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Ridz

Ridz

New member
Hi all, I’m looking for a bit of advice on my next purchase. I’m fairly new to photography and at the moment I’m mainly interested in street and architectural work with a cinematic feel.

I’m currently shooting with a Nikon Z6 and the 40mm f/2. I’m considering trading it in and upgrading my lens to the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S. The price difference works out at around £300/$405 for a used lens in excellent condition, and from what I’ve seen this lens seems to be a much better match for the cinematic look I’m aiming for.

My question is: is the upgrade worth it? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Clovishound

Clovishound

Senior Member
Full disclosure, I'm primarily a wildlife and macro shooter, so I don't have a lot of experience with street photography, although I have done some in downtown Charleston, which I live near.

Compared to the 40mm the 35mm will give you a little wider view, and a little more light gathering. Neither is going to be a huge difference IMO. The 35mm is an S line lens and will be a little sharper, and much sturdier built. It will also be larger and heavier.

Here is a link to reviews of the two lenses.

Ken Rockwell Z35mm 1.8

Ken Rockwell Z40mm F2

Photographers, myself included, often have a mindset that the next purchase will greatly improve their photography. This seldom is the case. Yes, good gear is important, and more so in some genres than others. Street photography is probably not one of those. At this point, I would probably spend any money on new lenses on something you don't have, like a wide angle, or perhaps a medium zoom lens.

My honest recommendation, given your stated interest, and being fairly new to photography, would be to stick with your 40mm for now and spend more time shooting. With time and experience, you will probably have a better idea of what you really want, and what is more likely to give you more capability. Ask yourself this: What will this lens do for you that your current lens won't?

Also, you mentioned a "cinematic look". Are you using this for video work, or stills? I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for with this, but I suspect that you will achieve that look with how you shoot, and especially, your post editing rather what lens you are using.
 
tonye

tonye

New member
All good advice above. I'm not a Z shooter but do some street work and can only add keep the 40 and get yourself somthing in the 28 - 85 range zoom. Lens speed isn't everything, getting that shot is.
 
Ridz

Ridz

New member
Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed response – I really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.
You’ve made some excellent points, particularly about focusing on shooting more rather than rushing into another purchase. It’s a good reminder to make the most of what I already have and build experience first. Your comments about the minimal difference between the 35mm and 40mm, and the importance of technique and post‑processing for achieving a cinematic look, are especially helpful.
I’ll definitely take your advice on board and spend more time developing my skills with the 40mm before deciding on any new gear.
Thanks again for your honest and helpful guidance!
 
Ridz

Ridz

New member
tonye said:
All good advice above. I'm not a Z shooter but do some street work and can only add keep the 40 and get yourself somthing in the 28 - 85 range zoom. Lens speed isn't everything, getting that shot is.
Click to expand...
That’s really helpful, thank you – I appreciate you adding your perspective.
That’s a great point about lens speed not being everything; getting the shot is what really matters. A zoom in that range is definitely something I’ll consider as it would give me a bit more flexibility than I have now.
Thanks again for the advice!
 
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