Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is 26mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 for standard, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 26mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 125g (4.4 oz) it's lighter than the 170g (6.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 26mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is 26mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is 26mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 for standard, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 26mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 125g (4.4 oz) it's lighter than the 170g (6.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 26mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 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 26mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 26mm | 40mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 6 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 80° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 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) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 70mm |
| Length | 23.5mm | 45.5mm |
| Weight | 125g (4.4 oz) | 170g (6.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
