I’m a full-time commercial photographer, had the 40mm in my bag from my recent vacation, I shoot with Z8 and ZF (client prefers the ZF file size). I mounted the 40mm to the ZF, images were simply amazing! I light with Profoto, files were quite nice. I really do believe we’re over-analyzing these lenses. The 50mm 1.8 is sharper, but the 40mm has its own personality and is sharp as well, and easy to correct in Lightroom. That said, go out and enjoy these modern Z masterpieces! And of course I love the 1.2 glass!
Both, the 28mm f/2.8 and the 40mm f/2, are lenses that will get laughed out of subreddits and forums but are the ones people will actually bring to places. To me they are the modern E-series.
I've got the 40mm f/2 and 28mm f/2.8. I think I slightly prefer the quality of the former, but I think I'm happier with a 28mm for street and city architecture photography. Wish there were more pancake lenses for full frame Z cameras.
I also have the 40 and 28. Like yourselves note, with either, their 'raison d'etre is their compact size and light weight. I usually have the 40 on, but when an opportunity arises, I can swap to the 28 without too much of a weight penalty carrying it along. PS, spent a few days in London this spring with my wife. What a great city!
I have the Zf and both the se lenses. I mainly use the 40mm and have no complaints. They both mean I don’t need the grip which saves weight. The camera (with grip if required) with both lenses all fit in a Peak Design 3l sling so a really compact set up.
I love the 40mm focal length….one of my favourite combos is my Nikon FM3a and Voigtlander 40mm f2, so once I got my Nikon Zf, I knew the Nikkor 40mm would follow.
Amazing images here. I can’t bring myself to go with a plastic mount, plus I want the 35 1.4 - but this 40 has a great reputation and image quality clearly above its price point.
another great video! When I was watching I was thinking -i wonder how it would compare to viltrox -and then you did the comparison 👍 -and compared it to the z 50mm 1.8 👍 i feel like this 40/2 has something special even though its slightly flawed. Any who, thanks again guys!
That 40 is very competent, and for relaxed photography (such as street with a Zf) nobody in the whole world will see a difference in pictures with, say, a 35mm apo-summircron on an M10. However, in my experience, the weight/size argument in its favour are a bit futile when shot on any of the current FF Z bodies: the bodies are the main source of weight, and the differential between a Z8 w/40 and a Z8 w/35 or 50s is marginal in real world usage. That holds true for such combos with Zf or Z6/7. Same for size: it is not the lens that gets noticed on the streets, it is the geezer aiming a real camera at people. Whatever the camera if it looks like a camera. Of course giant zooms or big telelenses will attract additional curiosity due to their "exotic" nature. Anything other than a phone or a flat point and shoot (such as GR) will be noticed and trigger defensive attitudes. Shooting from the hip is a sneaky lottery and the resulting compositions are usually repetitive and disappointing . So all in all, let's not kid ourselves, there are no sleathy FF camera/lens combos. There are only photographers who manage to behave in a way that allows them to merge into the passing crowds. It is an acquired social skill.
@@brusselssprout1 Yes it is an acquired skill to be a street photographer. Guess it didn’t help there were two of us. But sure like you say it’s the body really. Wish I had the z8 crop ability though like Leica has.
@@russandloz yes, 45MP vs 24MP does have real world advantages, and so do the Q3's or M11's 60MP. But that is not the secret to successful street photography. I have never really mastered the discipline myself, but I notice I get much better at it after a couple of pints of strong ale, and then the gear does not matter. Mindset and body language are key. ;)
Loz: "What is this portraits business?" [7:10] Russ: "... I like the idea of it." That one answer entirely explains G.A.S. The gentleman at the cafe with the hat looks like Steve Martin in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". 🤣
I find the 40 good because of the price. I wouldn't normally, but since this is a Leica vs Nikon video insome respects I feel compelled to point out that Leica still sells a 6/4 double gauss f2.0 lens that is far, far sharper but without any worse rendering (both are very good, tbh) that was calculated in 1979. I just feel like Nikon could offer us something a bit better in this size category wrt performance and weather sealing for a bit higher price.
