Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 vs Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM

Both are Nikon Z mount primes for standard prime and budget — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-08-31 · Nikon Z mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2	Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM
Focal length	40mm	50mm
Max aperture	f/2	f/1.8
Type	prime	prime
Coverage	full-frame	full-frame
Mount	Nikon Z	Nikon Z

Which should you buy?

the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM opens wider (f/1.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (40mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM (50mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is first-party (Nikon) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM is third-party — usually the value pick

Where to buy

Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 | Large Aperture 40mm Prime Lens for Z Series mirrorless Cameras | Nikon USA Model

Check the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 price on Amazon →

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Check the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM price on Amazon → We could not find this one on Amazon US in Nikon Z — this button runs an Amazon search for it rather than opening a product page.

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 and the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is 40mm f/2 prime, full-frame; the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM is 50mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.

Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 or the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM?
The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM — its f/1.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/2 of the other.

Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 and Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8Z II DF DSM fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-08-31. Copy a ready-made reference:

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