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

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens — image 1
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87%
80%
Autofocus Performance
92%
Image Sharpness
91%
Value for Money
85%
Low-Light Performance
88%
Build Quality
94%
Portability/Size
87%
Compatibility with DX Format
89%
Bokeh Effect
85%
Ease of Use
90%
Versatility for Portraits
84%
Lens Distortion
72%
Focus Speed in Low-Light
91%
Customer Satisfaction
More

Overview

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens is a compact and versatile prime lens designed specifically for Nikon DSLR cameras. With its fast f/1.8 aperture, this lens is particularly suited for low-light photography and achieving stunning portrait shots with a beautifully blurred background. Optimized for both full-frame (FX) and crop-sensor (DX) formats, this prime lens offers exceptional optical performance, making it a great addition to any Nikon user’s kit. Whether you’re capturing portraits or shooting in challenging lighting, this lens promises clear, sharp images with minimal distortion.

Features & Benefits

One of the standout features of this Nikon lens is its Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which provides quiet and precise autofocus, perfect for both stills and video. The inclusion of an aspherical lens element reduces distortion, ensuring sharp, high-quality images even at wider apertures. Additionally, this lens is incredibly lightweight at just 6.5 ounces, making it easy to carry around for travel and street photography. Its durable construction and compact size further enhance its appeal as a go-to lens for photographers on the move.

Best For

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is perfect for photographers looking for a fast, affordable prime lens that delivers professional-grade performance. It excels in portrait photography, thanks to its wide aperture and ability to create beautiful bokeh. This lens is also great for users who need a reliable option for shooting in low-light conditions, capturing crisp, bright images even when lighting is less than ideal. Nikon DSLR owners will especially appreciate its entry-level pricing combined with excellent optical quality.

User Feedback

Users generally praise this Nikon lens for its sharpness and clarity, particularly when shooting wide open at f/1.8. Many photographers mention how it provides excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget but still wanting to achieve high-quality results. However, some users note that the autofocus can be a bit slower in low-light settings, especially when compared to more expensive lenses. Despite this, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many satisfied with its performance for both portraits and general photography.

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Pros

  • This Nikon lens delivers sharp and clear images, particularly at wide apertures.
  • Its f/1.8 aperture performs well in low-light situations, making it ideal for indoor and night photography.
  • The lens is lightweight and compact, perfect for travel and street photography.
  • Autofocus is quiet and accurate, thanks to the Silent Wave Motor (SWM).
  • It offers excellent value for money, particularly for entry-level Nikon DSLR users.
  • The aspherical lens element reduces distortion, enhancing overall image quality.

Cons

  • Some users report slower autofocus performance in low-light environments.
  • The lens feels somewhat plasticky, which may not satisfy those expecting a more premium build.
  • While suitable for portrait shots, the autofocus speed may not meet the needs of fast-paced photography.
  • The lens lacks advanced weather sealing, limiting its durability in harsh conditions.
  • Users with DX-format cameras may find the field of view narrower than expected due to the crop factor.
  • There are occasional complaints about chromatic aberrations when shooting at wide apertures.

Ratings

After analyzing authentic user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, we’ve generated comprehensive ratings for the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens. Only verified, high-quality feedback informed these results, while spam, duplicated, or incentivized reviews were filtered out. The ratings reflect a balanced mix of strengths and potential concerns, offering an honest view of this popular lens from a variety of sources worldwide.

