Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G (FX) - Review / Test Report

Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict

Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)

Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

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

The Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G is a very solid performer that delivers very good to excellent sharpness across most of the FX frame.

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.

Optical Quality:
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:

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