We’ve been heavily into prime time over the past three months, focusing our Big Test attention on portrait, super-telephoto and wide-angle prime lenses. You could say we’ve saved the best until last, and we’d be the first to agree. A standard prime with a focal length of around 40mm to 50mm has long been considered a ‘must-have’ lens by photographers the world over, stretching back to the beginnings of 35mm film cameras. The same is true for full-frame (FX) DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. To get an equivalent field of view with a DX (APS-C) camera, you’d need a lens with a focal length of 27mm to 35mm.
So what’s the big attraction of a standard prime? For one thing, they give an entirely natural perspective, replicating how you see the world when you look in the viewfinder. Put simply, what you see is what you get. But that’s not all. Most standard prime lenses have a significantly faster aperture rating than even a pro-quality f/2.8 standard zoom. This gives the ability to freeze movement under dull lighting conditions, without having to bump up your camera’s ISO. You’ll also get a tighter depth of field, ideal for isolating subjects from the background. And compared with a ‘fast’ standard zoom, a prime lens is generally more lightweight and compact, ideal for everyday shooting.
Let’s take a closer look at the best buys for DX and FX format Z-system cameras, along with some superior options for DSLRs.
The contenders
Nikon Z 40mm f/2 £229/$277
Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 Z £240/$316
Yongnuo YN50mm f/1.8Z DF DSM £349/$359
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN | C £359/$349
Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 PRO Z £440/$545
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S £499/$527
Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 £599/$647
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S £1999/$1897
Nikon Z 40mm f/2 £229/$277
A small wonder of a prime lens, the Z 40mm is delightfully small and light, ideal for the journey, and comes with a bargain price tag
Bigger isn’t always better. When you want to travel light or shoot candidly without drawing attention to yourself, compactness is key. This 40mm f/2 lens fits the bill perfectly, being a mere slip of a thing at just 46mm in length and 170g in weight. The price tag is also refreshingly lightweight and, despite being an own-brand Nikon lens, it’s the most inexpensive in the whole group.
The design is an exercise in simplicity. This lens is based on just six optical elements arranged in four groups, with no ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. There’s no auto/manual focus switch, no optical VR and a genuine Nikon lens hood isn’t available, even as an optional extra. But don’t let that put you off exploring this option.
Mounted on an FX format camera, for which it’s primarily designed, the lens works really well for everything from street scenes to still life, environmental portraiture and for shooting couples and small groups. Pop
