RF 16mm f/2.8 STMvs NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
Canon
RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (2022)
Starting from £269 new
Best for Vlogging, travel & architecture
View RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
VS
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (2021)
Starting from £259 new
Best for Everyday photography & street
View NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Vlogging, Travel & Architecture — RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (2022): The most accessible entry point into ultra-wide RF glass — compact, affordable, and surprisingly capable for content creators.
Everyday Photography & Street — NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (2021): Exceptionally sharp and compact — the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is the best-value everyday prime in the Z-mount system.
Who should buy what
Quick take: The nikkor z 40mm f/2 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (2022) | NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £269 | £259 |
| Sensor | f/2.8 (max aperture) | f/2 (max aperture) |
| Video | 13cm minimum focus distance | 29cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | STM stepping motor — smooth and quiet for video AF | STM stepping motor — quiet and smooth |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body digital IS or IBIS) | None (relies on body VR) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 165g | 170g |
| Dimensions | 69.2mm diameter × 40.0mm length | 70mm diameter × 43.5mm length |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | N/A | N/A |
| Screen | N/A | N/A |
| Mount | Canon RF | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | N/A | N/A |
| Connectivity | N/A | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | RF 16mm f/2.8 STM | NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Architecture | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Street | — | |
| Portrait | — |
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