I burned me under the nails and so I ordered two test devices of 1.8er prime lenses with Nikon. Unfortunately, one day late for my New York trip was the Nikon 85 mm f / 1.8 G and the Nikon 50mm 1.8 g with me on.
I myself already own the two focal lengths in the 1.4er variant. The Nikon 50mm 1.8 g, I certify absolutely stunning performance, which is Nikon 50mm 1.8 g, however in my opinion not the weakest link in the chain of 1.4er fixed focal lengths. Pricewise already small worlds between the respective lenses. In ’85, there are about $216.95 with the $50 $100. the difference net of the light intensity is relatively low, just 2/3 stop is the difference. So one has the question: Is it worth it to buy the 1,4er?
As so often I photograph from no test charts, but take the lenses simply having to shoot to see how the results are. Unfortunately sees the Nikon 50mm 1.8 g so similar that I accidentally packed the 1.4er the test shoot. I Honk. Well, then stop only times only the Nikon 50mm 1.8 g.
I want you to show some results from the shoot with Sina here easily. Of course finished, because for me, it’s just the end result. I know that some think differently there, but if I can correct something in Light room, which is usually ok. Lens correction is a good example.
Nikon lens fixed focal length 50mmBereits In 1986, his first Nikon 50mm lens with autofocus and a maximum aperture of f / 1.8 on the market. The basic optical design has proved very successful and was “AF-D” also maintained for the successor model 50mm. Only in June 2011, after 25 years without any significant new developments, the world’s long-awaited successor AF-S Nikon 50mm 1.8 g. appeared Given the long development time, the expectations of the new model were high.
Price: The costs Nikon 50mm 1.8 g Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens $ with the 10% off Coupon Code: 10PRIMENOW (coupon only for 1st order).
Delivery, equipment and first impression
In addition to the lens, including lids Nikon lodged with the lens hood HB-47 and the pouch CL-1013, so it is the same accessories as the “big brother” AF-S 50mm 1: 1.4 g.
Overall, it looks like this very much. If you hold both lenses in hand, you have to almost overlook the label to distinguish it can. In size they differ only by a few millimeters, and the difference in weight of 185 g to 280 g does not fall spontaneously.
However, At the very first unpacking noticed a detail that is of another Nikon lenses unknown. Instead of a painted groove a little white plastic hemisphere now marked the correct position for attachment to the lens mount.
Speaking bayonet, this is made neat metal, the lens barrel from a seemingly quality plastic. On this point, it is similar to the AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4 g, which is, incidentally, also manufactured in China.
The ultrasonic autofocus (AF-S) is finally in addition to the optical innovations, the most significant change to its predecessor. Focused is thus almost silently and felt a bit faster. Furthermore, does the autofocus on all DX cameras without own autofocus motor (for example, Nikon D3100, D5100).
The “G” at the end of the product name on the other hand reveals another characteristic of the lens. namely He lacks the aperture ring, so a purist use on analogue cameras like the Nikon FM3a is not possible.
Nikon 50mm 1.8 g image quality
In fact, Nikon was able to increase the excellence of his predecessors again with the Nikon 50mm 1.8 g. The sharpness is just in the center already at maximum aperture very good and surpasses already with minimal stopping down the resolving power of the most popular digital cameras.
Very good, the fixed focal length can also handle strong backlight. Even in such extreme situations hardly show ghosting, glare or chromatic aberration (color fringing on high contrast edges) in the image.
Rather average the new standard lens on the subject edge darkening cuts. As with most high-intensity fixed focal lengths can be seen at full aperture depending on the subject a more or less significant vignette in the corners.
The problem is apparent only when using film or full-frame digital cameras and disappear there completely by stopping down by one or two stages.
Image geometry – Distortion
In one respect, the new “G” lens is however still significant weaknesses. The barrel distortion occurs here more visible than that of other comparable 50mm lenses from Nikon.
For professional architectural or product photography, the lens without proper post is therefore only of limited use. The complex structure of the distortion this is not to be solved by simple filter.
Nikon 50mm 1.8 g quality
Although the case of Nikon 50mm 1.8 g “G” as his predecessors is largely made of plastic, brings the with 185g the previous highest weight on the scale. The complex optical design with seven lenses This is due in six groups and an aspherical element. Unfortunately, thus also the filter diameter increases. Whereas in the past almost all Nikon prime lenses with a 52mm filter port, the new standard lens now enforces an upgrade to 58mm.
but was considerably improves the focusing unit. Equipped with a nearly silent “AF-S” -Micrometer autofocus adjusts very quickly and accurately with the Nikon 50mm 1.8 g.
The “instant Manual override” function also allows manual adjustment of focusing having to use a separate lever without it. The focus ring has a good grip and wide enough for convenient use.
Nikon 50mm 1.8 g compatibility
The Nikon 50mm 1.8 g is compatible with all digital and all modern SLRs. It is particularly suitable for full-frame DSLRs like Nikon D3 or D700, as well as for cameras without own autofocus motor, such as the Nikon D3000, D3100, D5000 and D5100.
By usual at the “G” system lenses saving aperture ring, the lens is not suitable for older cameras with manual iris or a macro head on bellows or macro extension tubes.
Technical specifications
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 G
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Image stabilizer:
- For Camera Brand: Nikon
- Suitable for Nikon DSLR without own focus motor
- Suitable for full and half size
- Weight: 185g
- Filter size: 58mm
- Diaphragm blades: 7 rounded,
- Housing: Plastic
- Delivery: Sun visor (plastic), storage bags, front and back cover.
Nikon 50mm 1.8 g applications
Largely, the field of application is that of the older Nikon 50mm 1.8 g: compare 1,8D. Verbatim minimum focusing distance of 45 cm allows macros to a certain degree. The following photo of a thistle gives a rough idea.
Since the autofocus works on all DX Nikon cameras, you get to this a bright portrait lens with which can be people or objects wonderful exempt from the background. With the large maximum aperture cannot in any weather (or flash) work because the camera cannot provide a sufficiently fast shutter speeds at longer to bright light.
Then offers the use of a neutral density filter. As you can see on the following photos, but also a slightly overcast sky of clouds sufficient.
Price: The costs Nikon 50mm 1.8 g Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens $ with the 10% off Coupon Code: 10PRIMENOW (coupon only for 1st order).
Imaging performance and comparison with other 50mm lenses (on the D700)
an objective test is really interesting course only once the direct comparison with the competition present. Even if it comes from the same manufacturer.
All comparison photos of the first series were photographed with the FX (full-frame) camera Nikon D700 as RAW (Nikon NEF) with ISO 100 (Lo-1), converted to Capture NX2 and optimized in Photoshop CS5 for web presentation.
As can be seen when driving over the above photo, the Color rendering is different from the old AF 50mm 1: 1,8D. In addition to already recognize towards the sharpness of the drop latter to the edges in this low resolution. However, 50 mm 1 shows for the new Nikon 50mm 1.8 g visibly stronger distortion.
While in the center, all lenses have a (the respective aperture appropriate) good figure, the chaff separates the view in the upper left corner of the photos from the wheat. Here, the AF-S outclassed Nikon 50mm 1.8 g his predecessor clearly and can also 50 1 on expensive AF-S: pass 1.4g. When Nikon 50mm 1.8 g also falls on the low contrast on the edge who races improves from Aperture f / 4.