Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8, MKII version, MIJ (Made In Japan)

According provided by Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MADE IN JAPAN) lens is huge thanks to the store www.fotika.com.uawhere you can find a huge number of different used photographic equipment, including similar lenses.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version)

Back in 1986, the first autofocus was introduced. half a ruble Nikon Nikkor class 50 / 1.8 - Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKI). After 4 years, in 1990 the first version was updated. The main reason for the update is considered a very narrow and inconvenient focus ring in MKI. Almost all of the first Nikon Nikkor autofocus lenses had an inferior plastic focus ring, which made photographers a lot of complaints about Nikon. At one time, Nikon realized its mistake and released an updated lineup of lenses with a new body design. The changes mainly affected the addition of a wider rubberized focus ring and a change in the latch of the aperture ring.

It is unfortunate that in the past, Nikon did not indicate its update in the name of the lens. The new version of Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 received an unspoken name MKII (less often - NEW 50 1.8AF, even more rarely - Non-D MKII or 50mm f / 1.8s N). It is this version that is shown in this review.

After another 12 years, the second version was updated to version Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8D (third version, MKIIIbetter known as 'D'-version). In the world of DSLR cameras, this version has become a cult - it is one of the most affordable autofocus fast Nikkor fixtures. In the secondary market, the MKI versions are often given, MKII for the MKIII version, you need to be extremely careful, since outwardly the lenses are very similar.

There is already an overview on Radozhiv Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8D, since the versions of MKII, MKIII differ in trifles, in this review I will indicate only their differences.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version)

Differences between the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 MKII, MIJ version Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8D MKIII:

  • MKII was produced since January 1990 to February 2002 and is an older version than MKIII, which is produced since February 2002 to this day. MKII version exists in three versions differing by the country of the manufacturer. This review shows the modification MKII MIJ (Made In Japan) made in Japan, but at the same time there are modifications MKII MIC (Made in China) и MKII NJ (Nikon Japan)that were produced in China. But all versions of the MKIII have always been made only in China.
  • MKII and MKIII have slightly different body designs. For example, lenses have different corrugation of rubber on the focusing ring, different arrangement of words from the lens name, serial numbers are indicated in different ways and in different places, and a different form of aperture lock button. The MKIII version does not have two pairs of veins on the sides of the case and has a marker with a thread diameter of the front light filter and a marker about rework, as well as other minor and insignificant differences.
  • MKII is not able to transmit the focus distance to the camera and is'Non-d'lens (this key difference in the functionality of the lens). Using lensesNon-d'harder to get the right measurement exposure, especially when using the flash in some automatic modes.
  • Lens Repair Masters claim that inside MKII version is much more complicatedthan MKIII. Due to different mechanics, the focus ring of the MKII version rotates more smoothly, and the lens itself is touch-sensitive seems more reliablethan the new Chinese model MKIII.
  • Most likely for versions MKII and MKIII different enlightenment. The prerequisite for the MKIII version has been changed enlightenment, is the fact that the MKII version was developed and produced for film cameras, and the MKIII version was introduced already during the existence of Nikon D1 cameras, D1h, D1x (Nikon's first series of classic DSLRs). Visually, enlightenment is no different.
  • Perhaps there are other minor differences (types of front and back covers, box for transportation, warranty period, etc.)

Optically I did not find any difference between MKII and MKIII.

You can download RAW source files at this link (35 files in the '.NEF' format, 470 MB). All photos were shot on Nikon D700.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version) t Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4G SWM

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version) and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4G SWM

All Nikon 50 / 1.8 Autofocus Lenses

  1. 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.
  2. 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:
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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'.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version) on Nikon D40x

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII, MIJ version) on the camera Nikon D40x

Results

It is strange that the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 lens (MKII version) produced 12 years, but the network has virtually no reviews. Usually everyone discusses a newer version. Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8D (third version, MKIIIbetter known as 'D'-version).

On photo flea markets, due to their ignorance, many sell or give out the MKII version for the 'D' version, since they are very similar to each other.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 lens (MKII version) is slightly better made than MKIII, first of all it has smoother focusing. In all other respects, including the quality and speed / accuracy of focusing, the lenses are almost identical. If you need to shoot a lot in the automatic TTL mode with flash, then the MKIII version (the 'D'-version) will still be preferable.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: varezhkin

 

 

Comments: 30, on the topic: Review of Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8, version MKII, MIJ (Made In Japan)

  • Frostroomhead

    Take another look at the Sigma 30mm 1.4 art

    • our2006

      And you provide Sigma 30mm to Arkady, and he will definitely make a review.

      • Frostroomhead

        with joy, but I do not have it

  • Anatoly

    Lens of course super ..

