Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens Imported

  • B&H # NI5018DAF
  • Mfr# 2137

AF not supported by D40 and D60, D3100, D3000, D5000 cameras

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A supremely lightweight lens that offers the more economical f/1.8 aperture (compared to the 50mm f/1.4 D), yet still retains the great advantages of the D distance technology. Ideal for scenery or full-length portraits. Weighs just 0.34 lb, making it great for travel while still offering excellent low light gathering properties. Stops down to f/22 for wonderful control of depth of field. Accepts 52mm filters and the HR-2 lens hood.

Note! AF not supported by D40 and D60, D3100, D3000, D5000 cameras

Performance
Focal Length 50 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/1.8
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Nikon F
Format Compatibility Nikon FX/35mm Film
Nikon DX
Angle of View 46°
DX Picture Angle: 31°
Minimum Focus Distance 1.5' (45.72 cm)
Magnification 0.15x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:6.6
Groups/Elements 5/6
Diaphragm Blades 7
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 52 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.5 x 1.5" (6.35 x 3.81 cm)
Weight 5.5 oz (156 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens
 
4.7

(based on 1582 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (1184)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (370)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (20)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (6)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (1333)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (1318)
  • Consistent output (912)
  • Easily interchangeable (799)
  • Durable (541)

Cons

  • Tough to attach (134)
  • Weak casing (121)
  • Slow focus (89)
  • Blurry focus (30)
  • Difficult to clean (13)

Best Uses

  • Night photography (677)
  • Low light (669)
  • General purpose (461)
  • Portraits (425)
  • Weddings (420)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (411), Enthusiast (334), Semi-pro photographer (247), Casual photographer (167), Semi-professional (146)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (580), Yes (62)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

sharp, fast, light, fun

No matter what type of photography you shoot, every one should own this lens.

-This lens is SHARP!! at f/4 its as sharp as lenses that cost 15 time...Read complete review

No matter what type of photography you shoot, every one should own this lens.

-This lens is SHARP!! at f/4 its as sharp as lenses that cost 15 times as much. 1.8 is a little soft, but it's great to have for novel shallow DOF/ night/ special effects.

-the AF is faster then most of my AF-s lenses and just as accurate. It might search a little in really hard situations, but no more than much more expensive lenses.

-This lens is so light! It is always in my pocket, Always! no matter what I'm doing having a sharp, fast, non-intrusive (it's so small it doesn't scare people, so in most situations I get better images than with the amazing 70-200 because it's HUGE and intimidating)--A lens is only useful if you use it.

-on a DX (cropped sensor) camera this lens is even more amazing! It is 75mm equivalent; perfect for part body portraits/ street photography. Because DX only uses the center of the frame it's even sharper!

-there is *no* distortion (perfect for architecture)
Some coma in the corners and some light falloff at 1.8 on full frame/ 35mm, no biggie. A perfect complement to a distorted, slow walk-around zoom.

-bokeh(smooth out of focus areas) is good but not amazing
way better then any cheep zoom though.

If you're thinking about getting the 1.4: the only reason to spend three or four times as much is that it's sharper at f/1.8. BUT it has more distortion at f/4 than it's cheaper sibling. If you're a pro and need build quality, don't let me stop you, I have one. For every one else, If you have four hundred dollars burning a hole in your pocket get a 85 1.8 or the new 60 2.8 AF-s

-this is still up in the air but the 50mm 1.4 AF-s I tried was no faster then the 1.8. (whoops)

If you're really hard on your gear I'd say, buy a 52mm Nikon NC filter and Nikon HR-2 rubber hood (or another 50 1.8 for almost the same price)

bottom line:
its one of the SHARPEST, FASTEST, LIGHTEST, MOST USEFUL lens money can buy, AND IT'S THE CHEAPEST!!!

It makes every camera, from a D3x or a F6 to a D50, shine!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Buy the F.14 Not This Lens

I attempted to replace a 20 year old Nikon F.1.4 50mm [...] Instead, I bought the F1.8. It was a big mistake. The lens was not nearly as sharp as my ...Read complete review

I attempted to replace a 20 year old Nikon F.1.4 50mm [...] Instead, I bought the F1.8. It was a big mistake. The lens was not nearly as sharp as my 20 year old until stopped down to at least F4, which makes it worthless for available light photography. B&H was terrific. It took the lens back and gave a full credit toward a new F1.4. That lens is reasonably sharp at f1.4 and tack sharp at F2.0. I use it with my Nikon D300. I also have an outstanding Nikon 24-70 F 2.8. This F1.8 is so bad, in my view, that to preserve its reputation Nikon should stop distributing it.

