Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Set your sights on a world of the smallest details with the NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens from Nikon. Ideal for spontaneous snapshots, food photography, or exploring the minute details of everyday life, this normal-length macro lens offers a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 6.3" to suit working with close-up subjects. The lens also doubles as an outstanding portrait lens. The combination of its shallow depth of field and life size magnification creates a unique, almost three-dimensional effect in your stills and videos. A bright f/2.8 maximum aperture lets you confidently work in low light conditions and offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects and using selective focus techniques. Edge-to-edge sharpness is excellent, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm ensures beautiful bokeh and background blur to isolate the subject from the background. ED and aspherical lens elements provide optimal correction of coma and chromatic aberration, and a fluorine coating reduces dirt, water, and smudges from sticking to the surface of the lens. The lens makes use of a stepping motor for fast, precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus with reduced wobbling, and this quiet drive system makes the lens ideal for use when shooting video. Additionally, a unique front-focusing design minimizes the size and weight of the lens for easy and comfortable carrying. Compact, lightweight, and versatile, this stylish and sharp lens is likely to become one of your most prized lenses.
Set your sights on a world of the smallest details with the NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens from Nikon. Ideal for spontaneous snapshots, food photography, or exploring the minute details of everyday life, this normal-length macro lens offers a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 6.3" to suit working with close-up subjects. The lens also doubles as an outstanding portrait lens. The combination of its shallow depth of field and life size magnification creates a unique, almost three-dimensional effect in your stills and videos. A bright f/2.8 maximum aperture lets you confidently work in low light conditions and offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects and using selective focus techniques. Edge-to-edge sharpness is excellent, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm ensures beautiful bokeh and background blur to isolate the subject from the background. ED and aspherical lens elements provide optimal correction of coma and chromatic aberration, and a fluorine coating reduces dirt, water, and smudges from sticking to the surface of the lens. The lens makes use of a stepping motor for fast, precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus with reduced wobbling, and this quiet drive system makes the lens ideal for use when shooting video. Additionally, a unique front-focusing design minimizes the size and weight of the lens for easy and comfortable carrying. Compact, lightweight, and versatile, this stylish and sharp lens is likely to become one of your most prized lenses.
Set your sights on a world of the smallest details with the NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens from Nikon. Ideal for spontaneous snapshots, food photography, or exploring the minute details of everyday life, this normal-length macro lens offers a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 6.3" to suit working with close-up subjects. The lens also doubles as an outstanding portrait lens. The combination of its shallow depth of field and life size magnification creates a unique, almost three-dimensional effect in your stills and videos. A bright f/2.8 maximum aperture lets you confidently work in low light conditions and offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects and using selective focus techniques. Edge-to-edge sharpness is excellent, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm ensures beautiful bokeh and background blur to isolate the subject from the background. ED and aspherical lens elements provide optimal correction of coma and chromatic aberration, and a fluorine coating reduces dirt, water, and smudges from sticking to the surface of the lens. The lens makes use of a stepping motor for fast, precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus with reduced wobbling, and this quiet drive system makes the lens ideal for use when shooting video. Additionally, a unique front-focusing design minimizes the size and weight of the lens for easy and comfortable carrying. Compact, lightweight, and versatile, this stylish and sharp lens is likely to become one of your most prized lenses.
Set your sights on a world of the smallest details with the NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens from Nikon. Ideal for spontaneous snapshots, food photography, or exploring the minute details of everyday life, this normal-length macro lens offers a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 6.3" to suit working with close-up subjects. The lens also doubles as an outstanding portrait lens. The combination of its shallow depth of field and life size magnification creates a unique, almost three-dimensional effect in your stills and videos. A bright f/2.8 maximum aperture lets you confidently work in low light conditions and offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects and using selective focus techniques. Edge-to-edge sharpness is excellent, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm ensures beautiful bokeh and background blur to isolate the subject from the background. ED and aspherical lens elements provide optimal correction of coma and chromatic aberration, and a fluorine coating reduces dirt, water, and smudges from sticking to the surface of the lens. The lens makes use of a stepping motor for fast, precise, smooth, and quiet autofocus with reduced wobbling, and this quiet drive system makes the lens ideal for use when shooting video. Additionally, a unique front-focusing design minimizes the size and weight of the lens for easy and comfortable carrying. Compact, lightweight, and versatile, this stylish and sharp lens is likely to become one of your most prized lenses.
