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Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8 (non D) Review

B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio

Introduction

The 50mm was the standard lens that came with camera bodies, un till the 1980`s when zoom lenses took over the market.The 50mm lens is said to be the lens that comes closest to the human eye`s perception of distance and depth, Thus labeled as a "normal" lens.This does not apply to a aps-c type camera tough, like nikons digital SLR`s. On a DX sized DSLR the lens becomes a AF 75mm f/1.8, which is more of a portrait lens then a all round lens like the 50mm. To get a equivalent 50mm in digital, you got 2 choices, a 35mm or a 28mm, which translates into 52.5mm and 42mm. The AF 50mm f/1.8 is the cheapest of the"good" lenses. There are a couple of cheaper lenses in Nikons lineup. But those are not worth the money or the mentioning at all.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 Elements in 5 groups

Picture Angle: 46° (35mm format), 31° 30 minutes (Nikon DX format)

Filter Size: 52mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HR-2 Rubber hood

Included Accessories: 52mm Lens cap, Rear cap

Size and weight: 2.6"x1.7", (65mmx43mm). 5oz, (155g)

Diaphragm: 7 bladed, with straight blades.

price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: http://www.nikon.com/

Positives

Sharp. This lens really performs well
Cheap. Good lenses can be cheap, after all.
Light weight
Contrast. Wide open the f/1.8 has better contrast then the AF f/1.4

Drawbacks

Plastic. 155 grams of plastic @ you`r fingertips
Not a "normal" lens on a Nikon DX sized DSLR
IR performance, usable to f/8, after that the lens Hot-spots badly

Verdict

One of the "cheap" Nikkor's you`d want to own. It might be cheap, but the performance of it, is far from cheap. Sharp and crisp, would describe the lens better. This non "D" version is actually sharper then the "D" version i tried first( most likely sample variation). Overall the performance of this lens says, buy one, you won`t be disappointed.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D Price From: $104.95 USD

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.4D Price From: $264.95 USD

Nikkor MF 50mm f/1.2 AIS Price From $499.95 USD

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Price From: $299.95 USD

Or if you want a equivalent 50mm on a DSLR

Nikon AF 28mm f/2.8D. Price From: $209.95 USD

Nikon AF 35mm f/2.0D. Price From: $289.95 USD

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $429.00 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from August 11, 2008

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/1000sec f/1.8

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/1000sec f/2

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/500sec f/2.8

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/250sec f/4

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/125sec f/5.6

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/60sec f/8

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/30sec f/11

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/15sec f/22

Camera	Nikon D3
ISO	200
Picture control	Vivid
Focal Length	50mm
Exposure	1/sec f/8


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