Nikon NIKKOR AF 50mm f/1.8D Lens

Having read many positive reviews about this lens I decided to buy it. I'm writing this review on the day I received the lens; although I've only been able to try it out for a short time indoors, I know it's going to be a favourite. The picture quality is, frankly, awesome. The wide 1.8 aperture produces beautiful bokeh and blurred backgrounds with shallow depth of field, and rich colours. I'm using a Nikon D3200; the lens doesn't autofocus - you have to use the focusing ring and look for the in-focus dot in the viewfinder display. As both my kit and telephoto lenses both autofocus, this threw me a bit to start with. Once you get used to it though it adds an interesting dimension to your photography. Personally I can't agree with other reviewers who have written ... MoreHaving read many positive reviews about this lens I decided to buy it. I'm writing this review on the day I received the lens; although I've only been able to try it out for a short time indoors, I know it's going to be a favourite. The picture quality is, frankly, awesome. The wide 1.8 aperture produces beautiful bokeh and blurred backgrounds with shallow depth of field, and rich colours. I'm using a Nikon D3200; the lens doesn't autofocus - you have to use the focusing ring and look for the in-focus dot in the viewfinder display. As both my kit and telephoto lenses both autofocus, this threw me a bit to start with. Once you get used to it though it adds an interesting dimension to your photography. Personally I can't agree with other reviewers who have written that the lens is difficult to attach. I found the the white alignment dot on the lens easily and the lens attached with no problems. I'm already in love with this lens - and I don't impress easily!

Glass appears clean and clear. Autofocus works. Aperture and manual focus rings feel solid and smooth. Would definitely by from again.

Glass appears clean and clear. Autofocus works. Aperture and manual focus rings feel solid and smooth. Would definitely by from again.

Great Lens For Photography, Not So Good For Videography

Its bright, quick, sharp almost distortion free and very cheap. Its also very small. In fact, its so small, when mounted on a D810, I can just about fit it in my coat pocket. I'd highly recommend this lens to both serious shooters and the less advanced who are looking for a high quality piece of equipment, at a very reasonable price. Having an old 100mm f2.8 manual focus lens to compare to, I have to say, that is far ahead in actual feel and manual operation. The aperture ring is so much better on the manual focus, the focus ring too. This isn't really a lens to use with manual aperture control. Better pick that on the camera, as adjusting it on the lens isn't great. Also, the manual focus ring is definitely back seat to the autofocus. On the 100mm f2.8, both the ... MoreIts bright, quick, sharp almost distortion free and very cheap. Its also very small. In fact, its so small, when mounted on a D810, I can just about fit it in my coat pocket. I'd highly recommend this lens to both serious shooters and the less advanced who are looking for a high quality piece of equipment, at a very reasonable price. Having an old 100mm f2.8 manual focus lens to compare to, I have to say, that is far ahead in actual feel and manual operation. The aperture ring is so much better on the manual focus, the focus ring too. This isn't really a lens to use with manual aperture control. Better pick that on the camera, as adjusting it on the lens isn't great. Also, the manual focus ring is definitely back seat to the autofocus. On the 100mm f2.8, both the aperture ring and focus is so much smoother. The body has a much better feel to it too, as its made of metal, unlike the plastic 50mm F1.8D. This 50mm f1.8 is for leaving it alone and controlling it through the camera, using autofocus. That being said, the autofocus is so loud, any microphone you are using when shooting video picks it up.

Great inexpensive lens but Nikon manual focus

I like this lens. I'm using it on a d5600 so it requires manual focus although shutter and aperture can be auto. I learned on my mom's post WWII range finder 35mm so manual focus isn't new to me. The lens itself works very well in all sorts of light and is very sharp in the middle f stops. I like the mild telephoto on APSC. However it suffers from the way Nikon implements manual focus on almost all of its DSLRs. The green dot isn't very useful. It's hard to see in the viewfinder and requires a much lower geared focus ring than the one on most lenses. Other brands of cameras have focus peaking which is as good as the prism setups on film cameras. Live view has magnification but live view is totally useless outdoors and not much good if you're not using a ... MoreI like this lens. I'm using it on a d5600 so it requires manual focus although shutter and aperture can be auto. I learned on my mom's post WWII range finder 35mm so manual focus isn't new to me. The lens itself works very well in all sorts of light and is very sharp in the middle f stops. I like the mild telephoto on APSC. However it suffers from the way Nikon implements manual focus on almost all of its DSLRs. The green dot isn't very useful. It's hard to see in the viewfinder and requires a much lower geared focus ring than the one on most lenses. Other brands of cameras have focus peaking which is as good as the prism setups on film cameras. Live view has magnification but live view is totally useless outdoors and not much good if you're not using a tripod.This lens is good for taking pictures outdoors when you can use smaller apertures and needs a tripod for low light. It's an excellent value. For significantly greater optical quality you'll have pay a lot more money.

I'm not impressed by this purchase. The hood thread is worn and so the hood doesn't stay on. The mechanism is slack with more than reasonable sideways

I'm not impressed by this purchase. The hood thread is worn and so the hood doesn't stay on. The mechanism is slack with more than reasonable sideways lens movement and the lens focusing ring is very slack. There is other minor cosmetic damage. The lens needs a thorough clean too. As far as functionality is concerned, I've given it a test with some reasonable results and others not great. Definitely NOT value for money.

Still the One

I bought the 50 1.8D with my first digital camera in 2005. Now my son has it and I’m buying another. The 1.8G is a little better wide open, but my sample had crazy focus shift. This 50 1.8D basically had none. On my D700 it was spot on witth -1 AFfine-tuning.Used on these cameras with great results; D70, D2x, D300, D700, D7100, D500.Just keep your fingers off the focus ring when in AF.

Still the One (again)

I received a new 501.8D over a week ago and I’m loving it! Having given my original copy of 18 years to my son, I had to replace it. Unlike af-s lenses, screw drive lenses are supremely reliable.This lens holds its own against all other Nikon F mount 50mm lenses in sharpness and distortion levels (I’ve had ALL of them). For Z mount the 50 1.8 S is king. The 50mm fov is very useful on crop and full frame alike and renders a perspective that is normal to what we see. Great for people pictures, indoors and out.

The Versatile Lens

I bought this lens for my D3200 Nikon. I was aware that it would not be the equivalent of a true 50mm lends on my camera but would be an effective 75mm lens due to the smaller sensor in my camera. However, that is just wat I wanted. I wanted a portrait lens for my grandchildren and the bokeh is terrific.This is a manual focus lens with my camera and due to my slightly deteriorated eyesight, I would have appreciated the old prism / match top and bottom focus that I had on my old Minolta film cameras. However, I am finding that the focus is still pretty sharp, even at larger apertures.I was given good, solid guidance by the B&H staff before I bought this and a I thank them for this.I am fully satisfied.WPK

Wex Staff are amazing

I have to commend Wex on their amazing staff, I spoke to Lilly in Bristol and her support and enthusiasm encouraged me so much I've bought a new cameraMy thoughts on buying this lense was that it would reboot an old camera, however my old camera as Likly discovered, relied on an auto focus lenseI so appreciated Lilly's advice, her knowledge and interest is great, but as an older woman customer I am used to being dismissed - especially when I don't know a lot, but Lilly is so inspiring I'm thinking of giving photography another go, so have bought a Zf after reading the paper I picked up after returning the lenseThank you

[Rewarded Review] A Prime Performer

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens is a prime lens that has become a staple in the camera bags of photographers worldwide, and for good reason. This lens delivers exceptional image quality and versatility, making it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned photographers.One of the key strengths of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D is its wide aperture of f/1.8. This allows for impressive low-light performance and beautiful background blur, commonly referred to as bokeh. The lens excels in capturing stunning portraits, emphasizing the subject with sharpness while gracefully blurring the background, adding a professional touch to every shot.The build quality of the lens is commendable. Despite its lightweight design, the construction feels robust and durable. The manual focus ... MoreThe Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens is a prime lens that has become a staple in the camera bags of photographers worldwide, and for good reason. This lens delivers exceptional image quality and versatility, making it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned photographers.One of the key strengths of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D is its wide aperture of f/1.8. This allows for impressive low-light performance and beautiful background blur, commonly referred to as bokeh. The lens excels in capturing stunning portraits, emphasizing the subject with sharpness while gracefully blurring the background, adding a professional touch to every shot.The build quality of the lens is commendable. Despite its lightweight design, the construction feels robust and durable. The manual focus ring operates smoothly, providing a tactile feel that's appreciated, especially for photographers who enjoy fine-tuning their focus manually.