So I finally made the jump to a Z6ii after years of shooting with my old D750 and Im honestly loving the eye autofocus, but my kit lens is starting to feel a bit limiting. I mainly shoot street stuff and some portraits of my dogs in the backyard, so I really want something that gives me that nice creamy background blur without breaking the bank. My budget is probably around 600-800 bucks max since I just spent a ton on the body.
I was looking at the Z 50mm f/1.8 S because everyone online raves about how sharp it is, but then I read a few threads saying the 40mm f/2 is way more fun and portable for everyday carry. Im stuck because the 50mm is supposed to be pro-grade glass but I dont want to carry around a brick if Im just walking around the city. Some people say the 40mm has some weird distortion, but others say its barely noticeable? I need something I can use for a trip to Chicago in a few weeks so I gotta decide soon. Is the S-line sharpness worth the extra size and cash compared to that little pancake lens?
If you want that creamy background for your dogs without the bulk, look at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. It is pricey, but the portraits look way better than any 40mm.
Are you planning on shooting mainly at night in Chicago? If so, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is sharper, but the Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z is a solid budget alternative.
Honestly, grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2. Ive used both, and for walking around Chicago, the size difference is massive. The 50mm is sharper if you pixel peep, sure, but the 40mm is plenty good for street shots and way more fun to carry. Save the extra cash for a nice dinner while you're there. You wont regret it.
Stumbled upon this thread just now. If you're heading to Chicago, you really need to think about what you find yourself shooting most—are you grabbing candid street shots from the hip, or are you trying to frame specific architecture? I've shot with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S for years and honestly, the weight can be a drag after a long day walking. If you want something that bridges that gap between portability and that pro-look, have you thought about these?
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is tiny, super fun for street, and lets you get more of the city in the frame.
- Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary gives you that premium metal feel and really nice rendering without the S-line bulk. My advice? If you're just doing street stuff, lighter is always better. The sharpness on the 50mm is overkill for web stuff anyway. Are you planning on doing any night shots with the dogs, or mostly daytime?