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The lowest price for Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens right now is $759.00 at E-Infinity Online Camera Store, compared across 21 retailers.
The all-time low was $527.77 on 3 Mar 2026 — today's price is 44% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 8 June 2026.
Last updated at 08/06/2026 14:40:23
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens | 1:1 Life-Size Macro Prime | Compact & Lightweight | Close Focus from 16cm | Full-Frame | Food, Product & Nature
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens
Free delivery between 13–20 June
2ND HAND - Nikon Z MC 50mm F2.8 Lens Ø46mm
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm F2.8 Lens
Free delivery between Thu – Mon
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm Macro f/2.8 Lens
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon Z MC 50mm F2.8 Lens Ø46mm
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon Z 50mm Macro f/2.8 Lens
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon Z Macro Pack Z 50mm f2.8 Macro Lens + SB-5000 Speedlight
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon Z MC 50mm Flash Kit MC 50mm F2.8 & SB5000 Flash
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Delivery $17.50
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
After working in photography for fifty-plus years, I've owned a lot of lenses. The Nikkor Z 50mm is the best I've ever experienced for super sharp, well-corrected photography.The first thing you should know is that it's as good for the big picture as it is for the small one. I bought it to solve a problem I was having, loss of detail at the sides of giant prints I was making. I'm shooting semi-trucks and trailers, pictures where the rivets on the end of the truck should show as well as the ones in the center. The Z 50s images do exactly that. It's remarkable how well it covers the field. The pictures I've been making with this lens and a Z7 remind me of large format camera images. They have the same relaxed, effortless quality we used to get from shooting with ... MoreAfter working in photography for fifty-plus years, I've owned a lot of lenses. The Nikkor Z 50mm is the best I've ever experienced for super sharp, well-corrected photography.The first thing you should know is that it's as good for the big picture as it is for the small one. I bought it to solve a problem I was having, loss of detail at the sides of giant prints I was making. I'm shooting semi-trucks and trailers, pictures where the rivets on the end of the truck should show as well as the ones in the center. The Z 50s images do exactly that. It's remarkable how well it covers the field. The pictures I've been making with this lens and a Z7 remind me of large format camera images. They have the same relaxed, effortless quality we used to get from shooting with giant pieces of film.It's a great macro lens too. I'll be using it to convert thousands of old negatives using the Nikon ES2 Slide/Negative converter so the first thing I did was to shoot comparisons with my existing setup, a bellows, and a Nikkor 55mm macro I'd been using. No comparison! The old Nikon did a nice job but the new one shows me a lot I'd been missing. I think I'm going to revisit my hero shots and give them a fresh treatment.It's not often I'm impressed by a new lens. This one delighted me with its quality.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This is a great little lens, for the right use cases. As many others have pointed out, if macro capability is your top (or only) priority, you owe it to yourself to save a little bit longer and spring for the 105mm. With this lens, you have to get really close to get 1:1 magnification, and at close focus, effective aperture decreases. The lens is plenty sharp, but those things CAN create headaches. Plus, if you got your Z camera with a 24-70, the 105mm obviously extends your range a bit (whereas the 50 does not).Where this lens shines is as a compact, lightweight walkaround lens with some weather resistence. On paper, it's not as bright as the 40mm pancake (muffin?), but IMO, it outperforms the 40mm even when you stop the latter down.For me (Z5 owner who shoots ... MoreThis is a great little lens, for the right use cases. As many others have pointed out, if macro capability is your top (or only) priority, you owe it to yourself to save a little bit longer and spring for the 105mm. With this lens, you have to get really close to get 1:1 magnification, and at close focus, effective aperture decreases. The lens is plenty sharp, but those things CAN create headaches. Plus, if you got your Z camera with a 24-70, the 105mm obviously extends your range a bit (whereas the 50 does not).Where this lens shines is as a compact, lightweight walkaround lens with some weather resistence. On paper, it's not as bright as the 40mm pancake (muffin?), but IMO, it outperforms the 40mm even when you stop the latter down.For me (Z5 owner who shoots mostly static subjects and who spends a lot of time walking & hiking around), the 28mm and 50mm f/2.8s make for a more appealing combo than 28 f/2.8 and 40 f/2.If I wanted to pick just one compact prime to carry, hands-down it would be the 50mm f/2.8. It costs more, but delivers more. Plus, as good as the Z 50mm f/1.8 lens is, I think the difference is bigger on the higher-res cameras. With a 24MP Z5, I just didn't think the difference was big enough (for what I do) to justify losing macro capability and adding size & weight. If this all sounds reasonable, you'll probably like this lens a lot. If you can't wrap your head around passing up the superior optics of the 50mm 1.8, or if macro photography is your bread and butter, you won't be as thrilled with this lens.
