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

  • Price: $129.95
  • B&H # NI5018DAF
  • Mfr# 2137

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

This item can only be shipped to a US address.

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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 1562 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (1169)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (366)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (6)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (1315)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (1310)
  • Consistent output (901)
  • Easily interchangeable (788)
  • Durable (534)

Cons

  • Tough to attach (134)
  • Weak casing (121)
  • Slow focus (88)
  • Blurry focus (29)
  • Difficult to clean (13)

Best Uses

  • Night photography (669)
  • Low light (654)
  • General purpose (461)
  • Portraits (422)
  • Weddings (416)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (402), Enthusiast (334), Semi-pro photographer (245), Casual photographer (163), Semi-professional (146)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (566), Yes (58)

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 1562 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Nikkor Lens Review

By Raynedog

from Northern Michigan

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Rugged

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Macro Photography
    • Wildlife Photos

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

    Love the lens. I shoot a lot of close up shots and love how the background is nice and blurred. Its my new favorite lens.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    A Must Have for the Price

    By Photographer Tay

    from Winston-Salem, NC

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Portraits
      • Weddings/Events

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

      Every photographer should have this lens in their kit! With F1.8 capabilities you can achieve extremely shallow depth of field for "artsy"/more professional captures, and the low light is great for things like shooting weddings or indoors where natural light is sparse. I've done two photoshoots with it so far and I have nothing but good things to say about the results. I will warn, however, that those who are used to zoom lenses may have a learning curve, and the shallow DOF causes you to be more careful with your focusing. Great lens for the price!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Great Lens for Casual Portraiture

      By Snap Happy

      from Savannah, GA

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

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

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Close-up photography
        • Portraiture

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

        I use this lens with a Nikon D7000. The AF works great... this lens is no noisier than the zoom lens that came with the camera. The images are crisp, focus is on point, and bokeh is wonderful.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Great lens but....

        By Lucky Lauren

        from Dallas, TX

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

          Cons

            Best Uses

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

              I have a D3000 and in hindsight I should have waiting and paid the extra $300 to get this lens in it's autofocus version for my Nikon model. Other than that... the images are super crisp and exactly what I was expecting.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Nice lens

              By CGPhotog

              from Virginia

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Poor in Low Light

              Best Uses

              • Weddings/Events

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

              Wheter you shoot in manual or auto this lens is very easy to use. The clarity is nice & you get that blurred backgrownd people seem to desire in portraits. I would reccomend this lens to a friend.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              I good choice to save money

              By David

              from Leon, Nicaragua

              About Me Casual Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Slow Focus

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Wildlife Photos

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

              You can obtain great photos. However, I have a Nikon D3100, and I have to focus and change aperture manually. I think that it is OK. They are inexpensive lenses if you can deal with all the things that you have to do manually.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              3.0

              Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus L

              By Pioneer Studios

              from Trinidad & Tobago

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Poor in Low Light
              • Tough To Attach
              • Weak Casing

              Best Uses

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

                Reasonably ok lens, I find though that the build quality is inferior. When putting the lens unto my Nikon bodies it does not attach as smoothe as my other lens. Also in low lighting it takes longer to autofocus.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Inexpensive and solid performer

                By PCM

                from New Hampshire

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Lightweight
                • Value for price

                Cons

                • Hard to use back lens cap

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light

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

                I use this occasionaly for low-light/indoor use. The image quality is super and the focusing is very fast and seems dead on with mine. The price is great, compared to the G and 1.4 versions, and it performs well.

                It is louder than my 35mm 1.8 G lens, but that doesn't bother me at all.

                The only thing I didn't care much for was the back lens cap, which is just a slide on plastic cap (instead of the typically ones that twist on). It is hard to put on, but I just use one from my other lenses.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great and chep lens

                By Andresita

                from NY

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

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

                    Versatile, good for portrait, fast lens and very affordable.
                    Must have for every photographer.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great Lens, sharp

                    By Jake

                    from Lake Placid, NY

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

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

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

                      Amazing and a must have for every nikon photographer

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Just what I was looking for...

                      By Vicky

                      from Snohomish, Wa.

