Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Specifications

Lens Specifications
* Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area 
Lens TypePrime Lens
Focal Length50mm
Mount TypeNikon Z
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)Full Frame / APS-C
Compatible with TeleconvertersNo
Maximum Reproduction Ratio0.15x
Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization)No
Aperture Information
Aperture RingNo
Maximim Aperturef/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/16
Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format)31°30′
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)47°00′
Optical Information
Lens Elements12
Lens Groups9
Diaphragm Blades9 (Rounded)
Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements2
Aspherical Elements2
Nano Crystal CoatYes
Super Integrated Coat (SIC)Yes
Focus Information
FocusAutofocus
Built-in Focus MotorYes
Stepper Motor (STM)Yes
Internal FocusingYes
Minimum Focus Distance0.4m
Electronic DiaphragmYes
Distance InformationYes
Filter Information
Filter Size62mm
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-on
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingYes
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions76mm x 86.5mm
Weight415g
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack
Supplied AccessoriesLC-62B 62 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap, LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap, HB-90 Bayonet Hood, CL-C1 Lens Case

There are some clear highlights here: two aspherical elements, two ED glass elements, Nano Crystal coating, Super Integrated Coating, and a whopping 12 elements in total. The F-mount 50mm f/1.8 G, by comparison, has one aspherical element, super integrated coating, and just 7 elements.

None of this alone guarantees that the 50mm f/1.8 S would be a great lens, but it certainly shows that Nikon has gone all-out with their design choices. Nikon also advertised additional manufacturing tolerances upon the launch of the new Z system, so it should be pretty clear why the Z lens is $600 rather than $177.

Completing the list of important specifications are the 50mm f/1.8 S’s weather sealing and 9 rounded aperture blades, for potentially higher quality bokeh versus 7-blade designs.

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Image Sample #2
NIKON Z 7 + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S @ 50mm, ISO 200, 1/50, f/1.8

On the next page, we will cover the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S’s image quality and optical characteristics, including things like sharpness, bokeh, and focusing performance.

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