Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G review

The Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G nifty fifty is equally appealing for DX and FX format DSLRs

Nikon AF-S 50mm f1.8G
(Image: © Nikon)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Fairly small, lightweight and inexpensive, this Nikon lens combines a classic 50mm focal length with a fast f/1.8 aperture. It gives a standard viewing angle on Nikon FX (full-frame) cameras and works equally well as a short telephoto on DX (APS-C) format bodies, where it’s ideal for portraiture and still life photography. Despite the budget price tag, it features a ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system and delivers good image quality and all-round performance.

Pros

  • +

    Ring-type ultrasonic AF

  • +

    Weather-sealed mount

  • +

    Affordable price tag

Cons

  • -

    Lacklustre edge sharpness at f/1.8

  • -

    Poorly rounded aperture

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Despite being an own-brand NIKKOR lens, the perennially popular Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is reasonably inexpensive to buy. Even so, it has a good quality build and certainly isn’t short on features. It’s FX compatible and works equally well as a ‘75mm’ short telephoto on DX cameras. 

Specifications

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.