Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 vs Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 40mm, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for standard.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 40mm, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 30mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 265g (9.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 40mm, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for standard.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if you need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40mm | 30mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 57° | 51° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 45-45mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 29 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $349 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 64.8mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 51.5mm |
| Weight | 170g (6.0 oz) | 265g (9.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
