Nikon Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G SWM ASPH Lens
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is a lens from Nikon. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G SWM ASPH Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is a prime lens built around the Nikon F (FX) mount, announced in April 2011. Offering a 50mm focal length with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum aperture of f/16, it covers a wide exposure range suitable for a broad variety of shooting scenarios. The lens is compatible with both FX (Full Frame) and DX (APS-C) format Nikon bodies, making it a versatile option across the Nikon DSLR lineup.
On DX-format cameras, the effective focal length becomes 75mm. Autofocus is handled by a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) system, which is integrated directly into the lens. The optical design incorporates aspherical (ASPH) elements.
With a minimum focus distance of 0.45m (17.72 inches) and a maximum magnification of 0.15x, the lens can get reasonably close to subjects. Physical dimensions are compact and lightweight at 53mm in length and just 185g (0.41 lb), making it easy to carry for extended shooting sessions. It does not include image stabilization.
Key Features — Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
50mm f/1.8 Prime: The fast f/1.8 maximum aperture lets in substantial light for low-light shooting and produces shallow depth of field for background separation.
Silent Wave Motor AF: The built-in SWM autofocus system focuses quickly and near-silently, making it well-suited for video recording and quiet environments.
Aspherical Optical Element: The aspherical lens element helps reduce spherical aberration and coma, contributing to sharper images especially at wide apertures.
FX and DX Compatible: Works across Nikon's full DSLR lineup — on DX bodies the effective focal length becomes 75mm, a useful short telephoto for portraits.
Nikon F Mount: Uses the standard Nikon F mount, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of Nikon DSLR bodies released over several decades.
Compact and Lightweight: At just 185g and 53mm in length, this lens adds minimal bulk to any kit and is comfortable to carry during extended shooting sessions.
Description — Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is a prime lens for the Nikon F (FX) mount, announced on April 27, 2011. It covers both FX (Full Frame) and DX (APS-C) format sensors, with an effective focal length of 75mm on DX bodies. The lens delivers a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and stops down to a minimum of f/16, giving photographers a solid range of aperture control.
Autofocus is driven by a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), integrated directly into the lens. The optical design features aspherical (ASPH) construction. The minimum focus distance is 0.45m (17.72 inches), and maximum magnification reaches 0.15x.
At just 185g (0.41 lb) and 53mm in length, this lens is notably compact and easy to manage in the field. Note that this lens does not include image stabilization. It is a straightforward, lightweight prime option built around one of Nikon's most established mount systems.
Pros — Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
- ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 allows for significant light gathering and subject separation
- ✓Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus system enables quiet and responsive focusing
- ✓Aspherical (ASPH) optical design is built into the lens construction
Cons — Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a limitation in low-light handheld shooting
- ✗Maximum magnification of 0.15x is modest, limiting close-up and detail work
- ✗Minimum aperture of f/16 offers a relatively narrow range at the closed end compared to some primes
Videos — Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
Nikon 50mm 1.8G Review — Austin Evans