The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition is optically identical to the standard version of the lens, but is priced higher.

• +

  Sharp. Compact. Wide aperture. Internal focus motor.

• -

  No vibration reduction or aperture ring. Priced higher than standard version of lens based only on cosmetic changes.

This new prime lens has a very affordable price. The WDC review of the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G discovers that its performance is impressive too

• +

  Fantastic full-frame performance

• -

  Some chromatic aberration on DX-format sensor

For years, the popular and affordable 50mm/f1.8 was only available as an AF-D lens that cannot auto focus on today’s consumer DSLRs such as the earlier D40 to the current D3100 and D5100. This new AF-S version is a very welcome addition.

This update to Nikon's venerable 50mm f/1.8G has a lot to live up to, as the reputation of the older D version that it is amongst Nikon's sharpest optics will be a hard task to live up to.

With so many choices in the 50mm category, even just from Nikon, it's hard to figure who the target audience for the 50mm Æ’/1.8G. Obviously, owners of consumer bodies such as the D3100 or D5100, which don't have mechanical autofocus screws, will gravitate to this lens.

Owners of Nikon's FX cameras will find the price of this lens attractive – and its performance on the 'full frame' bodies should justify its including in an FX kit. DX owners looking for a lens with a 'normal' perspective should probably favour one of Nikon's 35mm primes (the f/1.4G or f/2D,...

The Nikon AF-S 50/1.8 performs quite well on the V1 camera. At large apertures, the high density of the small CX sensor turns out to be a little challenging, but stopped down the lens reaches very good to excellent resolution across the whole frame.

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 new Nikkor is a bit more expensive than its predecessor but still it remains a cheap lens, well within reach of most of photographers. Like its predecessor, it offers a lot for such a price.

• +

  excellent image quality in the frame centre,, good image quality on the edge of the frame,, not very bothersome chromatic aberration,, slight distortion,, well-controlled vignetting on the smaller sensor,, silent and quite swift autofocus,, very good work against bright light,, rich accessory kit...

• -

  image quality near the maximum aperture could have been at least a bit better,, noticeable coma in the corners of full frame,, distinct vignetting on full frame.

Gary Wolstenholme reviews the new version of Nikon's 50mm prime lens, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens.

• +

  Outstanding optical performance when stopped down, Very good sharpens in the centre at maximum aperture, Excellent build, Light weight, Resistance to flare, Low levels of chromatic aberration

• -

  Barrel distortion a little strong for a lens of this type, Hyperfocal marking difficult to use

this lens was my first prime lens for my d3300, and i absolutely love it. i was using my 18-55mm lens for the longest time and i wanted a lens that got more bokeh/depth of field so i asked a family friend who is a nikon photographer and he referred me to this lens and i couldn't be happier!

First I must say I own both 1.4 and 1.8 versions. Simply put: there is no reasonable argument to go for the 1.4G version, the end. First of all, almost no difference in results when you compare 1.4 and 1.8 images. Half the price.

This is probably The worst lens I have ever bought. Produces the quality of an average cellphone image... Have tried everything and still get low quality and not sharp images. I read the other reviews so figured I'd get what I wanted - a clear, sharp 50mm view. Hmmmmm.

• +

  None I could determine.

• -

  Utter lack of sharpness when displayed at 100% - exactly the same way I view all my other images. I generally use a 40mm MICRO for just about everything (unless it's my 105mm MICRO) including distance land/seascapes, and am spoiled with regard to clear, SHARP images.

This has to be my favorite lens! This is a wonderful 1.8f prime lens and has incredible clarity! I highly recommend this lens to anyone wanting to add a new lens to their kit. I have included a photo that I shot with this exact lens for reference.

One of my best nighttime performers, better than the 50/1.4 AFS and than most other 50mm I tested (but the Noct of course), including the Voigtlaender Nokton 58/1.4. Good results in low light, generally speaking. Wide open, it vignettes a lot, but pictures do have some punch already.

• +

  Contrast, flare behaviour, against-the-light shoooting, point light sources

• -

  lightly built

I've had this lens for a few weeks now, and it's become my primary portrait lens, along side my 85mm f/1.8. Both are tac sharp, with beautiful bokeh. Although it feels a little light, and cheap, it's solid as a rock. Highly recommend, and buying a second for my daughter.

This is a fantastic lens. Paired with my D3300 the photos are super crisp and beautiful. This is now my go to lens for outdoor and a majority of the shooting indoor as well. Great choice.

I am really amazed at the quality of photos from this lens... I didn't expect it to be that good. Makes photos nearly look 3D. Super shape pics.

• +

  Durable, Easy To Use, Lightweight, Reliable

This is a great lens - it is making me switch out of the cheaper consumer zoom lenses that Nikon sells. I am willing to sacrifice the convenience of zoom for the sharpness that this lens brings. The 35 mm version of this actually may be more convenient if you shoot indoor groups very often.

• +

  Great In Low Light, Very sharp pictures, Light and easy to carry

• -

  Need to zoom with feet

This is my first lens besides the 18-55mm non-VR kit lens that I use with my D3000. I am just beginning to expand my photography and I cannot believe I have used any other lens besides this one. The kit lens feels barbaric! The autofocus is super fast even in low light.

• +

  Build Quality, cheap, Fast Focus, Lightweight

• -

  Soft at 18