Reviewed by 1582 customers

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5.0

Nifty 50!

By Mammie

from Georgia

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Nice Bokeh

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Portraits
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

    I used this at a wedding recently. It does a super job!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Must Have

    By Deb

    from Southwest Florida

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Lightweight
    • Nice Bokeh

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Macro Photography
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

      This is a must have lens for portrait work you don't have to stand on top of your subject to get a close

      clear glass makes for a great shot

      • Was this a gift?:
      • Yes

      Share this review

       
      4.0

      Great and cheap must have

      By Girish

      from Pittsburgh, PA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Night Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

        This is a great lens, that is an almost must have for any photographer with an SLR. This gives a lot more clarity to your photos and has much better low light performance. You will be able to take shots that you could not without a tripod with a standard zoom lens. And it also has autofocus with some Nikons. Check the specs.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Exactly what I wanted!

        By Mel

        from Brooklyn, NY

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Lightweight

        Cons

        • Slow Focus

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Photography

        Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

        I bought this lens because I didn't have a basic prime lens or a really great low light lens. At 50mm and 1.8, this was exactly what I needed. It's much more afforable than the 1.4 and for the amateur photography I dabble in, it fit my price range.

        However, this lens does not work with the AutoFocus feature of my Nikon D40. There is a slightly more expensive lens (AF-S, not AF) that will work with my camera's auto feature. So- be weary that it will be fully functional with your camera body.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        a MUST!

        By jessyprincess

        from Deridder, LA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Candids
          • Children
          • Close-ups
          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Portraits

          Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

          this is my second lens (including the kit lens) on my nikon d 3100. as a "newbie" who just recently learned to shoot in manual...I LOVE THIS LENS. it allows for SO much creativity! At just over $100 it is more than reasonably priced and I am very happy with this purchase-I have already suggested this lens to people who have complimented my photos!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great Portrait Lens

          By elay612

          from NYC

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Lightweight
          • Nice Bokeh

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Night Photography
            • Video

            Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

            This lens for the price is the best value for a low light lens, and also for a portrait lens.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Awesome!

            By Retro Future Photographer

            from Carson, CA

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Lightweight
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

            • NONE

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Night Photography
            • Sports/Action

            Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

            I use this lens quite often when I'm out shooting. I love the way it gives the images another look with just a slight turn of the lens.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Great lens

            By Pictures tell a story

            from Somers, CT

            About Me Photography Student

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                This is a great lens to start out with. The pictures are very good. The motor is a bit loud, but I guess I new that. I was looking at the price and got my moneys worth.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                3.0

                Probably good with the right camera

                By Jae

                from Charleston, SC

                About Me Photography Student

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Lightweight
                • Nice Bokeh

                Cons

                • Blurry Focus

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                  I made a poor judgement decision in buying this because I have a D3000 body. This lens is probably great with a full frame (FX) body or even a DX that is compatible for autofocus. BUT on the D3000 it is effectively 75mm (rather than 50mm because of the crop factor) and manually focusing is difficult without the little diopter circle my old film camera has. I will be returning/exchanging in favor of a more compatible lens.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • Yes

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  very nice...

                  By harold

                  from du quoin, il

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Lightweight
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Night Photography

                    Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                    i love it...

