Your best $99 Nikon lens

Author's Rating:

Pros: Inexpensive, fast, light, Nikon results

Cons: Not currently available as a D model

The Bottom Line: 
Nikon's 50mm f/1.8 is a top notch performer and an excellent value.

Author's Review
When I decided to purchase a fixed (non-zooming) lens for my camera, the most common salesperson response to my inquiry for the 50mm lens was “what do you want that for? Everyone has gone to a zoom now-a-days.” Well in answer to that question I would have to say that I began my photography experience with a 50mm lens and a trusted Pentax K-1000 almost 2 decades ago. This combination has served me well and I am quite comfortable using a fixed 50 lens. I also like the how a 50mm lens frames a picture. How you see a subject is basically what you wind up with.

Lens specs are as follows
Construction 6 elements in 5 groups
Distance scale 1.75 feet to infinity
Aperture scale f/1.8 to f/22
Filter size 52mm
Diameter approximately 2.5 inches
Length approximately 1.5 inches
Weight 5.6 ounces approximately

I have found the auto-focus to be fast and accurate when used with either the Nikon N65 or the N80. Results have not disappointed me at all. Sharpness, color and contrast are all unbelievably good and unbeatable especially at this price point. The excellent results referred to are not limited only to shots taken in the middle of the aperture range. This jewel performs well even when used wide open. It is a fast lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 which allows plenty of light in and offers very good control over depth-of-field. An aperture lock is incorporated into this lens for programmed auto or shutter-priority auto shooting. To engage the aperture lock, set the lens to its minimum aperture (f/22) and slide the aperture lock towards the aperture ring so that the white dot on the lock aligns with the orange dot on the lens barrel.

While I am most happy with the results obtained using this gem. There does exist a small opportunity for improvement. This lens is not currently available as a “D” model. Translation, it does not support Nikon’s distance metering. I would have certainly been willing to shell out another $20 or $30 to have a D chip in this lens. Nikon does offer a fixed 50mm f/1.4D lens. However, it is approximately 3 times the price and I couldn’t justify the additional expenditure for my amateur photographic needs.

Quality is subjective and sometimes difficult to quantify. This lens has a metal mount but the barrel is constructed of plastic (call plastic whatever high-tech name you wish, it is still plastic), which gives the lens a cheap feel. Admittedly, it is difficult to fault a lens that produces results this good and can be purchased for under a hundred bucks new in the box.

The good news is that the lens consistently produces outstanding images. The aperture ring functions as it should and the focus ring is sufficiently damped for my taste. Nikon backs this lens with a 5-year protection warranty and if it is lost or stolen your investment shouldn’t break the bank. To me, this lens truly represents a prime example of value:)

A fixed lens may not be for everyone but if you have found yourself wanting to try a fast/fixed Nikkor lens or you are not satisfied with the results obtained from your zoom lens then this little 5-star performer may be just the ticket and it is available at a price point that is within reach of most photographers. Nikon’s 50mm f/1.8 has not replaced the Nikkor 28-105 zoom in my bag but does enjoy more camera time, as it has become my favorite lens. I prefer to shoot with the fixed 50mm and zoom in or out on my subject by way of foot motion. In other words, if I wish to zoom in on a subject I move closer to it. You get the picture. For instances when this is not possible or is impractical then I’ll use a zoom. If I have aroused your curiosity in this particular lens you may also want to check out the following sites in addition to epinions.

http://www.photographyreview.com/35mm+Primes/Nikon+AF50mm+f-1.8++Nikkor/PRD_83513_3111crx.aspx

http://www.camerareview.com/