Autofocus Performance
80%
20%
Many users are satisfied with the autofocus speed, especially in well-lit conditions. The Silent Wave Motor ensures quick and accurate focusing for most general photography needs, making it ideal for portraits and daytime shots.
However, some users find that the autofocus struggles in low-light conditions, leading to slower focus times. In dimmer environments, it can occasionally miss the mark, which may be frustrating for those shooting in challenging lighting.
Image Sharpness
92%
Users are consistently impressed with the sharpness of images, particularly at wide apertures. The aspherical lens element contributes to clean, detailed shots, and it performs excellently for portraits with crisp subject focus and smooth backgrounds.
A few users noted that while sharpness is great at wide apertures, it can drop off a little in extreme conditions or with high-contrast scenes. However, this is generally a minor issue for most everyday shooting situations.
Value for Money
91%
The lens offers strong value for its price point, delivering exceptional quality and performance typically found in more expensive options. Many buyers consider it an affordable option for those looking to upgrade their kit without breaking the bank.
Some buyers feel that while it's priced competitively, it may not outperform higher-end lenses in every aspect, particularly in terms of advanced features. A few also mentioned that the build quality could be better considering the cost.
Low-Light Performance
85%
The f/1.8 aperture allows for great performance in low-light environments, allowing users to shoot in darker settings without needing a flash. It's well-suited for indoor events and evening portraits, giving great results in typical low-light situations.
While the lens performs well in most low-light scenarios, some users have reported slight softness in images when the lighting is particularly poor. The autofocus can also slow down in challenging low-light conditions.
Build Quality
88%
The lens is lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for travel and street photography. Its compact design means it's easy to carry around all day without feeling weighed down, which many users appreciate.
Though the build is generally solid, a few users have noted that it feels somewhat plasticky compared to higher-end lenses. Some wished it had a more premium feel, especially considering the performance of other similar lenses.
Portability/Size
94%
The 50mm f/1.8G lens is extremely portable, making it a top choice for those who need something compact and easy to carry. Its small size is perfect for photographers who travel often or need a lens for quick street shots.
There aren’t many complaints about its size, but some users have mentioned that the small size can make it feel a bit delicate, which requires extra care when handling in rough conditions.
Compatibility with DX Format
87%
The lens works well with both FX and DX-format Nikon cameras, offering a flexible solution for different users. For DX users, the 50mm lens provides an effective focal length closer to 75mm, which is a great range for portraits and general use.
While it’s compatible with DX cameras, some DX-format users feel that the crop factor slightly limits its versatility in certain scenarios. The field of view is not as wide as it would be on a full-frame camera.
Bokeh Effect
89%
The large aperture of the 50mm f/1.8G lens provides a beautiful bokeh effect, creating a smooth, blurred background that enhances subject isolation. This feature is particularly appreciated by portrait photographers.
Some users find that the bokeh isn't as creamy as expected in certain conditions, especially in bright or harsh lighting. However, this is not a significant issue for most users who are satisfied with its overall effect.
Ease of Use
85%
The lens is very user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that makes it easy for beginners to get the hang of. It’s also fast and responsive, which is appreciated by photographers who value efficiency in their gear.
A few users reported that the manual focus ring could be smoother and more precise. This can be an issue for those who prefer to focus manually in specific situations, such as macro shots.
Versatility for Portraits
90%
Many buyers highlight the versatility of this lens for portrait photography. The f/1.8 aperture allows for a pleasing depth of field, while the lens's sharpness helps to capture fine details of skin texture and other portrait features.
Some users felt the lens could perform better for professional-level portraiture, particularly for highly detailed shots. The autofocus also occasionally struggles in fast-paced portrait sessions, leading to minor delays.
Lens Distortion
84%
For the most part, lens distortion is well-controlled, especially compared to other lenses in this price range. Users appreciate the minimal chromatic aberration and the ability to capture images without major distortion, especially for everyday use.
A few users did notice some mild barrel distortion, particularly in wide-angle shots. This is most noticeable when photographing straight lines or architecture, but it's generally not an issue for most casual users.
Focus Speed in Low-Light
72%
28%
The lens performs decently in low-light situations with reasonably quick focus in moderate lighting. The autofocus generally does well in normal lighting conditions, making it a good choice for typical indoor and evening photography.
In low-light environments, the autofocus can be frustratingly slow, especially for action shots or fast-moving subjects. This drawback is particularly evident when using the lens indoors or in dimly lit settings.
Customer Satisfaction
91%
Overall, users are very satisfied with the performance of this lens, noting its value, sharpness, and ease of use. Many feel that it offers exceptional quality for the price, and it’s become a staple in many Nikon photographer’s kits.
Some customers felt that while the lens performs well, it could benefit from additional features such as better weather sealing or faster autofocus in certain lighting conditions. However, these complaints were generally minimal compared to the positives.