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    The standard

                    By BobLewisPhoto

                    from Long Branch, NJ

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Photography
                      • Portraits
                      • Still Life
                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                      Great classic lens and exceptional value

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Wonderful lens

                      By Nessa

                      from Utah

                      About Me Photography Student

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Durable
                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Lightweight
                      • Rugged
                      • Strong Construction

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Macro Photography

                        Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                        I bought this lens to use on a Nikon D3100. It only works in manual focus on my camera model, but I knew this when I bought it (that's why I bought it). It is perfect, and takes beautiful pictures!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        as advertised

                        By Thread

                        from Augusta, GA

                        About Me Casual Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                        • Lightweight

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Macro Photography
                          • Sports/Action

                          Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                          great value for price. portraits/candids of kids really pop. some getting used to not having zoom (more my inexperience likely). looking forward to using at rodeo event this weekend to put to real test.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Solid

                          By Reve GR

                          from Guymon, OK

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Lightweight
                          • Nice Bokeh
                          • Rugged
                          • Strong Construction

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery

                            Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                            I Use this lense on my sony nex-3(with an adapter). Great lense for the price. No noticable distortion unlike my nex lenses. Over all great image quality.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Solid

                            By Reve GR

                            from Ok

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Durable
                            • Nice Bokeh
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Indoors/Low Light
                              • Landscape/Scenery

                              Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                              I use this lense on a sony nex-3 with an adapter. It works great. No noticeable distortion. Better than my nex lenses in terms of image quality.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              good product

                              By tina

                              from Edison, NJ

                              Verified Buyer

                              Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                              I used it for several times. Seems very good, especially on its price.

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              A classic, and still the best.

                              By T

                              from DC

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Consistent Output
                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Lightweight
                              • Nice Bokeh
                              • Strong Construction

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Night Photography

                                Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                                Other reviews mention how wonderful this lens is and how great a value it represents. I would just add that if your camera can autofocus this lens I would take it over the similar AF-S version. This one is slightly cheaper, the image quality is similar, and most importantly it takes 52mm filters rather than the less common 58mm size that the AF-S lens requires.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                This lens is sweet!

                                By Captain J

                                from Munster, IN

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Consistent Output
                                • Durable
                                • Easily Interchangeable
                                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                • Lightweight
                                • Nice Bokeh
                                • Strong Construction

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors/Low Light
                                  • Landscape/Scenery
                                  • Night Photography

                                  Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                                  I use this lens on my D700 for landscape work. It's sharp at all f/stops, light weight, and the price is right.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  A great lens on a tight budget!

                                  By G. Wills

                                  from Bowie, MD

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Lightweight
                                  • Nice Bokeh

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Bokeh
                                    • Indoors/Low Light
                                    • Video

                                    Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                                    I purchased this lens to compliment my Nikon D7000 based on a friend's suggestion, who is a wedding and lifestyle photographer. This is the first addition to my stock lens and I love it. Unfortunately, I could not afford the f/1.4 right now but this is great for the money. I've practiced Bokeh methods, shot video with it, etc. The only thing I wish it came with is a hood like the 35mm lens. You can get the AF-S model as well but if you really want to learn, this is the way to go. Great lens for a great price!

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Great Lense

                                    By SkiShots

                                    from Switzerland/Michigan

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Easily Interchangeable
                                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                                    • Lightweight
                                    • Nice Bokeh

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Indoors/Low Light
                                      • Weddings/Events

                                      Comments about Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens:

                                      Take great photos, great balance of focus. When used with a diffuser it will take very smooth pictures. Great price to performance ratio

                                      Share this review

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                                      Filters & Filter Kits

                                      Tiffen -  52mm UV Protector Filter
                                      • Price: $8.95
                                       
                                      Tiffen -  52mm Circular Polarizing Filter
                                      • Price: $23.50
                                       

                                      Hoods & Covers

                                      Vello -  HR-2 Rubber Lens Hood for Nikon 50mm & 58mm Lenses
                                      • Price: $9.95
                                       

                                      Cases & Wraps

                                      Pearstone -  Onyx 20 Lens Case
                                      • Price: $11.99
                                       

                                      Protection/Camouflage

                                      LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Lens (Black)
                                      • Price: $19.99
                                       
                                      LensCoat -  Lens Cover for the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Lens (Realtree Max4 HD)
                                      • Price: $24.99
                                       

                                      This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 3-7 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.

                                      Lens Wraps & Bands

                                      LENSBAND -  Lens Band (Black)
                                      • Price: $4.99
                                       
                                      OP/TECH USA -  11" Soft Wrap (Black)
                                      • Price: $10.95
                                       
                                      View all Accessories

                                      What's in the Box

                                      Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens
                                      • 52mm Front Lens Cap
                                      • Rear Lens Cap (slip-on)
                                      • 1-Year B&H Warranty
                                       
                                       
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