40mm is my favourite focal length. 50mm is a compromise size that became common when slrs started to dominate as they could be produced as a non retrofocal design. Prior to the 1970s, when fixed focal length rangefinders were common, 40mm was the most common focal length. Maybe with mirrorless cameras 40mm will make a comeback.
Love the sit down video with people passing by and pigeons. I assume you locked on manual focus to prevent focus jumping. The photos in rain especially nice. It’s tough sticking with one fixed focal distance when I almost always shooting with zoom 24-70 or 70-200. But the size and weight of those lens in street photography is off putting. I like the 40 mm especially the compact size. I use the 35 1.8 more often as sharper and as you pointed out it gives wider coverage for composition. Good to see comparisons to Q2 another great camera for travel and street pics. Keep up the great videos.
Nice images and videos from a couple of professionals. The camera may be the tool you use, but it's the eye of the photographer and skills involved that lets the photographer know when to capture the moments and tell the story. London looked amazing, and I appreciate the insights regarding the technique and the review of the 40mm f2. Did you and @lozzom both get the special edition of the 40 mm? I wonder if the non-retro 40mm f2 has exactly the same rendering and quality ... Good chat between the both of you, and the give-and-take reveals much. See you next time!
@@MookieMc Thanks, yeah I guess the review should be does the lens enable the photographer to achieve their vision. But the retro version is the same lens as the non one. So I believe
I had a Q2 and sold it: ergonomics were terrible.The Zf I bought last year is’nt any better on The ergonomics side , but the 40/2 renders very nicely in a classic way being sharp enough!You can always put a 50/1.8 on the Zf if you want more sharpness.The Q2 files are too digital sharp to my eyes and the charm cannot be compared with the Leica m system.
@@marleenvandam6931 Yes to me (Russ) the Leica does seem a bit of a block. Loz has an extra grip. We were saying with retro designs back then they didn’t know better for ergonomics. Now we do but retro uncomfortable designs keep coming back lol
I thought the 40mm excelled in the video footage. I did like the FOV of the Leica though but you get a bit more intimacy with the 40mm. Really hard call.
@@barnowlwoodworks1690 Yes the video quality looks the same as any expensive lens really. The Leica is wider but has double the megapixels to crop in so had a good option
Another great review. Russell Im looking for a fast lens 50mm or under, But auto focus must be fast as I photographer Greyhound racing. any advice please
Ross, Can I trouble you with a 'in the weeds' question regarding your Small Rig grip? I now have my ZF and am debating which grip to get. Having some bump or rise on the back for our thumbs to grip against leads me to the new Neewer grip, though some buyers complain it's front is still too small and slippery for one's fingers. So that leads me back to the supposedly 'stickier' Small Rig. Can you share your impressions of the latter since using it for a bit? Thanks much, Craig
FWIW, just bought the Neewer with thumb rest and replaced the Smallrig grip. While the Neewer is a little slicker around the front, the thumb rest more than compensated. Just took a trip using 70-200 on occasion and never had to think about the grip. I prefer the Neewer (CA 079?) with thumb rest over the Smallrig....which did work pretty well too...but wanted thumb rest.
@@billg.9087 ok, appreciate your chiming in with your experience. I just ordered one of the metal thumb rests that clips into the flash junction. But I’ll probably end up buying both the Smallrig and Neewer grips before all this is said and done. Maybe Nikon is conspiring with the grip manufacturers. ;-)
i thought loz shots with the Leica Q was really nicely captured compared to the zf. probably was 40mm vs 28mm.. but i have both cameras at one point currently the zf and 40mm and i suffer from all the dread AF and MFD softness irritates me. BUT not much options for smaller lenses
Interestingly if you look at 35mm cameras from the 1950s/60s they almost always have 42mm prime lenses. Having used them in the past that is my preferred focal length. In the 1970s saw the SLR push for the magic triplet of lenses 35mm, 50mm and 135mm, in the same way we were “sold” zoom lenses in the 1990s
@@peterzpictstube I do love that lens. But it’s not discreet at all! I felt conscious people were aware of me already so a bigger lens wouldn’t be able to get those candid photos I got?
