Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs F MOUNT 50mm - Review

Realising that we'd never quite gotten around to producing a definitive review on the 50mm f/1.8 S lens, we decided to take it out and compare it to the F mount versions currently available: the AF-S 50mm f/1.4G and the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G.

The real questions are whether the Z lens is worth the extra expense, and whether or not you can truly see a difference between the image quality. Watch on to see Becky and Kon reveal the answers to those burning questions!

In this video:
Z 50mm f/1.8 S

AF-S 50mm f/1.8G

AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Presentation:

with Coupon Code: YTLIVE22
(minimum spend £50, can be used in conjunction with other coupons or discounts, excludes merchandise)

#nikon​ #photography #nikonz

[marleenvandam]

The 50 S lens was my first intro on the Z6 into Nikon Z and I was just blown away of the qualtities of this lens.

[robertholloway]

Got a 50 1.4 G which I kept for my F6, Z mount now. Z6ii, Z9, 14-30, 24-70, 70-200, 20mm, 105mm MC, 50 1.8 in transit to me now and the 400 4.5 on order. It took me years to amas my f mount cameras and lenses, sold the lot in December went fully Z mount and have never looked back. Wasn't going to buy the 50 but watched Matt Irwin's review and couldn't say no, Thanks to Kon and Becky for pitting me on to Matt, I'm gradually going through his entire catalogue. Great review and great vlog as usual.

[GrffD]

I have the 1.8G which I am keeping for my F-mount cameras. The S 50mm even on the Z6ii is IMHO significantly better in the way the colour, sharpness and focus works. I was not expecting much of a difference, but was pleasantly surprised at the quality of results.

[tedk]

Wonderful to see England's country side especially the apothecary garden this week, I am going to read about it. My wife and I live in Florida but we both have a keen interest in the history of Britain and have studied the period from about 40 BC to 400 Ad. Love the countryside with rock fences. Anyhow I recently sold my 35mm 1.8 G and 50mm 1.8 G as I now have a Z6 and a Z9. This was a informative video, thanks to both of you.

[rjpg]

The daisy shot and the profile pics proved that the Z50 1.8 is definitely sharper. Good vid, tks!

[davewalker]

Never had the F 50s but love my Z 50 f1.8.love shooting with fast primes and that Z 50 is a perfect street photography companion

[bmwohl]

Thank you, guys. Great video for me. I have F mount 50s including 1.8; 1.4 and 2.0 but I still splurged for the Z 50 1.8 during NikonUSA's recent sale. Becky, I think you would really appreciate the Peak Design waist belt for your pack. The pack would ride higher and better.

[RobertJones-zvhw]

I’ve bought a Nikon Z5 used. Very pleased with it. I own the Nikon 50 1.8 G adapted. I tried the 50 1.8 S and felt it was easier to capture the image with less thought, but I chose to invest in a different native Z lens. I miss the 1.8 S, but I’m saving up to either purchase it or get 85 1.8S, which I heard is equally impressive

[victorlim]

I have the nifty fifty 50mm F1.8G but never loved it. Just didn't have the wide open sharpness. Even the 35mm F1.8G was better. Happy to hear the 50mm F1.8 Z lens is sharp wide open.

[Iana]

Another great video. I got the Z 50 1.8 for my Z6 at the time you had an unbeatable price back in November 2020 so it was silly not to buy. What you did not say was how quiet the Z 50mm compared with F 50mm 1.8 which makes much more suitable if you are going to use for video as well as stills. At the time I purchased it I was using it for Zoom meetings. Sometimes it is good just to go out with a 50mm prime forces you to be a little more creative. Thanks for the review.

[kevingoza]

Love the way you guys interact in your reviews. Great presentation!

[nickcucchiara]

Great video, 1.4 G here and nice to see the differences. No mirrorless on my end yet and happy with my lens as is on my D850.

[omniconcepts_]

I have a Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8s Lens mounted to a FTZII adapter W/ Nikon Z5. I am pleased with quality of images I am getting . Lovely modeling demonstration.

[chrishilton]

Nice video. A little while back I did a hard comparison of 50mm Nikon offerings and found the Z 50mm f/1.8 and the f/1.2 to be very close in quality and leaps and bounds better than the older offerings. I ended up with the f/1.2 in a no compromise moment and because I never owned a 1.2 in my life until that one. All that said, I think all of these are great and can produce some nice shots in the right hands. Thanks for this and I can't wait to see the 85mm version... HINT HINT

[sapke]

Thanks for the video. I use my 50mm 1.8G with extension tubes for macro on my D850

[randallbrander]

Failed to mention that you were shooting on an APSC/DX Camera with a 1.5 crop. So I own all of the Z F/1.8 S Primes and my first choice was the 85mm. 50mm was my second choice than the 35mm. Nikkor Z Primes are FABULOUS in my opinion and well worth the price. I have the 50mm on the most important camera view of my studio setup. The Puppy Cam. 🐕 Love your videos and stream. Stay Safe and Keep Smiling! Cheers!

[kaminobatto]

I think one inportant factor you guys did not discuss is that CA is better controlled in the Z lens. I have all three, and CA is almost nonexistent in the Z lens wide open while it definitely shows in the other two. That said, I love CA! It's part of a lens' character for me, and I only use the Z 50 when I want that extra punch of sharpness and cleanliness. However, when I want character, I go with either of the other two, or even a 58 1.4G too over the Z 50.

[SAllanBain]

Much as I'd like another 50mm lens I already have 8: (a 1.4D, a 1.4G and a 1.8E, plus 5 1980's era Pentax 1.4, 1.7, and F2 lenses). Another one might seem excessive. I've had results that I was very pleased with using the 1.4G on my Z6 and would probably use it more except I'm continually blown away by the results from my 24-70 F4 S lens. I agree with the comment about Z lenses all being larger because of how close the sensor is to the flange. I still use my Pentax M series 35mm kit because sometimes I don't want to be lugging large and heavy equipment around; even when I know that I will get super sharp results from the Z series kit, or that my F5 will nail the 35mm film shot every time. I'd be surprised, and impressed, if the 1.8S focuses as fast as my F mount 1.4D does on a Nikon F5. I'd love to know for sure if it is faster.

[nigeluk]

I do have the 50mm z 1.8, and do love it 😀 you've got to remember that it is the collective design of over 80 years of development of Nikon lenses. Only thing I don't like is the size of it, funny really when you consider the 50mm 1.8 G with adaptor are around the same size 🤔. Its a pity they couldn't make it more like the 40mm f2 z in size?

[PaulCornish]

Please put the images side by side for the comparison.