originally posted on adorama.com
TLDR; This lens has a long and slow focus range and when it can?t find focus it takes way too long to hunt. If you have the 24-70 f4 kit lens, save your money and skip this one for general use. If you need a 50mm 1:1 macro lens, are willing to pay ~$600, and are willing to manual focus for your images then go for it, it does have great modern optics. My issue is the mechanical implementation.I was so excited for this lens. After a long wait, a native mount micro lens for my Z6. I had watched videos and read some reviews and thought I had a good idea how this lens would perform. Man am I disappointed though. Let me level set with my expectation, I wanted a solid autofocus lens that could get in close but also be a general use lens. While this lens meets my macro ... MoreTLDR; This lens has a long and slow focus range and when it can?t find focus it takes way too long to hunt. If you have the 24-70 f4 kit lens, save your money and skip this one for general use. If you need a 50mm 1:1 macro lens, are willing to pay ~$600, and are willing to manual focus for your images then go for it, it does have great modern optics. My issue is the mechanical implementation.I was so excited for this lens. After a long wait, a native mount micro lens for my Z6. I had watched videos and read some reviews and thought I had a good idea how this lens would perform. Man am I disappointed though. Let me level set with my expectation, I wanted a solid autofocus lens that could get in close but also be a general use lens. While this lens meets my macro expectations it is not a good choice for general use in my opinion. First off the only place this lens actually has a 2.8 aperture is at infinity, as soon as you focus on something closer you will see that aperture number increase so less light is getting to the sensor. If you are shooting in manual mode then you need may have to adjust settings just because you need to focus a bit closer. Or if you just set the aperture to f5.6 you have a constant aperture lens as it is the max aperture at 1:1(joke with truth in it). This is fine when shooting macro as you will be stopping down anyway but I have a 50 f4 already in my 24-70. As a macro lens I have no problems with it but it is marketed as macro and general purpose. The core issue I had was that I missed general shots (outside the macro range) when it was hunting for focus in the macro range. I was using pinpoint in AF-S and AF-C modes and about half the time it ran the lens through the entire focus range just to arrive back at the focus point. When used with the eye af and tracking I did not have as much of an issue but that is not how I regularly shoot. I think this could have been solved with a focus limit switch that keeps the lens between infinity to .19m range. It would make the AF hunting less of an issue. Nikon, when this lens gets revised that would be great to see. That and the S line treatment with a quieter focus motor/mechanism. It is not loud but it can be heard in video, at least on my copy.When this lens can get focus it has the ability to takes great images that are sharp edge to edge, see below for an unedited image. For the price tag though I am disappointed in this performance of this lens when I know Nikon can do better.To sum up, If you need a 50mm 1:1 macro lens, are willing to pay $600, and are willing to manual focus for your images then this is the one. Otherwise skip it. Your mileage may vary this is just my experience.*I have a Z6 with the latest firmware available at the time. I am comparing this lenses performance with the 24-70mm f4 Z mount lens for general photography and AF performance and a Micro Nikkor 55mm f3.5 with M2 extension for macro performance.
