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Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras | 
 enlarge | Brand: Nikon
Category: Photography
List Price: $139.00
Buy New: $109.89
You Save: $29.11 (21%)
New (11) Used (4) from $109.89
Rating:  254 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Maximum Focal Length: 50
Minimum Focal Length: 50
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 4.3 x 4.1 x 3.6
MPN: 2137
Model: 2137
UPC: 182080213768
EAN: 0018208019069
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | High-speed normal lens | | • | Great for travel and for shooting full-length portraits in available light | | • | Distortion-free images with superb resolution and color rendition | | • | Provides high-contrast images even at maximum aperture |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
A compact and fast lens that is perfect for travel and portrait pictures, as well as general photography / f/1.8D / 50mm / Compatible with 52mm Filters Stops down to f/22 for excellent depth-of-field control
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| Customer Reviews: Read 249 more reviews...
Best value in a Nikon lens January 6, 2009
sap (MI)
Hmmm.
Maybe I've just been around too long, dating back to the age of the prime lens. Years ago I read an article by the late, great Bob Schwalberg of Pop Photo. One of his monthly columns was devoted to the "nifty fifty" and I'll never forget it. Most SLR cameras of the time were sold with these as "normal" lenses. The angle of view on a 35mm camera was about the same as the human eye at 47 (or so) degrees and they had some characteristics of both a tele and a wide angle, plus the wonderful aspect of faster speed to aid in focusing (which at that point in history was manual). In short, a simple lens formula that was probably the sharpest one most people owned. Zooms back then were not the greatest.
A 75mm equivalent focal length (which a 50 is on most APS-C DSLR's) is actually closer to our angle of concentration, within our angle of view (if I dig I can find my old reference article for this fact). Several have noted that this short tele effectively restricts the use of this lens for group, interior, tight quarters shots. Also, that you have to move you to get the shot, not a ring on a lens. Yep. But what you gain is better auto focus in dim light (more light making it to the AF sensor), shallow depth of field option to isolate your subjects (with wonderful, clean bokeh), tighter and more intimate images of specific individuals without a lot of surrounding or background clutter, much better inherent contrast for snappier images (in many cases, when compared to the std zooms found on most DSLR's), better flash range. Of course, all of these apply when not in those situations too, for formal or informal portraits, landscapes, etc.
I know I sound like a curmudgeon, but I think every photographer should own one of these; there are that many situations where your images will stand out from the fray. The use of a single focal length is a great way to learn to see in a new way and improve your work, not just with a 50mm, but any focal length. Sometimes just zooming isn't enough. Sometimes, even with a zoom, a different perspective will yield a better, more interesting image.
Yes, this lens is plastic. What does that really matter? Yes it uses the camera body focus motor so it's a little loud. Don't have an answer for this one (other than the fact that Nikon has the f1.4G out now with HSM focus). Yes, the optics are superb, supporting a long tradition of excellence (which in all fairness is shared with Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony (Minolta), Leica) for this type of lens.
Dollar for dollar, this is the best money on lenses you will spend. And the faster f1.4 big brother is only an improvement (but no where near as good a value owing to its cost).
A must have lens. January 2, 2009
Gary Carpineta (Maryland, USA)
A fast prime lens is a must have in any camera bag. It is nice to have in low light situations where you can't/don't want to use a flash. Sharpness is satisfactory wide open but at f4 and above I find it gets very sharp.
If you are willing to spend more money you may want to look into the Nikon 35mm or Sigma 30mm f1.4 especially if you are using a DX camera body. The 30mm will get you closer to what a 50mm lens would be on a FX body.
It's also a good learning tool, there is nothing like a prime lens to teach you how to frame an image.
All in all a perfect match for my D90. With the high ISO capability of the D90 I'm able to stop the lens down to around f4 even in low light and get great shots. The ability to open the lens up even more when needed is just icing on the cake.
Great Lens for the money... January 2, 2009
RALPH B (Texas)
Good indoors and low light conditions..No zooming here so you physically must move to or from your target. On my D80 this 50mmm acts like it magnifies..I beleive it't the equivalent of a 80mm...
Believe the Other Reviews December 28, 2008
Kimberly Potter (Ohio, US)
I recently purchased this lens based on other reviewers. It is a great lens for a great price. It does have limitations as far as tight spaces/indoors. I have used it nonstop for kids, portraits, outdoors, etc. The pictures are razor sharp and I am not disappointed.
the lens yo must get December 27, 2008
Martin Basilio Gonzales (Chile)
the cheapest lens in the AF Nikkor line... extremely sharp at all apertures larger than f/2.8 at f/1.8 the lens is pretty good too. not noticeble distorsion or color degradation. Even at f/1.8 Flare is very controlled,
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