Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STMvs NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
Canon
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM (2020)
Starting from £219 new
Best for Portraits, street & everyday
View Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 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?
Portraits, Street & Everyday — Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM (2020): The essential first prime for Canon RF shooters — f/1.8 background separation at an accessible price with near-silent STM autofocus.
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 canon rf 50mm f/1.8 stm is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM (2020) | NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £219 | £259 |
| Sensor | f/1.8 (max aperture) | f/2 (max aperture) |
| Video | 30cm minimum focus distance | 29cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | STM (Stepping Motor) — near-silent, smooth for video | STM stepping motor — quiet and smooth |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on in-body IBIS) | None (relies on body VR) |
| Burst Rate | — | N/A |
| Battery Life | — | N/A |
| Weight | 160g | 170g |
| Dimensions | 69.2 × 40.5mm | 70mm diameter × 43.5mm length |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | — | N/A |
| Screen | — | N/A |
| Mount | Canon RF | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | — | N/A |
| Connectivity | — | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM | NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Travel | — |
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