Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor AI-S Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

jorgemonkey
( Expert)

Review Date
June 19, 2008

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Review 1 of 8

Price Paid: $0.00 from gift from parents

Summary:

I got this lens when my dad gave me his FM film camera. I currently use this lens with the Nikon Bellows set for copying slides & macro photography.

It is a very sharp lens, and it is build the way I wish the AF version of this was build. It doesn't feel like you'll break it if you drop it (which I have!)

The 1.8 aperture is great in low light. I mostly use this lens between F4-F16 for my slide copying work.

Strengths:

Build quality
focuses smoothly

Weaknesses:

None that I've found

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 35mm 2.8 AIS, Nikon 50mm F1.8

Customer Service:

I've used their customer service a few times, and have been impressed each time.

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Rating
Reviewed by:

mohawk51
( Expert)

Review Date
November 14, 2006

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5,
2 votes

Review 2 of 8

Price Paid: $80.00 from Friend

Summary:

I agree with Ken Grooms listed here. The one to get is the one made from 1981-1985. Not the one shown here. The lens made from "81-'85, with the serial numbers shown by Ken is the sharpest lens I too have ever seen. And I'm a "sharp" freak when it comes to lenses. If it ain't sharp, IT'S GONE!!! I haven't seen any other 50MM F.8 that comes anywhere close. If you want tack sharp, this is the one.

Strengths:

Everthing about it!!

Weaknesses:

None noted.....

Similar Products Used:

Too many Nikkors to mention....

Customer Service:

Not Needed..

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Rating
Reviewed by: Larry Miller
(Expert)

Review Date
September 12, 2006

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Review 3 of 8

Price Paid: $75.00 from Friend

Summary:

What can I say that hasn't already been said about this lens from previous posters? Every word they said is true. I bought this lens about a year ago and really haven't used it very much since then. On a recent trip to the coast, I decided to take that lens and that lens only on the trip (Unusual for me to take 1 lens only). Got the slides back yesterday and the sharpness, colors and contrast I saw made me take a seat. Hard to believe that little jewel can produce such art work. Hard to believe it's been stored away and not in use. Not anymore! It goes back in the photo bag. I took many shots vertically. Those shots could almost pass for a medium wide angle view. It's the colors that this lens produces that blow me away. I shot this lens consistently at F11. Earlly morning beach shots and late evenings shots were like an artists palette. I agree with one of the posters that the 50MM F1.8 to get is the one that was made from 1981-1985. I've shot with the other 50's. No comparison whatsoever!! This lens deserves more than a 5 start rating. So all I can say is take that 50 out and fall back in love with that "short telephoto".

Strengths:

Everything. What else can I say?

Weaknesses:

Zero.

Similar Products Used:

Numerous Nikkor products.

Customer Service:

None needed. Knock on wood......

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Rating
Reviewed by:

Ken Grooms
( Intermediate)

Review Date
January 21, 2006

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
3 votes

Review 4 of 8

Price Paid: $99.00 from Bocaphoto.com

Summary:

Get the early edition of this (serial #31800xx-3300000), the larger metal early edition (1981-1985) - not the "pancake" later edition pictured here. IT IS THE BEST LENS I HAVE EVER USED!!!!!!!!!! Nature photographer Bjorn Rorslett, who tests practically every Nikkor ever made says: "The early version of the 50/1.8 is the sharpest normal lens I've ever seen on my D2X. The close-focus to 0.45 m comes in handy as well. Other people tell me the more recent versions are less spectacular and I tend to believe them, since the AF 50/1.8 is a little uneven in its performance ."

Strengths:

SHARPEST NIKKOR EVER MADE!

Weaknesses:

Similar Products Used:

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.4D Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D

Customer Service:

N/A

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Rating
Reviewed by:

William Kazak
( Professional)

Review Date
January 26, 2005

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.56 of 5,
9 votes

Review 5 of 8

Price Paid: $100.00 from Central Camera

Summary:

Suprisingly good. You will be amazed at its sharpness and general ability. Good flare control. I had two of these at one time. The price is great too.

Strengths:

Sharp. Versatile focal length. Easy to focus thru the viewfinder.

Weaknesses:

F1.8 is not F1.4. Also, why not just call it F2? The 1/3 stop thing is annoying.

Similar Products Used:

Most all Nikon lenses, including 50mm F 1.4.

Customer Service:

Not needed.

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