The full name of the lens written on its body is Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical, but it is commonly called Nikon 50 / 1.8G.
Nikon 50 / 1.8G - it's fast fifty-degree autofocus lens from Nikon. 'Poltina' or 'fifty-kopeck' is the common name for a lens with a focal length of 50 mm. This focal length is very popular. On old cameras, XNUMX rubles were often installed as a standard lens, but nowadays, XNUMX rubles are attractive for a low price and excellent image quality.
The Nikon 50 / 1.8G lens is an upgrade to the legendary Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor from film cameras. The upgrade touched on the aperture control method, the optical circuit and the built-in focus motor. The new model is heavier and larger in size.
All Nikon 50 / 1.8 Autofocus Lenses
- Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor (first version, MKI) - the lens was produced only in Japan from 1986 to 1990. It is easy to distinguish by a window with a focusing distance and a narrow plastic focus ring. There are two subversions that are no different:
- MKI first subversion. Weighing 210 grams. It is easy to distinguish by the screw under the inscription '1: 1.8'. From September 1986 to March 1987. Serial numbers start at 2
- MKI second version. Weighing 165 grams. It is easy to distinguish by the absence of a screw under the inscription '1: 1.8'. From 1987 to 1990. Serial numbers start at 3.
- Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor (second version, MKII, also known as the 'N', or the 'NEW' version) - the lens was produced in Japan and China. The MK II version was produced from 1990 to 2001. There are three subversions that are no different:
- Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor (third version, MKIIIbetter known as 'D'-version) - the lens is available from 2002 to this day. All lenses are made in China.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical (fourth version, MKIVbetter known as '1.8 G'-version or '1.8 AF-S' version) - the lens has been produced since 2011, all lenses are made in China.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical Special Edition (fifth version, MKVbetter known as version 'Special Edition' or 'SE' or version for the camera with a retro design of the case Nikon Df) - the lens has been available since the fall of 2013. All lenses are made in China.
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm 1: 1.8 S, from summer 2018, lens for mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z mount... Diagram of 12 elements in 9 groups, 2 ED, 2 ASP.
Details on the lineup of fifty dollars from Nikon can be found in my article 'All Nikon autofocus fifty dollars'.
Main technical characteristics of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical
Review Instance Name | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical 2153108 |
Basic properties |
|
Front Filter Diameter | 58 mm, plastic thread for filters |
Focal length | 50 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 75 mm |
Zoom ratio | 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom) |
Designed by | for full-frame digital cameras |
Number of aperture blades | 7 pieces |
Tags | focusing distance in meters and feet, depth of field for F / 16, mark of bayonet mount and hood mount |
Diaphragm | F / 1.8 to F / 16, without aperture ring. |
MDF | 0.45 m, maximal magnification factor 1: 6.7 |
The weight | 185 g |
Optical design | 7 elements in 6 groups, 1 aspherical element (in the optical diagram, the aspherical element is shown in blue). This is Nikon's first fifty kopeck piece to use aspherical elements in its design. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical Special Edition has exactly the same optical design. The image is clickable. |
Lens hood | Nikon HB-47 |
Manufacturer country | MADE IN CHINA |
Period | From April 2011 -> |
Instructions | See |
Price |
Nikon since available Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor, has not updated its set of fifty dollars for a long time. Before the Nikon 50 / 1.8G was released, there was only a choice between expensive f / 1.4 models and between the old non-motorized Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor... With the release of the new, relatively cheap Nikon 50 / 1.8G, users non-powered cameras got the opportunity to use aperture poltina without special investment.
Most importantly, what you need to know about the Nikon 50 / 1.8G:
1. The lens is also suitable for FX and DX cameras. That is, the lens can be used at full frame, for example, on full-frame FX cameras Nikon D600, D3s, D800, D750 etc., and on cropped cameras, for example, on Nikon D3300, D90, D5200 etc.
2. The lens has focus motor Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which means the lens can be used for everyone Nikon digital SLR cameras. The lens will automatically focus even on entry-level non-powered cameras: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500.
