I was introduced to the 40mm focal length back in my Canon DSLR days with the 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake, which I enjoyed in addition to a 35mm f/1.4 L. I now shoot with a Nikon Z8, and recently picked up a Zf and the 40mm f/2 SE lens, which I like for its small size/weight with relatively fast and quiet AF. The 40 SE matches the retro style of the Zf and the images have some character. I had the 50mm f/1.8 S, but for some reason, I preferred the 40.
I also own the Nikon 35mm f/1.2 S which is awesome but large and heavy. After going through this forum, I got some interest in the Voigtlanders and tried the 35mm f/2 APO, but I really wanted the CV 40mm f/1.2. Recently, B&H finally had the 40mm f/1.2 for Z mount in stock so I bought a copy and sold the 35 APO. While the 35 APO is an excellent lens, I couldn't help but like the images I was seeing from the faster 40 Nokton.
I love the CV 40 on the Zf for its MF experience while still being relatively small and light (around 330g for the Z version). It has wonderful bokeh / character from f/1.2 to f/2 and gets very sharp as you stop it down. I doubt the CV 40 will leave my Zf often as it seems to be the perfect match.
I was introduced to the 40mm focal length back in my Canon DSLR days with the 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake, which I enjoyed in addition to a 35mm f/1.4 L. I now shoot with a Nikon Z8, and recently picked up a Zf and the 40mm f/2 SE lens, which I like for its small size/weight with relatively fast and quiet AF. The 40 SE matches the retro style of the Zf and the images have some character. I had the 50mm f/1.8 S, but for some reason, I preferred the 40.
I also own the Nikon 35mm f/1.2 S which is awesome but large and heavy. After going through this forum, I got some interest in the Voigtlanders and tried the 35mm f/2 APO, but I really wanted the CV 40mm f/1.2. Recently, B&H finally had the 40mm f/1.2 for Z mount in stock so I bought a copy and sold the 35 APO. While the 35 APO is an excellent lens, I couldn't help but like the images I was seeing from the faster 40 Nokton.
I love the CV 40 on the Zf for its MF experience while still being relatively small and light (around 330g for the Z version). It has wonderful bokeh / character from f/1.2 to f/2 and gets very sharp as you stop it down. I doubt the CV 40 will leave my Zf often as it seems to be the perfect match.
Initially, I thought I would let the Nikon 40 f/2 SE go, but then I realized it is worth keeping for a quick run and gun AF lens on either the Zf or Z8. So it looks like I will have two 40mm lenses in addition to my 35mm f/1.2 bohemoth, which is also excellent.
I was introduced to the 40mm focal length back in my Canon DSLR days with the 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake, which I enjoyed in addition to a 35mm f/1.4 L. I now shoot with a Nikon Z8, and recently picked up a Zf and the 40mm f/2 SE lens, which I like for its small size/weight with relatively fast and quiet AF. The 40 SE matches the retro style of the Zf and the images have some character. I had the 50mm f/1.8 S, but for some reason, I preferred the 40.
I also own the 35mm f/1.2 which is awesome but large and heavy. After going through this forum, I got some interest in the Voigtlanders and tried the 35mm f/2 APO, but I really wanted the CV 40mm f/1.2. Recently, B&H finally had the 40mm f/1.2 for Z mount in stock so I bought a copy and sold the 35 APO. While the 35 APO is an excellent lens, I couldn't help but like the images I was seeing from the faster 40 Nokton.
I love the CV 40 on the Zf for its MF experience while still being relatively small and light (around 330g for the Z version). It has wonderful bokeh / character from f/1.2 to f/2 and gets very sharp as you stop it down. I doubt the CV 40 will leave my Zf often as it seems to be the perfect match.
Initially, I thought I would let the Nikon 40 f/2 SE go, but then I realized it is worth keeping for a quick run and gun AF lens on either the Zf or Z8. So it looks like I will have two 40mm lenses in addition to my 35mm f/1.2 bohemoth, which is also excellent.
Jul 19, 2025 at 09:05 AM
Previous versions of jrscls's message #16854451 « 40mm vs 35 or 50? »
