Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is a 40mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.34x magnification vs 0.17x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You're on a budget — $299 vs $2,599 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 810g (1.79 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is $299, $2,300 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 810g (1.79 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is a 40mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.34x magnification vs 0.17x.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you're on a budget — $299 vs $2,599 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 810g (1.79 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 40mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,599 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | 70mm |
| Length | 126mm | 45.5mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 170g (6.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
