Nikon 50mm 1.8
Since the new Z-series cameras feature in-body stabilization, the lens itself is unstabilized.
A single A / M focus switch is the only other moving part. Constructed from a mixture of polycarbonate and aluminum, the barrel of the 50mm is dominated by a wide and well-damped metal focus ring. Somewhat reminiscent in overall look and feel to a modern Sony ZA or Sigma Art-series prime, the new lens is smooth, stylish and simple in design. The Z 50mm F1.8 S is as different optically to its F-mount predecessors as it is cosmetically.
Product Photography by Dan Bracaglia Design and handling Compare this to the single aspherical element in the F-mount version (itself a novelty when the lens was introduced in 2011) and it's obvious that Nikon has taken the opportunity to completely redesign its newest standard lens for the radically different dimensions of the new Z mount. Featuring advanced coatings, almost twice the number of elements (including two aspherical and two ED) and three additional groups, the new prime is substantially more complex. Optical construction: 12 elements in 9 groups, including Nano Crystal CoatingĬompared to its nominal F-mount equivalent, the Z 50mm F1.8 S is an obvious step up in terms of optical technology.Hood: Included HB-90, bayonet attachment.
The Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 is twice as heavy, twice as large and about twice the price of the company's equivalent lens for F mount - but is it twice as good? We've been shooting with one for a few weeks, and one thing's for sure - it's a radically different lens. In fact, the company claimed that the Z 50mm S would offer superb resolving power, low aberrations and excellent wide-aperture performance, impressive enough to challenge assumptions about what lenses of this type should be capable of. It's hard to get too excited about a medium-fast 50mm these days, but in its promotional literature Nikon claimed that its latest standard prime is anything but a standard standard. One of three lenses launched alongside the Nikon Z6 and Z7, on the face of it the Z 50mm F1.8 S might appear the most pedestrian of the group.