If you own a Nikon Z mirrorless camera and are in the market for a high-performing, budget-friendly prime lens for photography and videography, look no further than the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S. It’s one of the most popular Nikon Z fit lenses on sale today and is a great option for professionals and amateurs alike.
In this Nikon lens review, we will explore everything there is to know about the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S. From its build quality to photo/video quality to autofocus performance and more, you will learn it all. Moreover, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. All their cameras and lenses are dutifully hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We have been using MPB to buy, sell, and trade camera gear for years, and we would never have achieved everything we have today without their help. That’s why we are thrilled to recommend them to you today. Now, let’s discover why the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a must-own lens for Nikon shooters.
Check out the video above by Ricci Talks to learn more about the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S and to see some example images shot with it.
Table of Contents
- Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review: Overview
- Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review: Build Quality & Design
- Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review: Image & Video Quality
- Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review: Overview
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a nifty fifty prime lens that debuted at the end of 2018. It is compatible with Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras and was released simultaneously with the Nikon Z7 and Z6.
This 50mm lens is beloved because it captures images with a field of view (FOV) closest to that seen by the human eye. Because of this, it is ideal for street photography, travel photography, astrophotography, and portraits. However, you can shoot stunning images of anything with the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S.
Another impressive feature is the lens’ autofocus performance. The stepping AF motor provides fast, smooth, and nearly silent autofocus and works great during both photo and video capture modes.
Now, Here’s an in-depth look at its key features and specs:
- Lens Type: Normal Length Prime Lens
- Camera System: Full-Frame
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z Lens Mount
- Focal Length: 50 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 40 cm
- Filter Size: 62 mm
- Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
- Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
- Size/Weight: 76 x 86.5 mm / 415 grams
- Optical Image Stabilization: No
- Used Price: $584
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review: Build Quality & Design
The first thing that stands out when you get your hands on the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is its impeccable build quality. It’s a 100% metal lens that is compact, sturdy, and easy to use. Additionally, it is weather sealed to protect it from water, dust, moisture, etc., making it a great lens for shooting outdoors.
The only features present on the exterior of the lens are a grippy focus ring and an autofocus/manual focus toggle. The focus ring glides smoothly during manual shooting or can be programmed to adjust a handful of different camera/exposure settings. While the AF/MF toggle lets you instantly switch between focus modes.
Internally it has 12 lens elements in 9 groups, including two aspherical lens elements and two extra-low dispersion elements. Also, Nikon applied a Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coat to each lens element to help combat reflections, lens flares, and ghosting.
Learn More:
- 4 Nikon Z9 Specs That Make It a Must-Have Camera for Professionals
- Three Top Options for the Best Nikon Landscape Lens
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review: Image & Video Quality
Image and video quality are where the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S shines brightest. Thanks to the high-quality glass lens elements, photos and videos shot using this lens have excellent sharpness and clarity. Furthermore, they have lots of contrast and beautiful, natural-looking colors.
The signature feature of this Nikon 50mm lens is its f/1.8 maximum aperture. The large aperture makes it a fantastic lens for shooting in low light conditions (nighttime, in a studio, sunrise/sunset, etc.) and creates gorgeous bokeh (shallow depth of field) effects. These are perfect features for portrait photography.
The only thing missing is optical image stabilization. However, since every Nikon Z mirrorless camera already has terrific in-body image stabilization, this is by no means a deal breaker when deciding whether or not to invest in this lens.
Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
For those of you who shoot with a Nikon mirrorless camera, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value than the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S. It’s constructed from premium glass, boasts excellent image quality, and has an extremely affordable price. And when tested, it stacked up favorably with other lenses that cost significantly more.
For more lens options, check out the list below featuring more of our favorite Nikon Z Mount Lenses. You can find them all now over at MPB!
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S
- Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S