Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2016

--UPDATED REVIEW--
After a good deal of time using the 50mm f/1.4D, I decided that I wanted to pick up a quieter auto-focus lens so I decided to give the 50mm f/1.8G another shot. I'm pleased to say that the experience has been much better this time around.

On my D810 and D850, it's still not wicked sharp wide open, but few lenses are on those camera. Once I stop down to around f/2.8 or so, it actually gets surprisingly sharp for such a cheap lens. I won't get into color rendition because it seems rather pointless given how much the colors get changed anyway during post-processing. Overall, I find the rendition of the lens to be rather clinical, which is to say that it's seems to focus more on accurately recording the scene in sharp detail rather than imparting "character" as some other lenses tend to do. I find this to be a good thing in a 50mm since the focal length itself tends to be one that most photographers would consider to be the "normal" focal length.

Overall, this lens has been a joy to use this second time around which makes me wonder what was going on with that first copy. Maybe it got knocked around during shipping? I don't know. Either way, after experiencing what this lens is capable of offering, I felt compelled to come and update this review because it really is a great lens for the beginner and enthusiast alike that's offered a very reasonable price.

-- OLD REVIEW --
Given all of the positive reviews, I probably just got a bad copy, but the lens was just unacceptably soft for me which I didn't expect since it flies in the face of most of the reviews I've read about this. As far as I could tell, it wasn't a front or back-focusing issue as micro-adjustments didn't seem to help at all and in order to get my copy as sharp as I wanted, I had to stop it down to f5.6, which just completely defeats the purpose.

Ended up returning it and trying out a 50mm 1.4D which I just decided to stick with. I know I could have exchanged it and it probably would have been fine, but the whole experience just left a bad taste in my mouth.

Aside from my particular issues, I can definitely say that the lens itself felt built pretty well for the price. A lot of people like to cry about how they don't make them like they used to—which usually just means that they don't make them out of metal anymore—but plastics have come a long way over the years and definitely have plenty of benefits. Most of the people that make this complaint just miss that hefty feeling, which is more of an argument of personal preference rather than an argument of the objective merits of the materials used. All materials have their pros and cons, but the materials used to construct this lens seemed more than durable enough while having the benefit of being lightweight.

The autofocus responded quickly and crisply without much hunting at all.

All in all, given the low cost of the lens, it's worth at least trying out. You'll probably have better luck than me.

25 people found this helpful

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shuTTL3bus

Brilliant Lens a review from Someone who owns both the 1.8D and 1.8G and a former owner of the 1.5G.

Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2011

*: BlackVerified Purchase

The 50 f/1.8 is a lens almost every FX shooter should have. However, which one of these you should buy is a little tricky. The D is about $80 cheaper, is smaller, lighter, has less distortion, and has manual aperture control. The D doesn't have auto focus but as of right now every FX camera has an autofocus motor built in. What the G really brings to the table is curved aperture blades, better construction, sharper corners, quieter autofocus and instant manual override focus.

On a DX camera it is still a no brainer lens but not as much as on a FX. The 1.5x crop makes this a 75mm lens on a DX. Usually portrait lenses start around 85mm. So this lens, on a DX, is too long to be a normal focal length and too short to be a portrait lens. With that said, those are just generalities. Even at 75mm it will work great in a dark house and great outside. In the house you may find yourself running out of room to back up. However, that can probably help some peoples photography as one of the biggest mistakes most people make is not framing in close enough. The 35mm f1.8 DX only lens is probably a better starting lens to get as it is ~52mm on the DX and the 50mm f1.8 a good second lens.

I used to own the f1.4G but it was stolen from me. I personally don't believe it is worth the extra money over this. It has 9 rounded aperture blades for a smother bokeh and is 2/3 stop faster but has significant distortion. Also, it has been shown that many manufactures have been playing with the ISO on the edges to get the f1.4. At very wide apertures the light hitting the edges of the sensor is not perpendicular to the sensor but is angled. Because digital sensors are very sensitive to the direction of light, camera manufactures have been increasing the ISO at the edges of the sensor to get the same amount of light as the middle. This causes some noise. It is not hugely noticeable but you are paying a premium for a slightly worse image. However, the bokeh is nicer, you can shoot a 2/3 faster in low light, and you have a shallower depth of field. If those are important to you then the 1.4G is the way to go.

Compared to the 1.8D the 1.8G is
Bigger
Will autofocus on the cheaper bodies with no built in auto focus motor (D3100 and D5100)
A little better optically in the corners but has more distortion
About $80 more expensive
Has full time access to manual focusing
7 rounded aperture blades instead of straight
tops out at f16 instead of f22
has quieter focus

If you have a body that has a built in autofocus motor and you want the smallest lightest and cheapest kit then the 1.8D is a no brainer.

If you don't have the built in autofocus motor and size is not an issue or you want instant ability to manually focus then the 1.8G is the way to go.

The 50 f1.8 is a brilliant lens and one of the true bargains in photography. A must for almost every kit.

253 people found this helpful

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Madison Fisher

If You Like A Blurred Background, BUY!