  • wharfage

    Thank you!

    “In photo flea markets, out of ignorance, many people sell or pass off the MKII version as the 'D' version, as they are very similar to each other.”
    Nevertheless, Arkady is a very kind and delicate person.
    With faith in people ...))

  • anonym

    Bokeh, bokeh ... ((

  • Vitaliy U

    You have contrasted something, Arkady, in the examples here. :)

    • varezhkin

      +1 somehow not in a seven-point ...

  • Alexander

    My favorite objective (I only have the D-version). I trudge on his boke :)

    • anonym

      You must be a mechanic, since you like nuts ...

      • Anatoly

        I agree. I’ll change your fifty dollars Nikon in good condition for any new Kiev object such as kaleinar, helios, etc., in a super-good condition. Bayonet N.

  • Dmitriy

    Is it worth it to buy a lens for crop or is it this or that? 85 mm. cost 4-5 times more expensive.

    • Alexey

      Looking for what crop. In some cameras (without a focus motor), autofocus on this lens will not work. For example, on my 3100 it will only work in manual mode. But on 7200 autofocus will work.

  • Vic 946

    And I repeat, is it worth buying Nikon AF Nikkor 50 mm 1: 1,8 (MK11, MIJ version) made in Japan on Nikon D-90 or adding money to the d-th version ???

    • Arkady Shapoval

      For amateur photography, it’s not fundamentally q or q, there is no money, take D. without a letter.

      • Amateur

        I have such a lens. It is fixed at aperture 22, but is not fixed at others, and gives a fEE error on the camera. Carcass d300. This is not critical for me, but still why?

        • Jury

          this is normal and it should be. Somewhere in the camera settings there is a choice to set the aperture in the camera or the ring on the lens. It is more convenient to do this in the camera, and for this the ring must be set to the position of the closed aperture, otherwise - fEE.

          • Anatoly

            Very many people cheerfully expect that having once bought some extremely rare, expensive lens, they will immediately become a favorite of the editors of glossy magazines - hehe, a photogenius. The greatest mistake, sir. You will be greatly disappointed.

            • Jury

              off topic

  • Eugene

    Tell me please!!! What is the best lens to buy for a D7000 camera for portraits: Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII version) or Helios 81H?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      First.

      • Eugene

        A guy sells this one and threw me pictures, but I can’t tell if he’s good or not, since I’ve never used such glass. It seems to be soaping ... Please help me figure it out :(

        • zengarden

          If you are asking a similar question, then it is better to take the autofocus Nikon. It is as simple as a Siberian felt boot, but it will do. Only, of course, check upon purchase (mechanics, optics, front / back focus). Helios is for unhurried photos; his picture is more interesting (but this is a matter of taste), but it is much more difficult to shoot.

          • Eugene

            I am able to twist the focus ring and shoot in manual mode too. There is a screwdriver in my camera. I will buy Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII version) as Arkady offers. A guy sells this and threw me the pictures, but I can’t determine whether he’s good or not from the pictures. Arkady asked for help, but he’s probably busy :(

            • zengarden

              Yes, take both of them :) at a used price they are comparable (depending on the greed of the sellers); in Russian prices it is about 3 sput for Nikon and 2 sput for Helios. In any case, then it will be possible to sell.

        • zengarden

          PS. I had exactly the D7000, and the G81N (even two, I sold one), and the Nikon 50 / 1.8D. If you get into focus with Helios and avoid a stir, the picture is amazing. I consider it one of the most successful Soviet / Ukrainian lenses. Lanthan, all the cases.
          But working with Nikon is easier. Better yet, find a Nikon 50 / 1.8G :)

          • Eugene

            We only sell it in the store. And what is it better?

            • zengarden

              The quality of the picture (this is about the G-version). But he and second-hand from 8 thousand rubles.
              I didn’t have mine, but I tried to shoot on someone else’s.

              • Eugene

                Photos Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII version) posted here
                https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/redx100/album/563929/
                what I want to buy for TR 5 Please rate it, but already I’ve broken my whole head.

              • Valentine

                The frames themselves are typical, i.e. glasses quite suitable for this. But pay attention: 1) the shooting date is two years ago (05.01.16/2/XNUMX), i.e. in two years anything could have happened to this glass. XNUMX) the frame is not directly from the camera, there is a mark about editing in a third-party program (I can only correct the exposure, but I can also sharpen it). The appearance and condition are incomprehensible, and this is also important. The price is normal - it is sometimes cheaper, but it depends on the condition.

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Russian-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2015/12/obzor-nikon-af-50-mm-f1-8-mk2-mij/?replytocom=105842

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