I’m a full-time commercial photographer, had the 40mm in my bag from my recent vacation, I shoot with Z8 and ZF (client prefers the ZF file size). I mounted the 40mm to the ZF, images were simply amazing! I light with Profoto, files were quite nice. I really do believe we’re over-analyzing these lenses. The 50mm 1.8 is sharper, but the 40mm has its own personality and is sharp as well, and easy to correct in Lightroom. That said, go out and enjoy these modern Z masterpieces! And of course I love the 1.2 glass!
@@shaggywagshaggywag Yes it’s true. Like we said it’s good certainly good enough. I think the new 35 1.4 should be nearer this price too
Both, the 28mm f/2.8 and the 40mm f/2, are lenses that will get laughed out of subreddits and forums but are the ones people will actually bring to places. To me they are the modern E-series.
I've got the 40mm f/2 and 28mm f/2.8. I think I slightly prefer the quality of the former, but I think I'm happier with a 28mm for street and city architecture photography.
Wish there were more pancake lenses for full frame Z cameras.
Yep so do we , I do prefer 28 to 40 for street 👍
Yes 40mm is far too long for architecture so thats where the 28 comes in. Just wish it was an f2 too!
I also have the 40 and 28. Like yourselves note, with either, their 'raison d'etre is their compact size and light weight. I usually have the 40 on, but when an opportunity arises, I can swap to the 28 without too much of a weight penalty carrying it along.
PS, spent a few days in London this spring with my wife. What a great city!
@@craigcarlson4022 Yes the 28 2.8 might be a good carry. I have the 28 1.4 but it’s bigger and ftz
I have the Zf and both the se lenses. I mainly use the 40mm and have no complaints. They both mean I don’t need the grip which saves weight. The camera (with grip if required) with both lenses all fit in a Peak Design 3l sling so a really compact set up.
I love the 40mm focal length….one of my favourite combos is my Nikon FM3a and Voigtlander 40mm f2, so once I got my Nikon Zf, I knew the Nikkor 40mm would follow.
@@davidroberts6766 Happy with the results?
Amazing images here. I can’t bring myself to go with a plastic mount, plus I want the 35 1.4 - but this 40 has a great reputation and image quality clearly above its price point.
@@csc-photo I will like the 35 1.4 once it becomes cheaper most likely. But it’s 3x the cost of the 40mm and non S
@@russandloz Yes true, I’m waiting for a $100 sale / promo
On lenses that are this light , I don't think that it is an isssue
I appreciate your videos! Keep it up!
Thanks - appreciate it !
I have no pretensions of being a street photographer but I still really enjoyed your discussion in this video… Many thanks!
@@benwilde4337 You should give it a go! It’s fun
Don’t think we really pretend to be either! 🤷♂️😄 just enjoy yourself!
another great video! When I was watching I was thinking -i wonder how it would compare to viltrox -and then you did the comparison 👍 -and compared it to the z 50mm 1.8 👍 i feel like this 40/2 has something special even though its slightly flawed. Any who, thanks again guys!
That 40 is very competent, and for relaxed photography (such as street with a Zf) nobody in the whole world will see a difference in pictures with, say, a 35mm apo-summircron on an M10.
However, in my experience, the weight/size argument in its favour are a bit futile when shot on any of the current FF Z bodies: the bodies are the main source of weight, and the differential between a Z8 w/40 and a Z8 w/35 or 50s is marginal in real world usage. That holds true for such combos with Zf or Z6/7. Same for size: it is not the lens that gets noticed on the streets, it is the geezer aiming a real camera at people. Whatever the camera if it looks like a camera. Of course giant zooms or big telelenses will attract additional curiosity due to their "exotic" nature.
Anything other than a phone or a flat point and shoot (such as GR) will be noticed and trigger defensive attitudes. Shooting from the hip is a sneaky lottery and the resulting compositions are usually repetitive and disappointing .
So all in all, let's not kid ourselves, there are no sleathy FF camera/lens combos. There are only photographers who manage to behave in a way that allows them to merge into the passing crowds. It is an acquired social skill.