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024

*: BlackVerified Purchase

I decided to buy a Nikon D3300 to revisit my photography urge. I'm so glad I bought this lens to accompany the camera! It's fantastic. The quality is perfect for portraits. Perfect for getting that sharp focus on your desired target! I bought mine "used-very good" and it didn't let me down!

2 people found this helpful

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Old Coyote

An Excellent Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens at an Incredible Price

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2021

*: BlackVerified Purchase

Is it really possible to get an excellent Nikon FX-format prime lens at such a low price? Yes it is!

This is the first Nikon prime lens I've had in a while, and I am completely satisfied with its performance on my Nikon Z6 using the FTZ adapter. After having used the f/ 4 stock zoom lens for a year, I'm impressed with the low light ability of this considerably faster 50mm prime lens. And of course the much shallower depth of field. If you already have a nice zoom lens and want to check out prime lenses, this 50mm f/1.8 lens is an incredibly inexpensive place to start.

I've had a chance to use this lens in bright sunlight and indoor gloom, and find the picture quality to be sharp, and of high quality in general (allowing for my skill level as a photographer). I haven't run any "tests" but distortion seems to be minimal, colors accurate.

Autofocus on this lens is par for the Nikon standard - not always the fastest to zero in on an accurate focus, particularly in lower light situations. This lens is quite light-weight, giving it a bit less heft than Nikon's higher end lenses. Although functionality and image quality are excellent and the build quality seems high, this lens feels less significant than the heavier higher-end lenses. Of course, the lighter weight is certainly nice when you are carrying the camera.

Overall, this is an incredible high-quality lens at an incredible price. If you have a Nikon Z or Nikon FX-compatible camera, you have no reason not to buy this lens right now. Not at this price.

3 people found this helpful

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Peter Doherty

Very capable, affordable lens

Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023

*: BlackVerified Purchase

I've been very happy with this lens. It does take a bit of getting used to if you've never used a true macro lens before, though.

I've used it for all manner of photos and it consistently produces beautiful photos. It works surprisingly well for portraits and action shots. I will include some photos as soon as I process them.

I have a Nikon D5100 and the autofocus works perfectly. I also opted for a used lens because I'm a complete hack photographer and, even though the condition wasn't great (as advertised) it still works without fail.

I'd highly recommend it to new photographers looking to try a new lens format.

One person found this helpful

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Mike Andren

Not Easy to Use

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2022

*: BlackVerified Purchase

This is a tough lens to use on my D7500.
With crop factor it is 75mm. A lot of things are too close.
With no VR on either lens or camera, and the high pixel density of the D7500, the minimum reliable shutter speed for handheld shooting, IMO, is about 320.
I can go lower but have to take multiple shoots.
Going under under 2.8 can bring up LOCA issues.
On a dim day, f8 comes in at about 1200 or higher ISO.
Once you’re in the right range for the lens though, it takes sharp pictures. But it’s not easy to use.

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Mickey

Why I Chose 50mm (Vice 35mm or 40mm) for DX Camera

Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2014

*: BlackVerified Purchase

Like others, I had to debate for my D5100 did I want 50mm, 35mm, or even the 40mm Macro. I read the reviews and finally pulled the trigger on the 50mm F1.8. So far (a few days) I love it. The lens is fast and sharp, and I really like it.

I wanted a lens that I could use in-doors without a flash, and would have good image quality (pleasant pictures Bokeh/Contast/Sharpness). I also wanted a lens with nice Bokeh (background blurring).

I was a bit afraid of the 35mm, I read some reviews that faces up close might look distorted (i.e. big noses). The 50mm is more 'natural' in this regard, and with the DX sensor gives the equivalent FOV of a 75mm lens - so you don't want to go much above 50mm for in-doors. Although I have not used the 35mm, I also felt that the Bokeh might not be as nice because the 35mm is a bit 'wider' than the 50mm and therefore the depth of field (what enables the Bokeh) would not be as shallow, so more of the background (and foreground) would be in 'focus', thus ruining the Bokeh. (I might be totally off base on this, but when I played around with my kit lens, it seems that a lot more was in focus with the wider angle settings.)

So now I had to choose between the 50mm and the 40mm Macro. I really wanted the low-light performance and Bokeh, so not only is the 50mm a stop faster (F1.8 vs F2.8), but also provides a narrower depth of focus at the smallest F number. I also read reviews of the 40mm Macro, and felt that I would have to get too close to the subject (40mm?) to really get the Macro functionality. I will have to deal with the Macro photography at some other time.

In any case, the 50mm F1.8 feels solid - it has a metal mount rather than the plastic - it feels much nicer to mount it on the D5100 rather than the kit lens. It also is an FX lens so if I ever 'upgrade' the body, I save a whopping $215 in not having to replace the lens :) [FX vs. DX debate - flame retardant suit on.]

The kit includes the bag and hood. The lens is internally focusing so the filter does not turn or move as it does in the kit lens (now I can use a polarizer, and I also don't have to worry about bumping the lens element. The lens also feels pretty light-weight.