| Effective Pixels | 47 megapixels |
| Sensor Size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Max resolution | 8368 x 5584 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Processor | Maestro III |
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens | 1:1 Life-Size Macro Prime | Compact & Lightweight | Close Focus from 16cm | Full-Frame | Food, Product & Nature
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens
Free delivery between 13–20 June
2ND HAND - Nikon Z MC 50mm F2.8 Lens Ø46mm
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm F2.8 Lens
Free delivery between Thu – Mon
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm Macro f/2.8 Lens
Delivery between Thu – Mon $10
After working in photography for fifty-plus years, I've owned a lot of lenses. The Nikkor Z 50mm is the best I've ever experienced for super sharp, well-corrected photography.The first thing you should know is that it's as good for the big picture as it is for the small one. I bought it to solve a problem I was having, loss of detail at the sides of giant prints I was making. I'm shooting semi-trucks and trailers, pictures where the rivets on the end of the truck should show as well as the ones in the center. The Z 50s images do exactly that. It's remarkable how well it covers the field. The pictures I've been making with this lens and a Z7 remind me of large format camera images. They have the same relaxed, effortless quality we used to get from shooting with ... MoreAfter working in photography for fifty-plus years, I've owned a lot of lenses. The Nikkor Z 50mm is the best I've ever experienced for super sharp, well-corrected photography.The first thing you should know is that it's as good for the big picture as it is for the small one. I bought it to solve a problem I was having, loss of detail at the sides of giant prints I was making. I'm shooting semi-trucks and trailers, pictures where the rivets on the end of the truck should show as well as the ones in the center. The Z 50s images do exactly that. It's remarkable how well it covers the field. The pictures I've been making with this lens and a Z7 remind me of large format camera images. They have the same relaxed, effortless quality we used to get from shooting with giant pieces of film.It's a great macro lens too. I'll be using it to convert thousands of old negatives using the Nikon ES2 Slide/Negative converter so the first thing I did was to shoot comparisons with my existing setup, a bellows, and a Nikkor 55mm macro I'd been using. No comparison! The old Nikon did a nice job but the new one shows me a lot I'd been missing. I think I'm going to revisit my hero shots and give them a fresh treatment.It's not often I'm impressed by a new lens. This one delighted me with its quality.
This is a great little lens, for the right use cases. As many others have pointed out, if macro capability is your top (or only) priority, you owe it to yourself to save a little bit longer and spring for the 105mm. With this lens, you have to get really close to get 1:1 magnification, and at close focus, effective aperture decreases. The lens is plenty sharp, but those things CAN create headaches. Plus, if you got your Z camera with a 24-70, the 105mm obviously extends your range a bit (whereas the 50 does not).Where this lens shines is as a compact, lightweight walkaround lens with some weather resistence. On paper, it's not as bright as the 40mm pancake (muffin?), but IMO, it outperforms the 40mm even when you stop the latter down.For me (Z5 owner who shoots ... MoreThis is a great little lens, for the right use cases. As many others have pointed out, if macro capability is your top (or only) priority, you owe it to yourself to save a little bit longer and spring for the 105mm. With this lens, you have to get really close to get 1:1 magnification, and at close focus, effective aperture decreases. The lens is plenty sharp, but those things CAN create headaches. Plus, if you got your Z camera with a 24-70, the 105mm obviously extends your range a bit (whereas the 50 does not).Where this lens shines is as a compact, lightweight walkaround lens with some weather resistence. On paper, it's not as bright as the 40mm pancake (muffin?), but IMO, it outperforms the 40mm even when you stop the latter down.For me (Z5 owner who shoots mostly static subjects and who spends a lot of time walking & hiking around), the 28mm and 50mm f/2.8s make for a more appealing combo than 28 f/2.8 and 40 f/2.If I wanted to pick just one compact prime to carry, hands-down it would be the 50mm f/2.8. It costs more, but delivers more. Plus, as good as the Z 50mm f/1.8 lens is, I think the difference is bigger on the higher-res cameras. With a 24MP Z5, I just didn't think the difference was big enough (for what I do) to justify losing macro capability and adding size & weight. If this all sounds reasonable, you'll probably like this lens a lot. If you can't wrap your head around passing up the superior optics of the 50mm 1.8, or if macro photography is your bread and butter, you won't be as thrilled with this lens.
