Sample Shots

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Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/1.8 Exposure 1/4000s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/3.5 Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/640s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/1.8 Exposure 1/5000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/1600s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/640s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/1000s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/7.1 Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/125s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/4.5 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/1600s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/800s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/160s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 50.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/160s

Verdict

Typical for a fast prime there is some vignetting wide open as well as bokeh fringing. CAs and distortion are moderate. The bokeh quality is not stellar, but quite good for this lens class.

The build quality is good and in line with other Nikon lenses in this segment. Thanks to a silent wave drive, AF action is silent and reaonably fast (for the typical usage of such a lens).

Compared to its predecessor (the Nikkor AF-D 50mm f/1.8) the new AF-S lens delivers better border resolution and improved bokeh, but has gained some weight and especially size. The better performance also comes along with an increased price. In Europe, the lens is expected to ship in early June 2011 with an estimated street price around 200 EUR.

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