5 people found this helpful

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Andrea Polk

Great for blurred background, without loss of subject

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2015

*: BlackVerified Purchase

A fun lens addition to my Nikon D3300 toolbox, I purchased this lens primarily to take portraits and to do some street photos - often in low light conditions. After viewing some YouTube videos about the lens and how it was being used, I took a chance and got this lens in favor of the older 'A' lens that is half the price because of the autofocus and nearly silent operation. The 'G' also makes lights appear round versus hexagon in shape.

The lens' focusing capabilities are not as fast or accurate as I'd hoped out of the box, but in all honesty that could be my inexperience at using it. I believe with time and use my shots will improve. It was an excellent purchase for my purposes; outdoor and indoor family photos, pet photos, low light street shots, and senior portrait photography. I've played with aperture, and have gotten some great shots with other lenses, but this lens makes it virtually impossible to not get a clear shot with a blurred background - exactly as expected. Additionally though, it can also take great landscape shots.

I like that this lens comes with a 5 year warranty, a nice carrying pouch, lens cap, and shield to prevent excess light from causing unwanted effects in photos. A touch expensive, but well worth it in ease of use and quality output for this intermediate DSLR hobbyist.

---------------------------

UPDATE: 9/24/15

I used this lens for taking my daughter's Senior pictures. We went to three locations and spent 3 hours snapping over 300 photos. Much to my delight I ended up with about 20 really great shots, and when posted to Facebook my friends and family asked: "So who took them?" I know they were hoping to hear a name of a local professional photographer, but I was tickled to say '...it was me.'

Remembering that this lens doesn't have a zoom meant getting closer to my subject, but really produced some top notch photos. I shot in RAW and used Photoshop Elements 13 to edit. Overall, really pleased.

-------------------------------

11 people found this helpful

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Ludmila Salloum

Excelente

Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024

*: BlackVerified Purchase

Nada de que quejarme

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Tony Flores

For full frame users, it's a fantastic value.

Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2017

*: BlackVerified Purchase

This more budget minded lens from Nikon is a must own for anyone with a full frame Nikon. For crop sensor owners, maybe the 35mm f/1.8 full frame is a better than the 50mm FF. I look back on the many years I shot with a 50mm on a crop sensor camera. Many years ago, when full frame cameras started at 3,000 US dollars, and I didn't make money doing this, a full frame camera just wasn't an option. My crop sensor camera had a 50mm attached most of the time. Looking back it was a little like looking at the world through a straw. With what amounted to a 75mm lens in FF terms, I missed a lot of shots.

Moving on, a 50mm is so much more useful on a FF camera. This lens is only slightly soft, maybe a little ghost-y if you shoot wide open in certain conditions. I work in the napa valley and shoot lots of events. I shoot with two bodies and a 28mm on one body at all times, the other will sport this 50mm most of the time. I shoot at f2 about 90 percent of the time. I will only stop down a bit if three or four people want a quick group shot. At f2 I never see any softness or other issues as long as the camera nails the focus.

Distortion is almost non existent. There is some vignetting at large apertures, but it's not that strong, I rarely correct for it in lightroom. The focus is quick, and even in low light it rarely causes the camera to hunt. The out of focus areas are pleasing in most cases, but this lens isn't known for having bokeh that will make you drool. My only issue here is that if you shoot nearly wide open up close like a candle, wine bottle or such, the way the lens renders in focus to out of focus areas is very abrupt, and in some cases you can see a hard line where it happens. I've had to dump all my close up shots when I first started using this lens. Now I'm more aware of it and I will use another lens or move back just a touch. This lens is very good at dealing with flare and with strong light or sunlight.

There are other cons that don't affect performance today, but they are little things that bother me. It bugs me that for years Nikon has moved away from optics made in Japan, and moved toward China. Also there are no high end metal body, made in Japan lenses any more. How will this lens perform in 10 or 15 years? Nobody knows. 20-30 year old made in Japan Nikon lenses are still working today, I'm not sure things will be the same for these plastic, Chinese made lenses. For a low cost lens maybe 10 years is enough, but some of these plastic Chinese made Nikon lenses are over 2,000 US dollars... something to think about.

Another odd thing about this lens, the first time you pick it up, you'd swear some glass was missing. It feels hollow and just too light. Sure it's nice, for long shooting days, but it does make it feel cheap. I've owned this lens for about 18 months, purchased at BestBuy for 229 US dollars. For that amount of money, it's a fantastic deal.

How does it compare to the current 50mm f/1.4? I rented the 1.4 and bottom line for me, the 1.4 isn't an upgrade. If anything it's a step down. The auto focus is more accurate with the f/1.8. Also, the optics and coatings seem better on the 1.8, the 1.4 just doesn't seem as good with flare and ghosting wide open or nearly so. I will look at the 50mm 1.4 only if Nikon updates it, I wouldn't even get the 1.4 if it were cheaper, I just don't trust it the way I trust the 1.8.

I'm attaching one photo taken with this lens, it's my sister with my three nephews on a sunset walk Calistoga California December 2015.

23 people found this helpful

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