Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is 50-250mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR for telephoto.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓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 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 250mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-250mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is 50-250mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE is 40mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is 50-250mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR for telephoto.
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/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. 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 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 250mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-250mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 SE opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40mm | 50-250mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 57° | 32° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 75-375mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 29 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 70mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 132.5mm |
| Weight | 170g (6.0 oz) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