3. The lens is marked “G”. This means the Nikon 50 / 1.8G has no aperture ring. The diaphragm is controlled only by the camera. This will prevent the lens from being used on older film cameras, or for example for macro with reversible adapter... This is not a disadvantage, but a tribute to the times. Almost all lenses now come without an aperture ring. You can read more about 'G' and 'Non-G' lenses here.
4. The diameter of the front filter is 58 mm, the same as that of Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor. The lens is made of plastic, the assembly is good. Bayonet mount metal. All Nikon 50 / 1.8G lenses are manufactured in China.
5. Focusing method. When focusing, the entire lens block moves. It is very important that the lens does not have internal focus. But at the same time, the method itself is made quite unusual, when focusing, the inner part of the lens moves, which is located in the middle of the pyramidal front frame. And that means that the trunk of the lens does not extend or rotate when focusing.
6. High speed focus. But always remember that the speed and accuracy of focusing is also associated with the camera itself and a number of other factors. The lens has focus distance scale. The distance is indicated in meters and feet. There is also a depth of field scale for F / 16.
7. On the lens housing can be found focus switch 'M / A - M'. In the 'M / A' position, auto focus works with constant manual focus priority. The 'M / A' mode is very convenient and useful - for manual focusing or focus correction, you do not need to additionally switch the lens to the 'M' mode.
8. The minimum focusing distance is 45 cm. The maximum ratio when magnified is 1: 6.7. You can’t shoot a macro with this lens, but at the same time it’s easy to shoot small objects.
9. When used on cropped cameras with Nikon DX, the viewing angle will be narrower than at full frame. It will appear that the viewing angle will be equivalent to the lens 75 mm full frame... This allows using the lens on cameras with a cropped matrix without any problems as a good portrait lens. But, please note that in fact Nikon 50 / 1.8G is just a universal fast prime lens, and it is not designed for a portrait. Anyway, the classic focal length for portraits starts at 80 mm.
10. Aperture. Yes, f / 1.8 is great aperture for shooting in low light. The lens can really be used in low light conditions. Well, if you want an even brighter lens, then you need to look at its brothers - Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor and Nikon 50mm f / 1.4D AF Nikkor.
About the picture (photo quality)
The image is sharp already with F / 1.8. Maximum sharpness is achieved in the area of the aperture F / 5.6. The contrast is very good. The lens tolerates back and side light, sometimes it can catch hares. The bokeh of the lens is smooth and smooth, not as rough as that of Nikon 50mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor. When the aperture is closed, the lens makes of luminous objects 14 beam stars. On the open diaphragm, pronounced freezing. Chromatic aberrations quite strong up to F2.8, but this is typical of this kind of lenses. By the way, Nikon 50 / 1.8G for 2013 is Nikon's only fifty dollars using special aspherical element. In general, image quality is on top.
Sample photos on Nikon D5100
All photos from Nikon D5100 without treatment. Reduced size and imprinted data with EXIF.
You will find many more examples in my post 'Fall 2020 on Nikon D40 and Nikkor 50 / 1.8G'
Sample photos on Nikon D700
In more detail about all-all 50-mm fast autofocus lenses Nikon can read here.
Sample photos on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro
Examples on the legendary camera Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (Nikon F mount) see here.
Video review
Video review available at this link, or embedded below:
Lens prices
Real prices for the lens in online stores can
- View on E-katalog
- View on Euroset
- View on Outlet
- View on Magazilla
- Look at Ozone
- View on Nadavi
- View in Svyaznoy
- View on M. Video
Conclusions
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical is a good fast prime. Suitable as a budget portrait lens on DX cameras, it has good sharpness and color reproduction. I believe Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical the most optimal fifty dollars in the price \ quality section.
UPDATE: in 2016, a Chinese copy of this lens appeared at a cost 2-3 times lower than the original. See YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 review (YN50mm F1.8N).
If there are any incomprehensible moments on the lens, ask me in the comments.
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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Yes, maybe I gave it to the service, they returned it as having no shortcomings. I won’t know where else to go. may try to contact directly with service Nikon.
