Nikon
NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 — 40mm f/2 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$279
Launch priceReleased Sep 2021
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S — 50mm f/1.2 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,099
Launch priceReleased Dec 2020
NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 9 months newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
Wins
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 has lower Weight (170 g vs 1090 g)
- ANIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 has lower Length (74 mm vs 203 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
- ✓
Weight
170 g vs 1090 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
74 mm vs 203 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds ED
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
Shared specifications
Min focus distance
Both 30 cm
Max magnification
Both 0.15 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 81 mm
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.