Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Announced August 23, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S is an exceptionally sharp standard prime that delivers high-contrast imagery and reliable autofocus performance across the entire frame. Although it is larger, heavier, and more expensive than traditional F-mount 50mm lenses, it provides a significant leap in optical quality for Z-series mirrorless cameras.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Outstanding sharpness and contrast across the frame even at f/1.8
- Well-controlled optical aberrations, including minimal flare, coma, and chromatic aberration
- Smooth, pleasing bokeh and minimal focus breathing
- Fast, silent, and reliable autofocus performance
- Robust build quality with comprehensive weather sealing
Cons
- Larger, heavier, and more expensive than traditional 50mm f/1.8 lenses
- Focus-by-wire system lacks linear gearing and physical feedback
- Pronounced vignetting at wide apertures
- Limited external controls and customizability
- Lack of internal image stabilization
- Launch price $599.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 50mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 40 cm (0.15x)
- Filter thread 62mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 415g (14.6 oz) · 76 x 86.5 mm (2.99 x 3.41 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 25 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 93/100
The Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 S is a powerful standard lens for the Z system, offering outstanding sharpness and full-aperture performance.
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The Nikon Z 50mm f1.8S is the first “standard” prime lens specifically designed for Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless Z bodies.
- OpticalLimits 9/10
Nikon promised an above average normal prime performing on a new level, and they certainly delivered.
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Nikon has a winner on their hands with the Z 50mm f/1.8 S.
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Nikon DSLR users wanting a nicely priced standard prime could do worse than go for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. It proved a capable optical performer turning in images with good contrast, reduced chromatic aberrations and high sharpness.
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I’ve wondered at times why people seem to love this lens so much, as on paper it isn’t particularly impressive. But now that I’ve used it, I get it. This is a great lens [...]
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[I]t's very difficult to fault the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F/1.8 S lens in almost any way.
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After the test of the Nikkor Z 50 mm f/1.8 S the list of pros and cons, published above and my overall impressions allow me to state that it is one of the best 1.8/50 class instruments I have had a pleasure to handle and test so far.
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All full-frame kits should probably have a 50mm prime in them, and the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is an impressive starting point for what will eventually be an amazing arsenal of Nikkor glass.
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There is not much to say about this 50mm f/1.8, this lens has almost everything.
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Is that worth US$600? It is if you need and use this focal length, in my opinion.
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An outstanding 50mm lens for full frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
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The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is something of a no-brainer if you don't have a 50mm lens for your new Nikon Z6/Z7 camera, and well worth considering even if you do already have a 50mm DSLR lens.
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Nikon’s new Z-mount has paved the way for lenses that set new benchmarks for optical quality.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a bright, sharp, fast-focusing standard prime lens for Z mirrorless cameras, and a serious value for the price.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8S delivers excellent sharpness, minimal distortion and solid performance.
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If you think that the 50 millimeter focal length is going to be particularly useful to you then absolutely you can't go wrong with this lens. I really do like the picture quality of it.
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Nikon 50 / 1.8Z is an excellent fast prime for full frame mirrorless cameras. One of the sharpest autofocus fifty dollars.
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[F]inal thoughts: I would say this lens is a gem, a masterpiece. It’s amazing, and I never say that in my lens reviews! It really can do anything. It’s my most used lens, and I love it.
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These Z 1.8 primes really don't have very much to do, they don't have very much in common with the F-mount 1.8 primes. They are a different ball game.
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It strikes me that no one else in the market has hit upon as keenly balanced a set of trade-offs among image quality, size, weight, speed, weather sealing, focus performance, build quality appropriate to the task, and price as you have for full-frame primes.
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The 50 1.8 is ultrasharp and almost optically perfect, just as good as the exotic ZEISS OTUS at a fraction of the price, size and weight.
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The bottom line is, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens has beautiful optical performance, and is designed for solo shooters who are mostly into handholding their cameras for video work.
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I am absolutely in love with this lens; I think this is something that I'll probably keep over on for a long time just because of this lightweightness, it's incredible image quality, and it's practical use in pretty much every single photography scenario.
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[W]ith that wide F/1.8 aperture, the bokeh coming from out of this lens is really great. Once you lock in focus on your subject, that background blur is very nice.