If someone can help figure it out, sign in to VK in a personal leave pictures. http://ok.ru/profile/554296601187/pphotos/803816350307 very glass disappointed! before it was 35 mm, pictures rang. but here !!
I am a correspondence student of Arkady))) I learned to photograph on his photos on the site. For a long time I picked up a fixed lens for my Nikon D5000 to replace the whale. I chose this one for the price and quality. I read articles on Radozhiv about six months at the choice of the lens. I chose this lens and did not lose! I am not a professional. Amateur: But the way this lens is photographed turned out to be a complete discovery for me. I brag about one photo that I made for this fifty dollars. The lens is sooo good !. For me, the roof is still higher and I still have not exhausted all of its capabilities personally.
Excellent purchase. Having 4 Nikon autofocus lines, I consider 1.8g the most balanced choice for any kind of shooting. 1.4 is rarely needed, and the price for an extra stop is a bit high.
Pastor, what about 1.4g in focus speed compared to 1.8g? Really significantly slower?
Yes really. The difference is noticeable to the naked eye. It’s another matter that I don’t use half an hour for reporting and the slowness of 50 1.4g doesn’t scare me much. But still it is noticeably slower. Slower 18-55vr even.
Thank you for your reply. What about focus accuracy? I mean the percentage of hits in focus. Or is it more dependent on the camera?
Well, of course, it also depends on the camera, but in general I had no questions about both half-guns of the G series, but I smeared 50 1.8d, and there were several copies - everyone sometimes suffered from mistakes. 50 1.4g and 50 1.8g are very good in accuracy, however, according to reviews on the network, 50 1.8g smears with some users either in the back or in the front. I have not had this on any camera - everywhere both stripes hit the target in 95% of cases.
1,8 for me. It may be healthy. 40 percent by.
I took this fifty dollar instead of 1.4D and am completely satisfied with it. Firstly, it is more versatile - autofocus works on any Nikon camera. Secondly, it is much more pleasant to shoot with it in sunny weather - the contrast does not drop so much, and in the very heat you can put on a complete hood. Thirdly, it can shoot portraits at f / 2.2, as is the case with the 1.4D. At smaller apertures, both give too soft a picture, almost soapy. I think so: if you don't open wider than f / 2.2, then there is no point in paying more. As for the bokeh, it is decent on both lenses - both 1.4D and 1.8G. On 1.4D I even like it a little more - it is not so soft, but more characteristic or something.
Hello! Question….
I have Nikon 5200 (with kit 18 ... 55), as well as Helios 81H from Kiev 19. Is it worth purchasing the specified lens? Setting the manual exposure and sharpness with the Helios 81H does not bother me. Will I get a better picture?
Thank you!
Sergei! I can take a test pair of shots, because there is one and the other. Is it necessary?
I can’t conduct the test, but there are both. Helios is noticeably less sharp, and he also has chromaticity and a fear of flare. 50 1.8g of all this is deprived. Plus, get autofocus and auto iris, which may not be critical for leisurely filming, but most often it’s more convenient to use automation.
Well, in general, modern autofocus fixes will almost all be sharper and with less aberrations than any Soviet glasses (and a number of Japanese and German lenses will lose). If we consider the twisted bokeh or the unusual shape of the diaphragm as quality, then everything is more complicated - new lenses do not provide all these charms, for the sake of which you sometimes want to shoot with something old.
Ideally, there is no charm that is flawed. (c) Till Lindemann.
Hello. The task is my shooting of animals (smaller cats and kittens). It is very limited by the distance in the apartment. What fifty dollars to choose for quickness for a full frame of 1.4 G or 1,8 G for moving animals ..
For speed you need 1.8g, 1.4g is noticeably slower. If the difference in aperture ratio is not so fundamental, then the choice in favor of 1.8g is obvious.
Thank you very much, I'll take 1.8 G
Arkady! Thank you for your work!
Thanks to your reviews, I stopped hesitating and today I became the happy owner of this lens. In addition to 18-105. D5100, if that :). Yes, the difference is very big.