                      About Me Casual Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Weddings/Events

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

                        Love this lens... great portrait lens. Easy to use and very lightweight.
                        I would recommend this lens for a good all purpose lens.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • Yes

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        This is a great Lens

                        By jacks

                        from Toledo,OH

                        About Me Casual Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Lightweight
                        • Nice Bokeh

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

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

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

                          Great lens!!!
                          B&H did a great job with service.

                          I will be ordering again from here.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          4.0

                          Don't be put off by the price

                          By Sir william James

                          from Portland OR

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Lightweight

                          Cons

                          • Weak Casing

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Macro Photography
                          • Weddings/Events

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

                          Although it doesn't AF with the body I have, with a little practice tr manual focusing comes easy. This lense takes awesome portraits and makes the image really pop. I love the photos I've taken with it so far. Although the price may make it appear to be sub par

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          3.0

                          Great or is it?

                          By Jesus

                          from Puerto Rico

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Pros

                          • Lightweight
                          • Nice Bokeh

                          Cons

                          • Slow Focus
                          • Weak Casing

                          Best Uses

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

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

                          Picture its amazing, sharp and bokeh its awesome!... but the focus ring its way too stiff, TOO STICKY!!! shooting video its nearly impossible since u cannot adjust the focus ring slightly, you have to drastically move the ring in order to get a smooth focus on video, and you can hear the actual focus ring sound in the video! and thats a no go!! Dont know if its just mine but have read a lot of people complaining about it too... be aware!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Great Lens!

                          By Lady the tramp dot com

                          from Brooklyn, NY

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output

                          Cons

                          • No autofocus on D5000

                          Best Uses

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

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

                          A friend has this lens, and after seeing his photos with it, I knew I wanted one. It is a very versatile lens. It is GREAT for taking photos in low lighting. The only issue I have is that I am using it on an D5000, and the autofocus does not work on that model. I usually use manual focus, so it's not that huge of a problem, but autofocus would make snapping shots faster.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • Yes

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Would buy again!

                          By Hannah_Bo

                          from Dallas, Texas

                          About Me Photography Student

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easily Interchangeable
                          • Lightweight

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

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

                              I use this lens with my Nikon D90 and I love it!

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • Yes

                              Share this review

                               
                              4.0

                              Great for the price

                              By moe214365

                              from Chicago

                              About Me Photography Student

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Video
                                • Weddings/Events

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

                                A great lens for the price. The AF is really clean and 1.8 is solid.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great lens

                                By Fanfan

                                from Los Angeles, CA

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easily Interchangeable
                                • Lightweight
                                • Nice Bokeh

                                Cons

                                • Slow Focus

                                Best Uses

                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Portraits

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

                                Well worth the price. It's sharp and creates great image with well saturated colors. The only thing that bothers me is that focus is kinda slow and loud. But I can totally live with it.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                fantastic lense

                                By Sam The Stallion

                                from Manitowoc, Wisconsin

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Pros

                                • Lightweight
                                • Nice Bokeh

                                Cons

                                • Tough To Attach

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Night Photography
                                • Sports/Action
                                • Video
                                • Weddings/Events
                                • Wildlife Photos

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

                                i got this lens for christmas along with a nikon d5100. this lens is a GREAT lens. the only downside i see is that it wont auto focas on my camera, but that's not much of a problem because the focas confirm light thing lets me know when my subject is in focas. its also i little tough to attach to the camera, but that's not a problem. i would recommend this lens 100%

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • Yes

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                GREAT LOW LIGHT SHOOTING LENS/ECONOMICAL

                                By JFIVE

                                from ATLANTA, GA

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

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

                                Cons

                                • NONE

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light
                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Wildlife Photos

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

                                USE ON MY D50 FOR MULTI PURPOSE SHOTS, LIKE CANDID SHOTS ON THE STREET. USE ON OLD STRUCTURES IN VERY EARLY MORN FOG AND SHADOWS...LOVE IT

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • Yes

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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 not a regularly stocked item. Estimated arrival at B&H is 3-7 business days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.

                                Protective Wraps & Mats

                                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)
                                • 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
                                 
                                 
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