have to find a 3rd party option. The hood is the little extra protection for clumsy guys like me. Any recommendations?

I would love to pair this lens with the Z fc.

I find myself taking steps backwards when composing with my 50mm. Not a good practice when hiking the Red River Gorge. This lens could save my life! 😁

Mounts are braking not cause of the weight of the lens, but when that lens is bounced of something, or is crushed in your bag. My friends have broken their Nikon 1 that way.

Oooooh, new toy! Niiiice.

How is Nikon supply chain doing these days. I am in San Francisco and have been waiting 4 months for a 50mm/1.2 which was ordered through Samy's.

Was gonna get that Viltrox 35mm but I think I'll go with this lens instead

Thanks Matt! Is it me, or are the aperture blades very close to the front element?

Neat little lens. Would be great for street photography. That rear glass is strange - it reminds me of the old Nikkors that had a rear screw in filter. At least it makes it easy to clean.

Hi Matt, I think this lens will suite many people but it's not one for me. Just manage to have a look at my first 105mm MC Z mount lens and have a good chat with Ricci and Peter from Nikon interesting to here there thought on what's on the way?

Matt Freakin’ Irwin! Nice review! 👍👍👍😁📷

easy to clean dust on the back?

Thinking of you and my Melbourne friends - Stay safe and stay Strong

I am sure the shape and size of the back glass element has been solved by now, but im filling it it as i see it... my guess is, its to control the shape of the glass, to affect reflections and shadows

I think lens will be easier to clean because of the flat glass element on back side.

Looking forward to see what this little guy can do. I'm interested in how it renders street headshots at f2, wondering if it'll have any sumicron like imaging.

Am I crazy that I think the style of the 40mm lens looks better on the Z cameras than the retro styling of the 28mm SE? Of course I think the 28mm SE looks better on its own, but once mounted to the camera, I kinda prefer the looks of that 40/28mm better. Am I crazy? Just me?

I‘ll probably not get it (at least not in the near future) since I already own the 35mm and the 50mm. But I might pick one up at some point later when it’s on sale and that GAS kicks in again 😅

Really looking forward to the full review on this one. I mostly shoot at 85mm but this 40mm could be a great street lens as well as something a bit wider for general shooting with the family. I had intended to get the 35mm but wasn't sure how how much use it would get. It also saves a fair bit of coin over the 35mm helping leave a bit of extra money in the kitty to move the 105mm macro off the wish list and into the gear bag a bit sooner 🤔

This lens seems to be a good fit with both sensor sizes cameras. I am not sure if I have a good use case for the lens. Other lens are a better fit for me.

2:20 dust protection is my guess

It reminds me of the old E Series lenses of the 1980s.

Lens hood??

Your enthusiasm is rubbing off on me somewhat. It seems to have a feel similar to the DX 35/1.8 F-mount lens? I always liked that lens. Would be interesting to see the viewfinder footage as you’re playing around with it, focussing etc.

My one big complaint about this lens: I wish Nikon had included this lens (or something like it) with the initial Z6/Z7 release. For how much hype they poured into how compact the new Z bodies were, I thought it was odd that they didn't include any really compact lenses at release. This seems like an absolutely perfect compact, general use lens for the Z series and I'm looking forward to trying it out. Yeah, I'm a bit sore about the plastic mount, but given how light it is and the price point I'm willing to live with it. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

Nice!

I changed my mind to get the lens after its price was announced. :)

Might consider this to replace my f mount 35 1.8 DX for my z50 🤔

I would guess that this 40mm is for those who dont want to shell out for the 35mm.

I still think it's a shame that Nikon have abandoned their classic lens design 'language', the distinctive focus grip and lens typography...it was iconic, just like Leica's lenses, hence that retro 28mm Z lens. And the plastic lens mount, from any manufacturer, strikes me a absolute penny pinching, surely a metal mount hardly costs any more to produce, yet gives a worthwhile impression of durability..??

I would prefer to have such a lens with an option with the build and performance of an S series for an additional price and weight

Hey Matt, thanks for the “first look” at the 40mm f/2. Just curious: did it come with a lens hood?

It makes it tough choice with 50ish lens (es) to get.

nikon europe, just taken payment for the shorty forty, wont be long, I hope.

Not hanging on the edge of my seat for a 40mm - my 40mm is sitting under my table unboxed not too excited, waiting for the day I get excited. The thing on the back of the lens helps with stray light. A plastic mount but for another dollar for a metal mount why Nikon why?

To keep dust out. 🤷‍♂️

why are there no 69mm primes? :^(

Back in my film days shooting with a Pentax the 28mm was my standard lens. So I'm considering that one. 18mm for the Z50 (which might make more sense as a walk around street camera - something I don't really do :^) ). Alas; I've been seduced by zoom lenses so this may just be academic for me. :D That dang Z9 is getting more interesting. I may have to pull the trigger on one. Sell a kidney or something......

Drop your zoom kit lens and put that one on your FF camera.

How many blade aperture, and was a hood included? The masking rectangle on the back is interesting. I'm guessing for flare reduction?

I have a preorder for one; it’s a good year for fans of the 40mm focal length, what with this and the Ricoh GR IIIx. Canon make a quirky little 40mm 2.8 pancake, probably their smallest lens, but I think it’s bigger than this Nikon when you include an adapter. Plus, being f/2 opens up a lot of bokeh possibilities; the official sample pics from Nikon looked promising

Glass elements seals it from dust

I am using the Z 50 F2.8 MC as small street lens is it so better then the 50 MC ??

I think your dates are off. Sept 23 is Thursday and Sept 24 is Friday. Did you mean Sept 24&25?

I'm torn on this one. Price is right, it's light and compact ... but how often would I use it? It's not a focal length I've ever used. Like you, I hadn't used a 35mm lens until I got a Fujinon 23mm f/1.4 (35mm equivalent on APS-C) for my Fuji kit -- a superb lens that became a favourite. So, although it's less than half the price of the Z 35 1.8, I might be more inclined to wait until I can afford that. Then again, this 40 is obviously much lighter and more compact. To quote Joni Mitchel: it engenders "the kind of crazy you get from too much choice."

Nikon, give us a small 16mm full frame prime like what Canon just released! I personally won’t buy this 40mm as I have the 35S and 50S!

If any one has 35mm 1.8s and 50mm 1.8s does this lens make any sense ?

40mm lens is autofocus or munal only

💯💯💯💯💯👍👍👍👍

Yikes I better sell my Canon EF 40 mm pancake fast!

Another plastic fantastic... I would pine over it too if nikon sent it to me for free. But if I have to pay money for it, I'd wait for at least something with a metal mount...

save money lol

Thankyou Nikon for including a real lens cap. I was so disappointed with the white plastic push caps that Nikon was shipping. It's a cute lens, but I have the 1.8 primes so I may give it a skip

could you argue by always reporting on Nikon rumors and giving early reviews etc that this is news gathering/reporting?

Plastic mount piece of crap. I gave those up way back in my D7100 days.

Compact size? Great! 40mm okay. Plastic mount? Sorry no. I'm old school, .... this is just a non-starter. Guess I'll wait for an equivalent 3rd party lens.

Plastic mount? No thanks.

Hey Matt, shouldn't you be documenting the tyranny happening in Australia? Or do you support it?

Sorry, but $300.00 for a f2 lens with a plastic lens mount ? No Thank you.

Super annoying intro music. Totally not needed.