Thanks to Alexander and Pastor for the answers. The test, for me personally, is not worth conducting. And your answers convinced me of the advisability of acquiring the lens in question. But I do not intend to part with Helios-81N either. Good luck to all!
Please tell me, the Nikon d5100 camera, there is a Sigma 17-50 / 2.8 lens, is it worth buying a Nikon 50 / 1.8 or is it pampering?
Pampering. Better 35 1.8
By and large it’s not worth it. If you are not sure that you are critically short of 1.8 to 50 mm. Well, or you are too lazy to carry 17-50, although it is not much more than 50 1.8. If there is such a good zoom as sigma 17-50 2.8, I would rather look either towards the teleposition, or towards the wide angle (that is, either Nikon 70-300vr, or Sigma 10-20 / Tokina 11-16 2.8). And from the fixes you can buy 85 1.8g, for example. Very worthy glass, with excellent sharpness and a beautiful pattern, in addition there will be new focal ones that are not in sigma. And that's all I say, despite the fact that 50 1.8g I consider the best half-path from Nikon in terms of price / quality ratio. This is because sigma in itself is very good, and the sharpness on an open and generally decent picture for the zoom. Yes, and the stub does not happen. So statics, for example, on sigma can be photographed under worse light conditions than on 50 1.8.
And why is it better than 50mm, in terms of wider angle (this is understandable). And yet the question remained open, is it worth it or not, and why?
And on the other hand, there is sigma which covers the same range of focal.
Good afternoon Arkady. Great article, everything is clear! Question What is your opinion about YONGNUO YN 50 mm f / 1.8 AF? I have a Nikon 3100.
One of these days there will be a review. The opinion is - it's worth taking, the lens is good.
Hello. This lens is available in conjunction with the d700. the other day I’ll shoot in the studio for the first time. But since I will not shoot at fully open F, the question arises: is it worth taking 1.4g at all? Will there be a noticeable difference of 1.4 or 2.8 for example. if so then what? thanks for earlier to everyone who responds
It’s hard to notice on cover. For the studio just 1.8G.
Those. in general, in principle, the difference will only be visible or in low light?
the difference will be visible only when working with bokeh - in 1,4 it is a little softer, "more airy".
Well, smaller DOF, which can play a role in portraits in any light.
but in studio shooting, when the diaphragm is clamped to 8-11 and the background is usually monochromatic - you can hardly see the difference.
on open diaphragm
Please answer someone in the subject: is it possible to stick a motor from this lens into 50 1,4G?
There are no sensible workshops in our city, I am afraid to contact ebay, and the price of a motor with delivery comes out almost like this lens.
It is unlikely that someone will answer you :) too specific question
Well, what if ... I'm not in a hurry - I have this 50 1,4G half-dead for a couple of years already, it will lie still :)
I want to express my gratitude for such an extensive information. You are a great fellow!)
Please advise ... I want to buy for Nikon 5100 ((((they don’t look a gift horse in the mouth)) an 85 / 1,8G lens for shooting my son (I really like to shoot a face and eyes) and cats (all smart, as you know))), however I read from you for slow focusing (so upset (what do you advise?
Hardly. There are different motors. Drive design, seats, everything is different. On the other hand, they push in Helios in 18-55. Chore is all and with unpredictable results
The manufacturer / developer is the same, the focal length is the same, these lenses are the same in dimensions, the screws on the outside, the M / A switch, the window, the lever are all the same and in the same places. And the most important thing is that the hood fits :) Logically speaking, the difference between them should be only in the lens unit and the control electronics. I, of course, am not a Japanese engineer, maybe they come up with a new motor every time, of the same size, with the same task (stupidly spinning back and forth) and to which, roughly speaking, the same train about three tracks is suitable ...
I have all this for what: about different motors - is it a guess, or accurate information?
why then is the focusing speed of the new lens higher?
Lighter and simpler lens block, IMHO.
He didn’t climb, information from the master, who has no reason not to trust. I was interested in this question from the point of view of the causes of slowness 1.4g.