TLDR; This lens has a long and slow focus range and when it can?t find focus it takes way too long to hunt. If you have the 24-70 f4 kit lens, save your money and skip this one for general use. If you need a 50mm 1:1 macro lens, are willing to pay ~$600, and are willing to manual focus for your images then go for it, it does have great modern optics. My issue is the mechanical implementation.I was so excited for this lens. After a long wait, a native mount micro lens for my Z6. I had watched videos and read some reviews and thought I had a good idea how this lens would perform. Man am I disappointed though. Let me level set with my expectation, I wanted a solid autofocus lens that could get in close but also be a general use lens. While this lens meets my macro ... MoreTLDR; This lens has a long and slow focus range and when it can?t find focus it takes way too long to hunt. If you have the 24-70 f4 kit lens, save your money and skip this one for general use. If you need a 50mm 1:1 macro lens, are willing to pay ~$600, and are willing to manual focus for your images then go for it, it does have great modern optics. My issue is the mechanical implementation.I was so excited for this lens. After a long wait, a native mount micro lens for my Z6. I had watched videos and read some reviews and thought I had a good idea how this lens would perform. Man am I disappointed though. Let me level set with my expectation, I wanted a solid autofocus lens that could get in close but also be a general use lens. While this lens meets my macro expectations it is not a good choice for general use in my opinion. First off the only place this lens actually has a 2.8 aperture is at infinity, as soon as you focus on something closer you will see that aperture number increase so less light is getting to the sensor. If you are shooting in manual mode then you need may have to adjust settings just because you need to focus a bit closer. Or if you just set the aperture to f5.6 you have a constant aperture lens as it is the max aperture at 1:1(joke with truth in it). This is fine when shooting macro as you will be stopping down anyway but I have a 50 f4 already in my 24-70. As a macro lens I have no problems with it but it is marketed as macro and general purpose. The core issue I had was that I missed general shots (outside the macro range) when it was hunting for focus in the macro range. I was using pinpoint in AF-S and AF-C modes and about half the time it ran the lens through the entire focus range just to arrive back at the focus point. When used with the eye af and tracking I did not have as much of an issue but that is not how I regularly shoot. I think this could have been solved with a focus limit switch that keeps the lens between infinity to .19m range. It would make the AF hunting less of an issue. Nikon, when this lens gets revised that would be great to see. That and the S line treatment with a quieter focus motor/mechanism. It is not loud but it can be heard in video, at least on my copy.When this lens can get focus it has the ability to takes great images that are sharp edge to edge, see below for an unedited image. For the price tag though I am disappointed in this performance of this lens when I know Nikon can do better.To sum up, If you need a 50mm 1:1 macro lens, are willing to pay $600, and are willing to manual focus for your images then this is the one. Otherwise skip it. Your mileage may vary this is just my experience.*I have a Z6 with the latest firmware available at the time. I am comparing this lenses performance with the 24-70mm f4 Z mount lens for general photography and AF performance and a Micro Nikkor 55mm f3.5 with M2 extension for macro performance.
