Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

...and what's the most obvious choice for my second Nikon Z lens review? Their fast 50mm lens option, of course. It's got a reputation for being sharp - let's see how it really performs.

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All sample pictures taken by me on a Nikon Z7 camera.

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Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

[Eihei]

People who complain that it's "too expensive for nifty fifty" need to understand that it's NOT a plastic fantastic nifty fifty. It's simply a Nikon version of Sony Zeiss 55mm 1.8, except it's slightly sharper and cheaper than Sony. It's absolutely amazing lens.

[chrisparkes]

I cannot overstate how perfect this lens is. Every single time I use it, it delivers. Every. Single. Time.

[LawerChannel]

This lens is just insane. If some day I'll move to Nikon Z system this will be my first lens.

[andgainingspeed]

With 5 1.8 primes at 20, 24, 35, 50 and 85, Nikon has already covered a lot of popular focal lengths with solid performers. Prices seems average against their other ML brands and quality is good. It might not be as sexy as the larger aperture primes that are bound to show up at some point but it looks like Nikon chose the sensible road map. Except for the 50mm f0.95.🤑

[princekhandelwal]

Thanks to your review i bought this Lens for my Nikon ZFC and i'm so happy as the first day in studio when i shot with it without any light just directly amd everyone got shocked that how much clear, sharp and contrasty that image came out, and it was looking much better than my sir's Canon R6 with 85mm 1.4 lens and he was also using studio light but still can't get those colours, contast and sharpness like mine, so happy with this pair and i bought this lens new for 430 dollar here in india.

[marc]

This combo would be my dream : Z7ii + 50 f:1, 8. Period. This lens is light, discret, affordable, and one of the sharpest AF 50mm for hybrid cameras (with the excellent 55 f:1, 8 Sony-Zeiss). And for those who prefer a 50 f:1, 4, Sigma will soon propose the (heavy and big) ART series in Nikon mount.

[detectivejonesw]

At f4 this lens is absolutely phenomenal quality, and wide open it's still excellent for any use case you would have for it

[pahountisg]

I wish canon would make also such a lens, light but high quality, and with a reasonable price. I appreciate the rf 1.2 but it is pricey and heavy.

[kristianaltmann]

Love your lens tests especially for the corner sharpness and now even with the coma. These are very if not the most important aspects for astro photography. Greetings from austria.

[Avinash-wgxl]

this lens sits on my z6 24/7 and i can say for sure that this lens is simply the best 50mm lens ever made.. there is no exaggeration in my statement, its simply a fact.. even nikon couldn't replicate the same performance in other z mount lenses

[sarfaraz.hosseini]

This lens goes on sale every year for $435/£350. I don't know if Nikon will do a summer sale this year, but keep an eye out.

[floodsftears]

This lens is insanely good, and there are often a discounts and Nikon deals so it can be had for about 375€ which is great price. This lens experts say is Zeiss Otus 55 quality with AF and much less money, so good deal however you look at.

[skydj]

Love this lens even with my Nikon Z50.

[tuomas_h]

Thanks for the great review – it illustrates perfectly why I love this lens with my Z 6 and I rarely go anywhere without it.

[escapewheel]

Used this with the Z6 and Z50 and it's spectacular. It is big and somewhat expensive for a 50/1.8, but when you see what it's capable of, it's a bargain compared to some competitor's lenses. Nikon just needs to hurry up and release some compact primes or open the mount up to 3rd party developers.

[tpp]

I truly love the 50mm prime lens. There is something about the quality of the 50mm that produces beautiful shots with lots of light and beautiful colors. The photos also have a nostalgic property to them, in my opinion, possibly because many of our old film family photos feature prime lenses. The 50mm and 35mm are essential to even the amateur photographer, even more than a zoom lens I think.

[shawnzhu]

Just got this lens, I have to say it is definitely worth the value, it is super sharp with an insane resolution

[alvarochan]

Speed of change in focus can be adjusted in camera, I've heard.

[UXXV]

I just compared this to my old AFS 50mm 1.4 F mount and it’s blows it away. Bokeh looks far better too. Glad I picked this one up!

[timlinssen]

Epic lens, but the price might be a bit much at first glance for a 1.8... However well earned, as this review show once more. The trick is to wait for a good sale price. Got mine from Germany for around 370 euros.