Suitable for:

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who need a fast, versatile, and affordable prime lens. It's particularly well-suited for entry-level Nikon DSLR owners looking for a lens that delivers sharpness and good low-light performance without a hefty price tag. Users who frequently shoot portraits or low-light scenes will appreciate its f/1.8 aperture and minimal distortion, making it ideal for isolating subjects and achieving beautiful background blur. Its compact size also makes it highly portable, a great benefit for travel and street photographers who need a lightweight lens they can carry for long hours of shooting.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best fit for photographers who demand top-tier autofocus performance in low-light conditions, as some users reported slower focus speeds in dim environments. Professionals or those needing the fastest autofocus for action shots or fast-moving subjects might find it limiting, especially in challenging lighting. Additionally, while the lens offers great value for the price, those seeking the utmost in build quality or advanced features may be disappointed, as the materials feel somewhat plasticky compared to higher-end lenses. Finally, users of DX-format cameras who expect the same wide-field experience as with full-frame might feel restricted by the crop factor.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 50mm fixed focal length provides a standard perspective ideal for portraits and general photography.
  • Maximum Aperture: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, enabling low-light shooting and shallow depth of field.
  • Lens Type: This is a prime lens, offering superior image quality and sharpness compared to zoom lenses.
  • Mount: Compatible with Nikon F (FX) mount, allowing use with both full-frame and crop-sensor (DX) cameras.
  • Autofocus: The lens features autofocus capability, powered by Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet and precise focusing.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The minimum focus distance is 1.48 feet (0.45m), making it suitable for close-up shots.
  • Aspherical Lens Element: An aspherical lens element helps reduce distortion and enhances image sharpness.
  • Filter Size: The lens has a 58mm filter size, allowing for easy use with standard lens filters.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 2.83 x 2.83 x 2.09 inches, making it compact and easy to carry.
  • Weight: It weighs just 6.5 ounces (185g), contributing to its lightweight design and portability.
  • Build Quality: The lens features a durable build, ensuring long-lasting use for both travel and street photography.
  • Compatibility: The lens is compatible with both Nikon DX and FX DSLR cameras, offering versatility for different camera formats.
  • Image Quality: The lens delivers high-resolution, sharp images with minimal chromatic aberrations, even at wide apertures.
  • Ideal for Portraits: With its f/1.8 aperture and shallow depth of field, the lens is well-suited for portraiture, providing excellent subject isolation.
  • SWM (Silent Wave Motor): The Silent Wave Motor ensures quiet autofocus, making this lens an excellent choice for discreet photography.
  • Price Point: This lens is considered an affordable option in the prime lens category, providing excellent value for money.
  • Bokeh: The wide aperture creates a smooth, creamy bokeh effect, ideal for artistic background blur in portraits.

FAQ

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens has a wide f/1.8 aperture, which allows more light to hit the sensor, making it ideal for shooting in low-light environments. This aperture, combined with its sharpness at wide settings, enables clear, detailed images even in dimly lit situations.

Yes, this prime lens is compatible with both full-frame (FX) and crop-sensor (DX) Nikon DSLR cameras. On a DX camera, it provides a field of view equivalent to a 75mm lens due to the crop factor, making it suitable for portraits and general photography.

While the autofocus is generally precise and quiet thanks to the Silent Wave Motor (SWM), some users have noted that it can be slower in very low-light situations. It's best suited for steady shooting, but in extremely dim conditions, you might notice a slight delay in focusing.

Yes, this lens is excellent for portraits due to its 50mm focal length and wide aperture. The shallow depth of field at f/1.8 creates a beautiful background blur (bokeh), helping your subject stand out while keeping the image sharp and clear.

Yes, this lens is quite lightweight, weighing only 6.5 ounces, making it very portable and easy to carry for travel or street photography. Its compact size also makes it a great option for photographers on the go.

No, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens does not come with a lens hood in the box. However, you can purchase one separately to help reduce lens flare and protect the front element from scratches.

The aspherical lens element in the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens helps minimize optical distortions, such as spherical aberrations, which can lead to blurry images or color fringing. This results in sharper, more accurate images across the frame, even when shooting wide open.

Compared to other prime lenses, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G stands out for its excellent balance of price and performance. It's affordable yet delivers sharp images, fast autofocus, and is versatile for both FX and DX cameras, making it a top choice for many photographers, especially those starting with DSLR photography.

Yes, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens is suitable for video recording, especially due to its silent autofocus and sharp image quality. However, for fast-paced video work or where quick autofocus is needed, some users may prefer lenses with more advanced focusing systems.

While this lens is highly effective for many types of photography, some professionals might find its autofocus a bit slow in low-light or fast-moving subjects. Additionally, it lacks weather sealing, so it’s not ideal for extreme outdoor conditions, which might be a limitation for those who frequently shoot in challenging environments.