I have had this lens about three weeks now and have had a chance to get out and take a few shots. the lens is great it is small as far as Z lenses go and reasonable fast at 2.8. I use it as a walk around normal lens on my Z 7. It is quick focusing and sharp. It has a 62mm thread around the outside of the housing barrel. This is where I install a lens shade for normal use. I remove it when I want to get up close. there is a small lens shade that attaches to the inner barrel of the lens also. that is about worthless as far as I am concerned.The subject has to be pretty darn close to the lens in order to render it 1-1 or even 2-1 so getting lighting between the lens and subject is hard. I use my old 60 or105 millimeter + adapter for most of my insect photography. But ... MoreI have had this lens about three weeks now and have had a chance to get out and take a few shots. the lens is great it is small as far as Z lenses go and reasonable fast at 2.8. I use it as a walk around normal lens on my Z 7. It is quick focusing and sharp. It has a 62mm thread around the outside of the housing barrel. This is where I install a lens shade for normal use. I remove it when I want to get up close. there is a small lens shade that attaches to the inner barrel of the lens also. that is about worthless as far as I am concerned.The subject has to be pretty darn close to the lens in order to render it 1-1 or even 2-1 so getting lighting between the lens and subject is hard. I use my old 60 or105 millimeter + adapter for most of my insect photography. But for that occasional flower or mushroom which comes up as you walk around the new 50 is great. I also have been eyeballing the Z MC 105mm down the road when availability becomes a thing.I'd say if you do closeup stuff and need a good normal prime lens. Look into this I like mine and - shoot- ya can't beat the versatility.
I truly think it's just the plastic external construction that makes this a non-S lens, as the optics and weather-proofing are topnotch. I've found this to be an exceedingly convenient, utilitarian lens and use this alone or coupled with the Z 24-200 as a light, capable travel kit with decent range and lower-light capability. (I feel a little silly admitting this, but I also have the Z 50mm f/1.8, as I wasn't originally planning to purchase this lens. That faster 50mm lens will be reserved for lower light and will be used with my Z 20mm f/1.8 and/or Z 85mm f/1.8--all great performers.)I wound up purchasing this when considering backing up slides using the accessory ES-2, but that particular item is on backorder; this lens had instant savings when I purchased ... MoreI truly think it's just the plastic external construction that makes this a non-S lens, as the optics and weather-proofing are topnotch. I've found this to be an exceedingly convenient, utilitarian lens and use this alone or coupled with the Z 24-200 as a light, capable travel kit with decent range and lower-light capability. (I feel a little silly admitting this, but I also have the Z 50mm f/1.8, as I wasn't originally planning to purchase this lens. That faster 50mm lens will be reserved for lower light and will be used with my Z 20mm f/1.8 and/or Z 85mm f/1.8--all great performers.)I wound up purchasing this when considering backing up slides using the accessory ES-2, but that particular item is on backorder; this lens had instant savings when I purchased it.Photos are crisp and beautifully rendered, and the lighter weight and weather-proofing make this lens a wonderful general purpose lens with convenient macro capability--and a great companion to the 24-200. That I can eventually digitize all my remaining slides from the 80's, 90's, and early 00's is icing, pure and sugary.
Long wait for a native 28mm lens for the Z system. Although I knew this is a "standard quality" lens, I have been very surprised by the IQ on such a small and light package. Sharper than my legendary 24-70mm f2.8G at @28mm, it delivers great images with really minimal weight. Colors not as contrasty and rich as that zoom (which I feel is pretty warm) but it gives some nice, cool, real life tones. Nothing that can't be adjusted in Lr to your preference. Enjoying this glass a lot, great indoor performance (bump up ISO) gives a superb, intimate reportage look to your pictures, and a very classic old school perspective at the street. Portraits are amazing, as I like to show some context in them, and here this focal length shines. Not as wide and distorted as 24mm but ... MoreLong wait for a native 28mm lens for the Z system. Although I knew this is a "standard quality" lens, I have been very surprised by the IQ on such a small and light package. Sharper than my legendary 24-70mm f2.8G at @28mm, it delivers great images with really minimal weight. Colors not as contrasty and rich as that zoom (which I feel is pretty warm) but it gives some nice, cool, real life tones. Nothing that can't be adjusted in Lr to your preference. Enjoying this glass a lot, great indoor performance (bump up ISO) gives a superb, intimate reportage look to your pictures, and a very classic old school perspective at the street. Portraits are amazing, as I like to show some context in them, and here this focal length shines. Not as wide and distorted as 24mm but definitely more angular than 35mm. I'm summary, superb little lens suited to everyday shooting which can also withstand a more dedicated Pro use. Cheers!