This is not a hunch. Although I didn’t climb there myself, the information was from a repairman who had no reason not to trust. I was interested in this question from the point of view of the causes of slowness 1.4g.
Sorry, the comment did not appear, duplicated, both got out
I just don’t understand why everyone drove so much to the analogue of 50 1.8 Yongnuo ?? what is missing 1.8 autofocus? what’s there, what is the difference between them? Are you chasing the brand? they are both from china, from japan only version 1.4 1.2
The difference is described in the corresponding Yagi review under nikon -YONGNUO 50mm 1: 1.8 (YN50mm F1.8N)
Mine from Thailand ... Works like a clock, why are these experiments? That even Yongnow f35mm f2? It costs $ 100, and Nikkor 35mm f2-200 $ and the result is guaranteed good.
The lens is great. Guaranteed and predictable result, fast focus. Plastic confuses. As much as old metal-glass he can not live. I chose Nikon from all autofocus fifty dollars and took it. 1.8d did not understand the meaning, it should have been called 2.8d. 1.4d upset with its character blurring with double detail. 1.4g is much more expensive, plus a lot of reviews of perishing motors, even from a close look. There were also carefully selected 44-3 and 81n gelics. After buying this, they lay down firmly on the shelf, 44-3 was successfully sold, 81 lay in any force majeure case. In sharpness, they are virtually identical, in 81 old-school images with soap in the corners, worse in color reproduction, well, and autofocus is a pleasant thing. So this 1.8g was out of competition. However, I use it infrequently for a portrait in a limited space, I prefer more than 105k, but you can’t shoot it everywhere. In general, mast have.
Hello. My task is shooting animals (smaller cats and kittens). It is very limited by the distance in the apartment. What fifty dollars to choose for quickness for a full frame of 1.4 G or 1,8 G for moving animals ..
Hello! Tell me please, the D3200 camera, there are Kitovsky lenses 15-55, 55-200 and Tamron 28-80 3.5, I want to shoot portraits, sometimes group ones (kindergarten, school), which lens can I choose, Tamron 28-75, 2,8 or this 50 1.8., can still advise? I will be very grateful to everyone for their help)))
Do not be offended, but when asked such questions, I want to cry. I want to go around schools and kindergartens, cut the loot, but I don't know how it's done. Take the trouble to study the theory for a start, practice on "cats", and then you will not even have stupid questions !!!
Why is it so harsh? Every month in the kindergarten they try to sell me at least three “portEta” or “gruppen foten” from such photographers.
Please tell me where you can find help on the resolution of the lenses. Not the one published now, but the one used by photographers of the 60-80s in millimeter lines?
Hello! Please tell me where you can see the data on the resolution of Nikkor lenses. Only not the resolution that is being published now, but the resolution of the lens in lines per millimeter, which was printed by all OMZ of the USSR in the performance characteristics of photographic equipment. Thanks for the answer.
Now it is also written in lines / mm. Just a little different. MTF graphs reflect the resolution of the frame with an addition to the graph - 10, 30, 40 line pairs / mm. Those. if the MTF in the center is 1 for a 10 line pair plot, then the resolution is 20 lines / mm.
Good evening! I want to buy a 5000mm 50G AF-S from Nikon D1,8 as a portrait and whether it is suitable for shooting running and jumping kids. Thanks.
Yes, dear Anna, just like a portrait portrait he (Nikkor 50mm 1.8G) will fit DX format equipment.
Thank you.
In addition to the question above. Now I'm shooting for AF 17-50 2.8 tamron, I have it for reportage shooting.
At 50 / 1,8g, the same 50mm focal length as on the 17-50 tamron. Only at 50 on open apertures (1,8-2,2) the depth of field is narrower, the background is more blurry, do you only need this?
What's the point? There will be a difference, but the parents of jumpers will still not notice. Then it’s 85k or one hundred square meters.
What for? For show-offs? The original did not go, to try with some kind of lens with a diameter of 58 mm for a filter.
Ponty nothing to do with. They asked to find out. From any lens (any brand (and canon too)?), Do they have backward compatibility?