Im getting so annoyed trying to pick a prime lens for my Z5. I saw people hyping the Viltrox 85mm but others say the Nikon 40mm f/2 is sharper for street stuff. Im in NYC and need something by next week for a trip, budget is like 300 bucks. What is actually worth buying?
Honestly, skip the 85mm if you are walking around NYC. It is way too tight for street stuff unless you are shooting portraits from across the street. I have been using the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 on my Z6 for a while now and honestly, you cannot beat it for the price. It is tiny, light, and sits on the body like a pancake, so you dont look like a pro carrying a massive rig which is a huge plus when you are trying to be discreet in the city. Sharpness is totally fine for general use. It is not a super premium S-line glass, but for street, it works well and the bokeh is surprisingly creamy for such a cheap lens. If you need something for travel, that extra bit of space in your bag from such a small prime is a lifesaver. I am really happy with the build quality too, it doesnt feel like a toy at all. You will have plenty of cash left over to grab a solid SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I card or maybe a spare battery, which you will definitely need for a full day of shooting. Grab the 40mm, toss it on your Z5, and just go have fun. Let me know if you need any tips on settings for the city streets!
