Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Autofocus

Overview

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S is a prime lens that has quickly become a favorite among photographers using the Nikon Z mount system. Known for its versatility and sharpness, this lens is an excellent option for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Building on Nikon's legacy of high-quality optics, the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S offers a combination of modern design and high performance. Its metal construction and weather sealing make it durable and resistant to the elements, while the compact size is perfect for everyday photography and travel. The f/1.8 aperture allows for beautiful background blur, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and even low-light scenarios.

One of the standout features of this lens is its optical performance. It delivers outstanding sharpness across the frame, even when shooting wide open. Photos taken with this lens display excellent contrast and color rendition, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. The lens also has a fast and quiet autofocus system, thanks to its stepping motor, which is particularly beneficial for video recording.

However, despite its many strengths, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The lens can exhibit slight vignetting when shot wide open, which may be undesirable for some photographers, although it can easily be corrected in post-processing. Additionally, while the lens performs exceptionally well in most situations, some competitive lenses in the same focal range offer a slightly wider aperture option, which may be more appealing depending on your specific shooting needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent sharpness and optical performance
Fast and quiet autofocus system
Durable metal construction with weather sealing
Ideal for low-light conditions and depth of field control
Great value for the quality provided

Cons

Slight vignetting at wide open aperture
Some competitors offer wider apertures for similar pricing

Verdict

In conclusion, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S is a high-quality lens that excels in various shooting situations, from portraits to landscapes. Its combination of sharpness, build quality, and fast autofocus makes it a solid addition to any Nikon Z system. While it has minor drawbacks such as vignetting, the positives far outweigh the negatives. For those seeking a reliable and versatile prime lens, the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S is a fantastic choice.

Technical Specifications

50mm

min focal length

50mm

max focal length

f1.8

max f (min zoom)

f1.8

max f (max zoom)

62mm

Filter diameter

40cm

min focus distance

f16

min. aperture

415g

Weight

Elements

Groups

87mm

Length

76mm

Diameter

Which cameras does the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S fit?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S is a full-frame lens for Nikon Z cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Nikon Z cameras its field of view equals 75 mm in full-frame terms.

Nikon Z cameras

Full frame:: Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5II, Nikon Z6III, Nikon Z8, Nikon Zf, Nikon Z9, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6II, Nikon Z7II, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z7
APS-C:: Nikon Z50II, Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S compared

Key specs side by side with the most similar Nikon Z lenses.

Lens	Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S	7Artisans AF 50mm F1.8	Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4	Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S
Focal length	50 mm	50 mm	50 mm	50 mm
Max. aperture	f/1.8	f/1.8	f/1.4	f/1.2
Weight	415 g	421 g	420 g	1,090 g
Filter diameter	62 mm	62 mm	62 mm	82 mm
Min. focus distance	40 cm	50 cm	37 cm	45 cm
Length	87 mm	104 mm	87 mm	150 mm
Autofocus	yes	yes	yes	yes
Image stabilization	no	no	no	no

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S: FAQ

Does the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S have autofocus?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S has autofocus.

Does the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S have image stabilization?

No, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S has no stabilization of its own. On cameras with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) the image is still stabilized.

How much does the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S weigh?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S weighs 415 g. It is 87 mm long with a diameter of 76 mm.

What filter size does the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S use?

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S takes 62 mm screw-in filters.

How close can the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S focus?

The minimum focus distance of the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S is 40 cm, measured from the sensor plane.

Is the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S a full-frame lens?

Yes, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S covers full frame. On APS-C cameras its field of view equals 75 mm in full-frame terms.

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S