Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Review

Introduction

This hands-on review covers everything that you need to know about the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S – the original “nifty fifty” prime lens that Nikon released for their full-frame mirrorless Z System in 2018. Although it’s a small lens with sparse external controls, the build quality and optical design of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S are surprisingly advanced. The lens features a 12-element design with two aspherical elements, two ED glass elements, Nano Crystal coating, and Super Integrated Coating. No wonder Nikon considers it part of their “S-Line” of signature lenses.

50mm lenses are classic choices for street photography, portraiture, and travel photography, especially with a maximum aperture of f/1.8. The sheer flexibility of the 50mm focal length also makes it a good choice whenever you don’t know what to expect and want to be prepared for anything.

When it was first announced, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S was one of only three lenses for the Nikon Z system (and the only 50mm prime). Today, there are several other Nikon Z lenses with a similar focal length – such as the 40mm f/2, 50mm f/2.8 Macro, and 50mm f/1.2 S – but the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S remains one of the best lenses of its kind.

Nikon initially priced the Z 50mm f/1.8 S at $600, but they raised the price slightly to $630 a few years later due to inflation. Either way, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 is the least expensive S-Line lens available right now, although perhaps that’s not a surprise. Traditionally, 50mm f/1.8 prime lenses have been among the least expensive glass available from any lens manufacturer. For example, the previous-generation Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G for Nikon’s F-mount had an MSRP of just $220 by comparison.

Does the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S justify its relatively high price for a “nifty fifty,” and does it deserve a place in Nikon’s esteemed S-Line? To answer those questions and more, our team at Photography Life has tested the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S extensively both in the lab and in the field. What follows is the most comprehensive review that you’ll find of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S anywhere online. We’ve not only tested this lens in-depth; we’ve also compared it in detail against a variety of other lenses that Nikon Z photographers may be considering. Read on to find out how the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S holds up.

Build Quality

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 S has a minimalist design with a mostly plastic construction. Even so, at 415 grams (0.91 pounds) and 8.7 cm long (3.4 inches), it’s not as portable as most 50mm f/1.8 lenses on the market – some of which are borderline pancake lenses. Part of the value of a “nifty fifty” is that you can easily take it anywhere or even throw it in a jacket pocket without a problem. And while the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is small enough that you won’t break your back using it, photographers who are after maximum portability may want to consider the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 or Nikon Z 50mm f/2.8 Macro instead.

The good news is that the plastic construction is very sturdy, and I actually prefer it compared to metal in most ways. Plastic handles better in the cold, while reducing the weight of lenses and even increasing their durability against certain bumps. (Metal can dent in cases where plastic will bounce back.)

Of course, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S’s lens mount is still made of metal, including four locking ears for a very secure attachment without any noticeable wobble. The lens is weather-sealed at the mount, and Nikon claims a “dust- and moisture-resistant lens barrel” as well. I used this lens extensively in rainy and sandy conditions without any ill effects. Thanks to the internally-focusing design, there is no need to worry about dust or grit getting into the lens unless you change lenses in adverse conditions.

Handling

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S has a very sparse design with few external controls. There is only one switch on the side of the lens, controlling autofocus versus manual focus. The lens does not have built-in VR, but it does work with Nikon’s in-body image stabilization system (IBIS) to allow handholding at long shutter speeds. Personally, I wish Nikon had put a VR switch on the lens anyway, even though it would only control IBIS, but it’s not the end of the world. (That said, not all Nikon Z cameras have IBIS, and it diminishes some of the value of this lens if your camera lacks such a system. Hopefully Nikon releases a 50mm prime with built-in VR one day.)

Technically speaking, the focusing ring on the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S can be assigned to perform a variety of different tasks, such as changing exposure compensation or aperture. However, I expect that nearly every photographer who owns this lens will keep it at manual focus all the time. It’s a bit disappointing that Nikon did not include a secondary customizable dial or a custom function button on an S-Line lens. If you want those features, you’ll need to jump up to the more expensive Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S.

Specifications

• Full Name: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
• Mount Type: Nikon Z Mount
• Focal Length: 50mm prime
• Angle of View (Full Frame): 47°
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
• Filter Size: 62mm
• Lens Elements: 12
• Lens Groups: 9
• Special Elements: 2 aspherical, 2 ED glass
• Nano Crystal Coating: Yes
• Super Integrated Coating: Yes
• Fluorine-Coated Front Element: Yes
• Electronic Diaphragm: Yes
• Vibration Reduction: No
• Internal Focusing: Yes
• Control Rings: One (focus ring)
• Function Button: None
• Focus Motor: Stepping motor
• Minimum Focus Distance: 40 cm (16 inches)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.15× (1:6.7)
• Mount Material: Metal
• Weather/Dust Sealing: Yes
• Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 87 × 76 mm (3.4 × 3.0 inches)
• Weight: 415 grams (0.91 lbs)
• MSRP: $630
• Lowest Sale Seen: $500 (check current price)

The next page of this review covers the optical characteristics of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S, including focusing performance and sharpness tests in the lab. Click the menu below to go to “Optical Performance”: