NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Launch MSRP
$600- Weight
- 415g
- Filter
- ⌀62mm
- Min focus
- 0.40m
- Max mag.
- 0.15×
- Formula
- 12E / 9G
- Released
- 2018
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 2x ED
- 2x Aspherical
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Aperture range
- f/1.8 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 415g
- ⌀ × length
- 76.0 × 86.5mm
- Filter
- ⌀62mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 8.6 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.40m
- Max magnification
- 0.15× (1:6.7)
Optical character
Launched with the Z 6 and Z 7, the 50mm f/1.8 S showed what the wide Z mount could do for a modest-aperture normal lens. With 12 elements, two ED and two aspherical, it is far more complex than a traditional f/1.8 fifty, and it delivers sharpness across the frame from f/1.8 that rivals far more expensive lenses.
Rendering is clean and contrasty, with low longitudinal CA and smooth, if not especially dreamy, backgrounds. Nano Crystal Coat keeps flare in check, the stepping motor is fast and nearly silent, and the sealed barrel carries an A/M switch and a customisable control ring.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers widely rate it as one of the sharpest 50mm lenses on any mirrorless system, with excellent centre and edge resolution wide open, very low fringing and minimal distortion. Many considered it the benchmark that cheaper and faster Z fifties are measured against.
The criticisms are size and weight for an f/1.8 normal, a modest 0.15x maximum magnification, and bokeh that is smooth but a little clinical next to faster lenses. Vignetting at f/1.8 is noticeable but easily corrected.
Owner sentiment
Owners describe it as the lens that sold them on Z mount, praising its detail, quick silent AF and consistency for portraits, events and travel. It often stays in the bag even after owners add the 50mm f/1.2 S.
The common complaints are that it is long for a 50mm f/1.8, the rendering can feel sterile, and the 0.4m minimum focus limits close-up work. Some wanted a faster aperture for the size.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Very sharp across the frame from f/1.8
- +Minimal CA (2 ED elements)
- +Fast, silent STM autofocus
- +Weather-sealed with A/M switch
- +Good flare control
Weaknesses
- −Large for an f/1.8 fifty
- −Rendering can feel clinical
- −Only 0.15x magnification
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 9.3
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.2
- Autofocus Speed
- 8.6
- Flare Resistance
- 8.5
- Build / Sealing
- 8.5
- Value / Size
- 8.9
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Nikon Z (FX) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm |
| Category | Standard |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 12 elements in 9 groups |
| Special elements | 2x ED · 2x Aspherical · Nano Crystal Coat |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Stepping Motor (STM) |
| Minimum focus | 0.40m |
| Max magnification | 0.15× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 415g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 76.0 × 86.5mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀62mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Launch MSRP | $600 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/lens/z-mount/z_50mmf18s/
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1431710-REG/nikon_20083_nikkor_z_50mm_f_1_8.html
- cameralabs.com/nikon-z-50mm-f1-4-review/4/
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs 50mm F1.05 (Nikon Z)
- VSNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs AF 50mm F1.8 (Nikon Z)
- VSNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- 7Artisans
50mm F1.05 (Nikon Z)
50mmF1.05- WT
- 606g
- FLT
- ⌀58mm
- MFD
- 0.57m
- MSRP
- $399
MFRING·DC - 7Artisans
AF 50mm F1.8 (Nikon Z)
50mmF1.8- WT
- 450g
- FLT
- ⌀62mm
- MFD
- 0.50m
- MSRP
- $228
AFRING·DC - NikonS-Line
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
50mmF1.2- WT
- 1,090g
- FLT
- ⌀82mm
- MFD
- 0.45m
- MSRP
- $2,100
AFWR