@@brusselssprout1 Yes it is an acquired skill to be a street photographer. Guess it didn’t help there were two of us. But sure like you say it’s the body really. Wish I had the z8 crop ability though like Leica has.
@@russandloz yes, 45MP vs 24MP does have real world advantages, and so do the Q3's or M11's 60MP. But that is not the secret to successful street photography. I have never really mastered the discipline myself, but I notice I get much better at it after a couple of pints of strong ale, and then the gear does not matter. Mindset and body language are key. ;)
@@brusselssprout1absolutely agree with mindset and body language - that’s it in a nutshell 👍
Loz: "What is this portraits business?" [7:10]
Russ: "... I like the idea of it."
That one answer entirely explains G.A.S.
The gentleman at the cafe with the hat looks like Steve Martin in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". 🤣
He is full of GAS 😬😂
@@UnconventionalReasoning I don’t need any excuse for GAS. But I’m happy that some of my photos have a shallow dof I prefer the look of really
I find the 40 good because of the price. I wouldn't normally, but since this is a Leica vs Nikon video insome respects I feel compelled to point out that Leica still sells a 6/4 double gauss f2.0 lens that is far, far sharper but without any worse rendering (both are very good, tbh) that was calculated in 1979. I just feel like Nikon could offer us something a bit better in this size category wrt performance and weather sealing for a bit higher price.
Yes I agree, these were designed for the zfc really so suits that, but we are in need of an update!
40mm is my favourite focal length. 50mm is a compromise size that became common when slrs started to dominate as they could be produced as a non retrofocal design. Prior to the 1970s, when fixed focal length rangefinders were common, 40mm was the most common focal length. Maybe with mirrorless cameras 40mm will make a comeback.
@@geofff6671 I think it might especially with an upgrade
Love the sit down video with people passing by and pigeons. I assume you locked on manual focus to prevent focus jumping. The photos in rain especially nice. It’s tough sticking with one fixed focal distance when I almost always shooting with zoom 24-70 or 70-200. But the size and weight of those lens in street photography is off putting.
I like the 40 mm especially the compact size. I use the 35 1.8 more often as sharper and as you pointed out it gives wider coverage for composition. Good to see comparisons to Q2 another great camera for travel and street pics. Keep up the great videos.
@@jonclark8271 I left the focus on auto but a smaller area and it was flawless! But yeah I’m happy with the lens. Just need a pancake 28 1.8
At the sort of subject @4.54, I would say it didn't matter if the lens is sharper. If the subject was a small bird it would.
@@KimHojbergJensen Yeah for street the lens is sharp enough.
Nice images and videos from a couple of professionals. The camera may be the tool you use, but it's the eye of the photographer and skills involved that lets the photographer know when to capture the moments and tell the story.
London looked amazing, and I appreciate the insights regarding the technique and the review of the 40mm f2.
Did you and @lozzom both get the special edition of the 40 mm? I wonder if the non-retro 40mm f2 has exactly the same rendering and quality ...
Good chat between the both of you, and the give-and-take reveals much.
See you next time!
@@MookieMc Thanks, yeah I guess the review should be does the lens enable the photographer to achieve their vision. But the retro version is the same lens as the non one. So I believe
@@MookieMc thanks !
For me, personally, I'm not a fan of all that plastic. I'd have a better photographic experience using a heavier, more solid lens.
@@robiulahmed Yes it’s time for an update all round
Different style this time, but I like it!
I had a Q2 and sold it: ergonomics were terrible.The Zf I bought last year is’nt any better on The ergonomics side , but the 40/2 renders very nicely in a classic way being sharp enough!You can always put a 50/1.8 on the Zf if you want more sharpness.The Q2 files are too digital sharp to my eyes and the charm cannot be compared with the Leica m system.
@@marleenvandam6931 Yes to me (Russ) the Leica does seem a bit of a block. Loz has an extra grip. We were saying with retro designs back then they didn’t know better for ergonomics. Now we do but retro uncomfortable designs keep coming back lol
I thought the 40mm excelled in the video footage. I did like the FOV of the Leica though but you get a bit more intimacy with the 40mm. Really hard call.
