Although it isn't a member of Nikon's premium S Line of lenses, the Nikkor Z 40mm F2 ($299.95) still draws lovely photos with defocused backgrounds wide open and delivers tack-sharp results at smaller f-stops. It's one of the better values in the Nikon Z system overall. The lens makes some compromises to meet its budget-friendly price—namely, it forgoes weather protection and doesn't offer a reliable autofocus experience for moving subjects. But it nonetheless presents plenty of appeal for both FX and DX camera owners who want a low-cost option that captures a unique view of the world.The Nifty Forty In the SLR days, low-cost 50mm lenses all fell under the Nifty Fifty moniker—that includes characterful, background-blurring primes like the old Nikkor AF-S 50mm F1.8 G and rival Canon's EF 50mm F1.8 STM. For its mirrorless version, Nikon opted for a wider 40mm angle that makes it useful as an everyday carry for both full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) format sensors. Our Experts Hav...

The affordable, background-blurring Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F2 lens focuses a bit slowly, but we like the characterful look of its images.

Crisp, bright optics; Useful focal length; Capable of blurred-background look; Angle of view useful on both FX and DX cameras; Nominal focus breathing

Inconsistent autofocus performance; Can show false color aberrations in background; Control ring isn't very useful; Plastic construction; No weather protection

Of course it doesn't change the fact that, nevertheless, the Nikkor Z 40 mm f/2 might be a joy to use as it is able to take sharp, crisp photos. Compared to its system 1.8/35 and 1.8/50 brothers it will also allow you to save a lot of money.

very good resolution in the frame centre,, negligible longitudinal chromatic aberration,, slight lateral chromatic aberration,, practically zero distortion,, low astigmatism,, slight vignetting on the APS-C/DX sensor,, sensible performance against bright light,, silent and accurate autofocus.

blurry edges of the frame near the maximum relative aperture,, significant vignetting on full frame,, a bit too high coma,, both mount and barrel made of plastics.

There is no doubt that the lens delivers an excellent to outstanding performance, and at a very keen price. Add to that the small, light form factor and we have perhaps an ideal travelling companion.

Excellent to outstanding sharpness, Very low CA, Modest vignetting, Low distortion, Virtually no flare, Pleasant bokeh, Light and compact, Dust and water sealing

The Z 40mm f2.0 is a much smaller, lighter and cheaper lens than the Z 50mm f1.8 S or Z 35mm f1.8 S. Its optical performance is not on the same level as from the S-line Nikkors but the new lens is still a solid performer and offers a better light gathering power and smoother Bokeh than the Z 28mm...

At just under £249/$300 the Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 is a great-value lens. It has a couple of quirks but it generally produces very good quality images and it’s a lovely size and weight.

Good image quality, Weather-sealed, Light and compact

No focus scale, Single control ring, AF struggles near the closest focus distance

Nikon Z 40mm F2 is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Prime lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Z Mount cameras. What type of photography is the Nikon Z 40mm F2 lens good for?

Weather-sealed, Autofocus, Fast Aperture, Covers Full-Frame Sensor, 9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh, Minimum focus distance of, 0.29m / 11.4 inch, Light weight at only, 170g / 6.0 oz

Weather-sealed, Autofocus, Fast Aperture, Covers Full-Frame Sensor, 9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh, Minimum focus distance of, 0.29m / 11.4 inch, Light weight at only, 170g / 6.0 oz

The Apple iPhone 14 isn’t a huge upgrade on the iPhone 13, yet it still is a great phone with a top camera, good battery life and all the iOS benefits.

Clever safety features, Very good battery life, Reliable camera, Fun colours, You’ve got an ageing iPhone: If you’re on an iPhone 11 or older, then the changes here will make a notable difference.

Stuck on a 60Hz display, Minimal differences to the iPhone 13, You’ve got an iPhone 13: The changes from Apple’s previous phone aren’t enough to warrant an upgrade this year.

While it's a shame that picture and sound quality haven't been upgraded, the iPhone 13 was great in these regards and the iPhone 14 is, too Excellent display Admirable headphone performance Solid build quality No upgrades to picture or sound Familiar design Notch is still present

The Apple iPhone 14 is no match for the just-released iPhone 14 Pro, but if you ignore that, it’s one of the most effective phones around.

Great cameras, front and back, Fast performance, Good battery life, Innovative safety features

Design too familiar, Some average features

Apple's latest non-Pro iPhone is superb - it's just that it's strikingly similar to last year's effort.

Still an incredible smartphone, Brilliant battery life gets a bit better, Excellent camera system gets a bit better

Last year’s Pro hardware, Wireless charging slow by modern standards, No USB-C; it’s now well overdue