Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 vs Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 40mm, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) is 55mm — 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 Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 390g (13.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 55mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.8 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, Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) is 55mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 390g (13.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 or the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 40mm, the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) is 55mm — 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 Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 390g (13.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 55mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 and the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40mm | 55mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 57° | 43° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 29 cm | 43 cm |
| Max Magnification | 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 | $370 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | − |
| Length | 45.5mm | 76mm |
| Weight | 170g (6.0 oz) | 390g (13.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
