NIKKOR Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S Lens – Review

Prologue | Specifications | Performance | Recommendation | Ratings

Price-

Around $200 in 2013.

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Prologue (Intro) –

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S is the first Nikkor 50mm lens that has an aspherical element ,even the more expensive and higher-end Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G does not have one.

This lens comes with a quiet and fast auto focus motor which gives reliable control and enable this lens to autofocus on cheaper Nikons like D3100, D5100 and the D5200 unlike the nifty Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D.

Specifications –

1.Focal Length

As a prime lens is expected to be , this Nikkor has fixed focal length of 50 mm on a FX format camera. On a DX format camera it gives the angle of view of 75mm lens due to the Crop factor.

2. Aperture

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S has a Maximum Aperture of f/1.8 and a Minimum Aperture of f/16.

No aperture ring present.

3.Diaphragm

This 50mm f/1.8 G Nikkor lens is equipped with seven rounded diaphragm blades which contribute to a visibly more circular bokeh giving an enhanced natural appearance to out of focus background elements. Bokehlicious 😀

3.Mount

This Nikkor has a metal mount which gives longevity and strength to the lens. Though i won’t suggest holding your mounted camera with the lens.

4.Barrel and Rings

The build quality of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S is remarkably decent owing to an outer barrel made out of high quality plastics. A rubber gasket surrounds the lens mount, protecting the lens from dust and moisture.

The front element does not rotate so using a polarize filter is efficiently possible.

The rubberized focus ring operates reasonably smooth.It is conveniently located on the front of the barrel, making it easy to manually focus with a thumb and index fingers while shooting images or video. So i am giving it a full 10/10 for ergonomics.

5.Hood

A dedicated HB-46, barrel shaped hood with bayonet mount is supplied in the package.

6.Filter Thread

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S has a 58 mm plastic filter thread.

I  recommend to use the filter so that the front element remains dust free. Its easier to clean the filter rather than the front element of the lens as it is recessed in design, which prevents ghosting though.

7.Size and Weight

This Nikon has an approximate dimensions of 2.8 inches(72.1 mm) x 2.1 inches(52.4 mm).

Approximate weight of this equipment is 6.6 oz.(185 g).

Performance –

1.Focus

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S has an M/A focus mode switch enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation.There’s manual override at any time by turning the focus ring in the AF mode(labelled M/A) .Though the AF speed is not overly fast, it is accurate and quiet due to integrated Silent Wave Motor. I personally prefer manual focus so not a big deal for me but instant manual over ride is a nice feature to have, just in case. 😉

Minimum focus distance 0.3 m.

2.Sharpness

With the aspherical design incorporated in the mechanics of the lens , this Nikkor lens gives a sharp performance at every aperture.

#Courtesy Nikon

The lens has supreme bokeh of out-of-focus backgrounds which are soft and non-distracting. Contrast of this lens is great even wide open. Sharpness in the center is excellent . So yeah its sharp sharp sharp…

3.Falloff (Dark Corners) –

Although nothing much here to be blamed on Dx-Format sensors because of the crop factor, falloff is evident in Fx-format cameras. But nothing fancy here, every lens has it.

4. Flares and Ghosts –

I didn’t saw any flares or ghosts even when pointing directly into sun thanx to its amazingly performing optics. Using an noncoated filter might cause ghosts but you cant blame it on this nice little fellow.

5. Distortion –

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G shows average to moderate amount of distortion although it can be corrected later on with photoshop but if shooting brick-walls or patterns is your thing, then this is not the lens for you. Surprisingly the cheaper 50mm f/1.8 D shows almost zero distortion and can serve as very satisfying substitute for this lens for half the price.

#Straight grid as seen by camera

PixeLarge Recommendation-