Great lens for the price. I had my hesitations when i bought it. I had tried the Z S 24-70 f2.8 lens but didn't have the means to buy a $2000 lens so when I saw this at half the price, I wasn't sure how it would compare. It doesn't have quite the same sharpness as the 24-70 or the lens function button or the control ring but honestly, those are things i can live without. The lens is beautiful, gives a nice bokeh, great in low light, can give a lot of depth of field zoomed in, still a great sharpness (just not as much as 24-70mm but for the price difference who cares), and lets me zoom in. The later point being important because up until this lens, I've only shot with primes cause well, they're cheap in comparison. This opens up that flexibility for me so well worth ... MoreGreat lens for the price. I had my hesitations when i bought it. I had tried the Z S 24-70 f2.8 lens but didn't have the means to buy a $2000 lens so when I saw this at half the price, I wasn't sure how it would compare. It doesn't have quite the same sharpness as the 24-70 or the lens function button or the control ring but honestly, those are things i can live without. The lens is beautiful, gives a nice bokeh, great in low light, can give a lot of depth of field zoomed in, still a great sharpness (just not as much as 24-70mm but for the price difference who cares), and lets me zoom in. The later point being important because up until this lens, I've only shot with primes cause well, they're cheap in comparison. This opens up that flexibility for me so well worth the price. Not gonna lie, I still usually go for my primes (they're just smaller and so light weight), but when I need something with the flexibility to zoom, this is what I go for. You got me Nikon :) took me years and several cameras in between to find a zoom lens that I can be completely happy with.
Not really a macro shooter nor is 50mm a preferred focal length for me. That said, I got this lens as a jack of all trades and I'm really liking it so far. My usual Z kit is the 14-30/4 and the 35/85 primes, the 50/2.8 adds very little weight to the bag but fills a gap and it's also a fun macro if I ever need. Bokeh is nice given the maximum aperture and it's sharp enough in the corners once stopped down. I also got this lens to try with the ES-2 film adapter. Used on a Z7 at medium RAW resolution the files are pretty much indistinguishable from my Coolscan V ED but the process is much quicker. Using tethered shooting in Lightroom the negatives are scanned in seconds and for black and white it's now my preferred option. For color film I'll be sticking with the ... MoreNot really a macro shooter nor is 50mm a preferred focal length for me. That said, I got this lens as a jack of all trades and I'm really liking it so far. My usual Z kit is the 14-30/4 and the 35/85 primes, the 50/2.8 adds very little weight to the bag but fills a gap and it's also a fun macro if I ever need. Bokeh is nice given the maximum aperture and it's sharp enough in the corners once stopped down. I also got this lens to try with the ES-2 film adapter. Used on a Z7 at medium RAW resolution the files are pretty much indistinguishable from my Coolscan V ED but the process is much quicker. Using tethered shooting in Lightroom the negatives are scanned in seconds and for black and white it's now my preferred option. For color film I'll be sticking with the Coolscan, dealing with color correction in Lightroom isn't worth the effort for me personally. The scans from the Coolscan are pretty accurate and Digital ICE get rid of most blemishes so the extra scanning time is worth it. If I didn't have the Coolscan though I'd definitely use the MC 50/2.8 and ES-2 with some third party software.
