The 7 sharpest 50mm lenses...ever made? The test results are in...

This year, instead of making videos about the sharpest lens I’ve ever tested, I’m going to break them down into categories – I thought that might be more interesting :-) so the most popular focal length goes first: 50mm.

Two notable lenses are (potentially) missing from this list: the Nikon Z 50mm f/0.95, and the very new Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2, neither of which I've been able to get hold of to test. I don't know what I'm more excited about, by the way: how many fanboys of various camera systems get infuriated by this video, or how many people try to convince me that this video is rubbish because such-and-such a lens has 'Better Microcontrast and 3D-Pop' etc, hehe.

Follow the links below for full reviews and Amazon affiliate links, which go towards supporting this channel!

0:00 Introduction

02:55 Irix 45mm f/1.4 ($700 / £640)

03:44 Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ‘Art’ ($800 / £600)

04:36 Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA ($900 / £700)

05:23 Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA ($1,500 / £1,300)

06:15 Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S ($500 / £500)

07:11 Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 ($3,400 / £3,300)

08:08 APS-C Honourable Mention: Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS ($350 / £290)

08:50 APS-C Honourable Mention: Fuji XF 50mm f/2 R WR ($450 / £450)

09:26 Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 ‘L’ USM ($2,300 / £2,300)

[jrc]

Me: what is the sharpest 50mm?
My wallet: The yong nuo 50mm f1.8

[nightcoderk]

When he said "Sharpness isn't everything", I stared at my vintage lens collection and smiled.

[nicolask.]

As a self-admitted Nikon fanboy, I won't disagree at all - in fact, I'd say this list gives the 50mm 1.8 S plenty of praise. When you're only beat out by lenses that weigh more than two punds and cost over 2000€, but you're a lens at as low as 450€ and weighing a pound, that's still a big accomplishment.

[HeroShotzphoto]

Gotta get that nikon 50 1.2 z in there when its available cant wait for that one.

[AugmentedGravity]

Those RF50 and RF85 F1.2 lenses are absolute marvels of engineering. Honestly, its utterly crazy to see how sharp those lenses are wide open at F1.2. So bright and so sharp.

[richardayres]

Be interested to know how the new Nikon Z 50mm 1.2 does in your test. When you get round to it 😀

[ghas]

I’ve been playing with the Z 50mm f1.2 S and I’m blown away. A couple of reviewers are claiming that it’s better than the RF equivalent, but then it should be considering the difference in size... it’s a beast!

One thing I can say is that for its size, it’s focusing is surprisingly nimble.

[radventures]

I have never made a comment for you sir but I have to say you are the greatest legend in reviewing lenses, you let your viewers keep coming back because your review is based on experience and knowledge of cameras. Merry Christmas brother from a Kenyan in Australia. Howdy

[larrynguyen]

Love the Fuji 50mm f2 — one of my favorite lenses!

[stevelink]

Excellent video as always, Christopher! As a Nikon Z7 landscape and product photographer, one lens that "lured" me into the Z System was the stellar reviews of this Nikkor S 50 f/1.8 lens! Several reviews compared it directly and even favorably to the Zeiss Otus, which is why I was a bit surprised that it came in 3rd, behind the Otus and the Canon. That said, an impressive showing indeed. Thanks again for your detailed and meticulous work!

[andrewrichards]

My Nikon S 50mm f1.8 Z Mount is a stunningly sharp lens

[jdamk]

The z system is starting to look mighty enticing with those reasonably priced lens.

[arttyree]

Another nice video Christopher--thanks. I'm looking at going with the Fujifilm X system, and their lenses look to be scary-sharp; appreciating your coverage of the 50mm. Wishing you joy in remembering His Nativity.

[dramitvaghela]

3:30
Nikon Colours ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Desmond-Hume]

It would be so amazing to watch, this kind of video, for vintage manual lenses too.

[mikewhiles]

Used lots of lenses and I agree the 50 f2 Fuji lens is sweet. Lovely colours and very sharp. It's small lightweight with a good silent AF and best of all it's available for very little money !

[NildoScoop]

As a Canon shooter I thought the Nikkor 58 0.95 Noct would the number one. The rendering of that lens is jawdropping.

[theluminaryinc]

I have the Zeiss 55mm Otus and its my favourite lens, I don't mind the manual focus, most of my lenses are manual focus anyway

[zhengricky]

The next episode: the sharpest standard zoom lens

[marckydasaint]

Thanks for this video Chris. I purchased the Tokina Opera 50mm f1.4 per your recommendation, and love it. I now own the: Old Sigma 50mm f1.4, Canon EF 50 STM, EF 50mm f1.2L, Rokinon SP 50mm f1.2, a host of vintage M42 50's and now this Tokina Opera. The old 50mm L and the Opera are my favorite on my 5dsr and 5d Classic. The Opera is my go-to lately. It seems to blend the sharpness of modern lenses, with the character and smoothness of vintage glass.