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Nikon Z 40mm f/2 vs Z 35mm f/1.8 S: Which Prime Fits Your Setup?

Pick by framing first: Nikon lists a wider angle of view for the 35mm f/1.8 S, while the 40mm f/2 is the smaller, lighter option on the published dimensions. Both are listed for FX and DX Nikon Z bodies; neither specification sheet establishes an image-quality or autofocus winner.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-04

Source checked 2026-10-04 00:24 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Should you choose the 40mm f/2 for its lighter, shorter listed build and slightly tighter framing, or the 35mm f/1.8 S for a wider listed angle of view and a different filter size?

The 40mm f/2 is listed as substantially lighter and shorter; the 35mm f/1.8 S offers a wider angle of view on both FX and DX bodies. Both are listed for Nikon Z mount and FX/DX use, so choose by desired framing, carry needs, and existing filter gear.

Quick verdict

Choose Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 if

  • You want a 40mm prime and prioritize a listed 170g weight and 45.5mm length.
  • Your existing screw-in filters are 52mm.
View Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 on AmazonPaid link

Choose Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S if

  • You prefer the 35mm lens’s wider listed angle of view on your FX or DX body.
  • Your current screw-in filters are 62mm, or you plan to build around that size.
View Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: Neither 35mm nor 40mm prime framing suits your work, or you need zoom flexibility.
When the recommendation changes
  • On an FX body, the listed angle-of-view difference is 57° for the 40mm and 63° for the 35mm; on DX bodies it is 38°50′ and 44°.
  • If reducing lens carry weight and length matters more than the wider framing, the 40mm listing is 170g and 45.5mm long versus 370g and 86mm for the 35mm.

The differences that matter

Framing And Body Format Fit

Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2

Nikon USA lists 40mm focal length; angle of view 57° FX and 38°50′ DX; compatible formats FX and DX.[1]

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Nikon USA lists 35mm focal length; angle of view 63° FX and 44° DX; compatible formats FX and DX.[2]

What this changes: The 35mm listing gives a wider angle of view on both formats; buyers should choose the framing that fits their body and shooting position.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Carry And Included Accessory Workflow

Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2

Approx. 70mm diameter × 45.5mm length; approx. 170g; 52mm screw-in filter.[1]

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Approx. 73mm diameter × 86mm length; approx. 370g; 62mm screw-in filter.[2]

What this changes: The 40mm listing is lighter and shorter; the 35mm uses a different screw-in filter size. Check bag fit and existing filters.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A Nikon Z user prioritizing a smaller, lighter listed prime where 40mm framing fits.

Best fit: Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Nikon USA lists the 40mm f/2 at 170g and 45.5mm length, compared with 370g and 86mm for the 35mm f/1.8 S. This is a specification-fit recommendation, not a tested comfort or image-quality result.

View Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 on AmazonPaid link

A Nikon Z user who prefers the wider listed 35mm angle of view and uses or plans 62mm screw-in filters.

Best fit: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Nikon USA lists wider angles of view for the 35mm and its filter size as 62mm. Choose only if that framing and filter workflow fit your setup.

View Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare current checkout offers against the framing, listed size and weight, and filter size that matter to your setup.

There is not enough current price evidence here to say whether to buy now or wait; compare current checkout offers and package details when buying.

Limitations

  • These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not hands-on lens measurements or a controlled image-quality comparison.
  • Nikon’s U.S. product pages identify the Nikon USA models 20102 and 20081. Confirm the seller’s exact model and included package items at checkout; no accessory difference is claimed here.
  • Framing depends on the camera format and shooting position. The listed angles of view describe the lens on FX and DX formats; they do not predict subject rendering or image quality.

Questions shoppers ask

Are both lenses compatible with FX and DX Nikon Z bodies?

Nikon USA lists both lenses as compatible with FX and DX formats. The listed angle of view changes by format, so check the FX or DX figures for your body.

Can I reuse my current screw-in filters?

Check the size printed on your filter: Nikon USA lists 52mm for the 40mm f/2 and 62mm for the 35mm f/1.8 S.

Methodology and sources

Compared Nikon USA pages for models 20102 and 20081, limited to manufacturer-listed focal length, FX/DX angle of view, screw-in filter size, approximate dimensions and weight. Recommendations describe feature fit only; no image-quality, autofocus, comfort or low-light performance testing was performed.

AI assistance organized the cited model specifications and drafted the comparison.

View 2 sources
  1. 1.NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 | Interchangeable lens for mirrorlessNikon Imaging USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-04 00:24 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product title and model path 20102; Tech Specs and Specifications: focal length, FX/DX angles of view/compatibility, 52mm filter, approximate dimensions and weight (opened lines 16–24, 51–77, 81–165).: Nikon USA identifies the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 in product path model 20102 and lists 40mm, f/2, FX/DX compatibility, angle of view 57° FX and 38°50′ DX, 52mm screw-in filter, approximate dimensions 70mm maximum diameter × 45.5mm length, and approximate weight 170g. The page is manufacturer specification evidence, not test results.
  2. 2.NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S | Interchangeable Mirrorless LensNikon Imaging USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-04 00:24 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product title and model path 20081; Tech Specs and Specifications: focal length, FX/DX angles of view/compatibility, 62mm filter, approximate dimensions and weight (opened lines 15–23, 74–104, 106–204).: Nikon USA identifies the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S in product path model 20081 and lists 35mm, f/1.8, FX/DX compatibility, angle of view 63° FX and 44° DX, 62mm screw-in filter, approximate dimensions 73mm maximum diameter × 86mm length, and approximate weight 370g. The page is manufacturer specification evidence, not test results.

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