After much thought I decided to go for this lens. I will give you the pros and cons of this lens after having used it rigorously now for about a month. I warn you though have REAL expectations, don't compare this lens to the S 24-70 f2.8, it's an unfair comparison... with that out of the way:PROS:SHARP SHARP lens in THE MIDDLE. Look if you're reading this review by now you have seen many videos on YouTube or seen the dpreview page where they test the corners of images from this lens. Yes the lens is not tack sharp in the corners, BUT consider this - at f2.8 your background is gonna be smooth and the bokeh from this lens is pleasing! With that amount of blur you won't really be checking the corners, your eye will go straight to the center or on the subject. Which ... MoreAfter much thought I decided to go for this lens. I will give you the pros and cons of this lens after having used it rigorously now for about a month. I warn you though have REAL expectations, don't compare this lens to the S 24-70 f2.8, it's an unfair comparison... with that out of the way:PROS:SHARP SHARP lens in THE MIDDLE. Look if you're reading this review by now you have seen many videos on YouTube or seen the dpreview page where they test the corners of images from this lens. Yes the lens is not tack sharp in the corners, BUT consider this - at f2.8 your background is gonna be smooth and the bokeh from this lens is pleasing! With that amount of blur you won't really be checking the corners, your eye will go straight to the center or on the subject. Which for me has been sharp, more than adequate.In landscape photos at f8 or more the corners were much better. I didn't see any issues with chromatic aberration either.The weather sealing was good, used it in the beach, in the rain (not a torrential downpour, but in more than a drizzle) zero issues. Robust lens, good quality materials.The weight! oh let me tell you I used the S series 2.8 version and that thing is heavy, this is so much lighter, when you are walking on the beach and have it on a camera strap that you have across your body, you will realize how much this is a factor. I rented the S series version and I didn't like the weight on it, especially coz it balances weird on my z6ii, for me this was much better. Look we all think that pshh I am strong enough to carry a heavy lens around, but a lot of times you will find yourself carrying things in both hands and the lens will then hang on a strap on your body, or even your neck and that's when you really notice the benefits of a lighter lens.The colors are great!!! If you use nikon cameras and lenses you know that their color rendition is probably the best in the industry and this lens delivers on that front.Cons:Get ready to work on the corners in your images to remove the vignettes! Look its not noticeable UNLESS you have a clean background, (think walls or sky) but if you do and you are editing the sky (especially with the sky masking tool on LR) you will get vignettes. It's an easy fix! I love editing my images, for me this isn't a deal breaker at all at this price point, but it would be wrong if I wrote a review and didn't mention this!As I said earlier corners can be lacking in sharpness.The focus isn't slow, but it isn't the fastest. I am really nit picking about this one. For 95% of the shooters out there you will not complain about this, but it's right to mention this. I only noticed this when taking photos of my dogs running around and darting about.Lastly I do, I didn't think I would, but man I do miss those 4mm in the 24mm. It means taking that extra step back, or angling the lens to the right to the left to not cut off certain elements from the composition. I did find myself missing the 24mm. Again not the end of the world, but be prepared because it will surprise you if you think bah what's 4mm.In conclusion, you are a semi pro shooter, just stepping into professional work, a casual shooter looking to get a mid range f2.8, a shooter who doesn't have the budget of the S series version, GO FOR THIS LENS! If you want bang for your buck, good sharp images, this lens will not let you down. Just understand you get what you pay for, you want the best of the best get the S version. But just know at this price point this lens is above satisfactory!
disappointed...I do mostly macro work and this lens is NOT for macro work. the closer you get, the more it hunts. If you use this lens on a Z camera, you have to download software to make it compatible with your camera and you download by tethering your camera to your computer. Another strike against it. Wound up putting a 16-50 DX lens on a Z and captured a much better image. And to think this lens is a 2.8 and can't hold a candle to a 3.5Now for the return action. And I have to tell you this.I bought this lens at the Edgewood Best Buy. Well let me tell you that the customer service at returns there SUCKS!! Having worked in a customer service environment, I can tell you that there was NO customer focus and rather than mince words with the two associates at the ... Moredisappointed...I do mostly macro work and this lens is NOT for macro work. the closer you get, the more it hunts. If you use this lens on a Z camera, you have to download software to make it compatible with your camera and you download by tethering your camera to your computer. Another strike against it. Wound up putting a 16-50 DX lens on a Z and captured a much better image. And to think this lens is a 2.8 and can't hold a candle to a 3.5Now for the return action. And I have to tell you this.I bought this lens at the Edgewood Best Buy. Well let me tell you that the customer service at returns there SUCKS!! Having worked in a customer service environment, I can tell you that there was NO customer focus and rather than mince words with the two associates at the service desk, I just left and hope not to ever return to that store. :o(
| Effective Pixels | 47 megapixels |
| Sensor Size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Max resolution | 8368 x 5584 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Processor | Maestro III |