@@barnowlwoodworks1690 Yes the video quality looks the same as any expensive lens really. The Leica is wider but has double the megapixels to crop in so had a good option
great pictures. I heard that it is not sharp at f2. I can see that the reports are true. But still a great lens for the price
@@israelmacario3853 Thanks, yeah it can be soft at f2 but still useable especially for wider shots. It’s a nice lens for the price.
Another great review. Russell Im looking for a fast lens 50mm or under, But auto focus must be fast as I photographer Greyhound racing. any advice please
@@bratsdelight do you need low light? Or a zoom?
@russandloz low light....fast autofocus for taking photos of greyhounds racing under floodlight
the 28mm on the Leica Q is more like a 24mm, it definitely doesn't feel like a 28mm
Yep I’ve heard a lot of people say that - we should check that out by comparing with Nikon 24mm
@@lozzom yeah, that’d be a great comparison. A 28* and a 40 isn’t a great comparison I think. Great video tho, really enjoyed it
Ross, Can I trouble you with a 'in the weeds' question regarding your Small Rig grip? I now have my ZF and am debating which grip to get. Having some bump or rise on the back for our thumbs to grip against leads me to the new Neewer grip, though some buyers complain it's front is still too small and slippery for one's fingers. So that leads me back to the supposedly 'stickier' Small Rig. Can you share your impressions of the latter since using it for a bit? Thanks much, Craig
@@craigcarlson4022 Yeah sure. I’m Russ and I like the smallrig which are always good quality. Still would like it a bit bigger really
@@russandloz Russ, ok, thanks for your thoughts.
FWIW, just bought the Neewer with thumb rest and replaced the Smallrig grip. While the Neewer is a little slicker around the front, the thumb rest more than compensated. Just took a trip using 70-200 on occasion and never had to think about the grip. I prefer the Neewer (CA 079?) with thumb rest over the Smallrig....which did work pretty well too...but wanted thumb rest.
@@billg.9087 ok, appreciate your chiming in with your experience. I just ordered one of the metal thumb rests that clips into the flash junction. But I’ll probably end up buying both the Smallrig and Neewer grips before all this is said and done. Maybe Nikon is conspiring with the grip manufacturers. ;-)
i thought loz shots with the Leica Q was really nicely captured compared to the zf. probably was 40mm vs 28mm.. but i have both cameras at one point currently the zf and 40mm and i suffer from all the dread AF and MFD softness irritates me. BUT not much options for smaller lenses
@@saltyolive_ thanks !
@@saltyolive_ Yes someone has pointed out these pancake lenses were really designed for zfc so in need of an update
You can adapt every e-mount lens to your Z camera. Still, I prefer the 24-50 and 24-70F4S over the compacts.
50mm is not the way we would percive the world. Its 42mm. So 40mm is much closer. ;)
Thanks !
@@LPjank015 Yes I thought so. Then the 40mm could be a perspective we prefer over other focal lengths
My eyes are more like 60mm
Interestingly if you look at 35mm cameras from the 1950s/60s they almost always have 42mm prime lenses. Having used them in the past that is my preferred focal length. In the 1970s saw the SLR push for the magic triplet of lenses 35mm, 50mm and 135mm, in the same way we were “sold” zoom lenses in the 1990s
I just want to know if this lens is made of plastic or glass
@@qc1300 bit of each I think 🤷♂️
@@qc1300 Mostly plastic hence the price
Hello, what lens and camera have been used for vlogin in the park, please?
@@vladimirpeknik4248z8 and Zf with 50 1.2 and 85 1.8
@@russandloz Thank you! I asked because of perfect separation from the background and very nice bokeh ;-).
Buck up and use the 24-70 2.8 S its got the quality and range. 🙂 Build up your forearms.
@@peterzpictstube I do love that lens. But it’s not discreet at all! I felt conscious people were aware of me already so a bigger lens wouldn’t be able to get those candid photos I got?
@@russandloz I does draw attention......but it takes such nice pictures and is like having a bag of primes in one.
Drink coffee. Get out and take Photo's 😁👍
@@Only1Feckitt Exactly! Photos of coffee to get started
@@Only1Feckitt indeed !