Nikon Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G Review By Mike Swiech

What should every beginner photographer have in their bag one might ask?  That would be the Nikon Nikkor  AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G.  This is the successor of Nikon's entry level normal prime of the 50mm f/1.8 D lens that has been on the market for quite some time.  

For Nikon, the AF-S 50/1.8 G makes perfect sense. It is a relatively inexpensive lens running around $199.99 in the US to $229.99 in Canada.  The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is very popular for portraiture on DX cameras, or any other application that benefits from shallow depth of field and low light capabilities.

The build quality of the lens is very decent, with the barrel being made out of high quality plastics. The rubberized focus ring operates reasonably smooth. It has a 58mm filter size and the front element does not rotate so that does make it a good choice to have either a graduated and/or polarizing filter attached.

As an AF-S lens the lens is compatible with all current Nikon DSLRs and has a silent wave motor (SWM), which will allow it to autofocus on Nikon's entry level bodies such as the D3100 and D5100 and older bodies that do not have a built in motor such as the Nikon D40 or D60. There is an option to either have the lens in Manual Focus/Auto or straight Auto Focus.  Either can be switch with a flick of the switch on the side of the lens. Auto Focus is not super fast, but it is fast enough for what it's worth. 

The lens is really light weight only weighing in at 185 grams, it is easy to have it attached all day to your camera and it will not be bothersome to you.  The mount on the lens is made from metal (which is a lot stronger then the lenses made of plastic) with a rubber gasket to keep dust and moisture out of the camera.  There is no weather sealing on the rest of the lens, so if you are using it out in the elements, it would be best to make sure that you are protecting it.

Supplied accessories that are included with the lens:

·         58mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-58

·         Rear Lens Cap LF-4

·         Bayonet Hood HB-47

·         Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1013

If you are just starting out or have been photographing for quite some time then I would recommend this lens to anyone for their first prime lens.  It is light weight, quick, fast and focuses tack sharp. 

Well how do you go ahead and connect your camera/lens to this strap.  That's easy. The FastenR-3 attaches to the tripod socket located on either the camera body or the lens. The ConnectR-2 clip is then clipped to the FastenR-3. (Please do not forget to tighten the locking mechanism on the ConnectR-2)  Your camera will lay upside down on your side securely. 

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF (left), Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S DX (right)

Specifications

·         Mount Type
·         Focal Length
·         Maximum Aperture
·         Minimum Aperture
·         Format
·         Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)
·         Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)
·         Maximum Reproduction Ratio
·         Lens Elements
·         Lens Groups
·         Compatible Format(s) ·         ·        

Nikon F-Bayonet 
50mm
f/1.8
f/16
FX/35mm
31°30' 
47°
0.15x
7
6
FX - DX
FX in DX Crop Mode 

·         Diaphragm Blades 
·         Distance Information 
·         Aspherical Elements
·         Super Integrated Coating
·         Autofocus
·         AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)
·         Minimum Focus Distance
·         Focus Mode 

7  
Yes  
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
1.48 ft. (0.45m)
Auto
Manual
Auto/Manual  

·         G-type
·         Filter Size
·         Accepts Filter Type
·         Dimensions
·         Weight

Yes 
58mm 
Screw-on
(Approx.) 2.8x2.1 in. (Diameter x Length) 72.1x52.4mm (Diameter x Length)
(Approx.) 6.6 oz. (185g)

Article by Mike Swiech

Email: mikeswiech@gmail.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/mike.swiech

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