The good news is that the lens consistently produces outstanding images. The aperture ring functions as it should and the focus ring is sufficiently damped for my taste. Nikon backs this lens with a 5-year protection warranty and if it is lost or stolen your investment shouldn’t break the bank. To me, this lens truly represents a prime example of value:) A fixed lens may not be for everyone but if you have found yourself wanting to try a fast/fixed Nikkor lens or you are not satisfied with the results obtained from your zoom lens then this little 5-star performer may be just the ticket and it is available at a price point that is within reach of most photographers. Nikon’s 50mm f/1.8 has not replaced the Nikkor 28-105 zoom in my bag but does enjoy more camera time, as it has become my favorite lens. I prefer to shoot with the fixed 50mm and zoom in or out on my subject by way of foot motion. In other words, if I wish to zoom in on a subject I move closer to it. You get the picture. For instances when this is not possible or is impractical then I’ll use a zoom.

While I am most happy with the results obtained using this gem. There does exist a small opportunity for improvement. This lens is not currently available as a “D” model. Translation, it does not support Nikon’s distance metering. I would have certainly been willing to shell out another $20 or $30 to have a D chip in this lens. Nikon does offer a fixed 50mm f/1.4D lens. However, it is approximately 3 times the price and I couldn’t justify the additional expenditure for my amateur photographic needs. Quality is subjective and sometimes difficult to quantify. This lens has a metal mount but the barrel is constructed of plastic (call plastic whatever high-tech name you wish, it is still plastic), which gives the lens a cheap feel. Admittedly, it is difficult to fault a lens that produces results this good and can be purchased for under a hundred bucks new in the box.

I have found the auto-focus to be fast and accurate when used with either the Nikon N65 or the N80. Results have not disappointed me at all. Sharpness, color and contrast are all unbelievably good and unbeatable especially at this price point. The excellent results referred to are not limited only to shots taken in the middle of the aperture range. This jewel performs well even when used wide open. It is a fast lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 which allows plenty of light in and offers very good control over depth-of-field. An aperture lock is incorporated into this lens for programmed auto or shutter-priority auto shooting. To engage the aperture lock, set the lens to its minimum aperture (f/22) and slide the aperture lock towards the aperture ring so that the white dot on the lock aligns with the orange dot on the lens barrel.

Customer Service

Not needed

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 50 and 135, Sigma 28-80, 70-210, Nikon 28-80, 28-105, 70-300

Cheap, the best money to quality ratio. Small.

The photographer.

Very Good lens. People mostly mention the sharpness of this lens, and they are d*** right. But this lens has other qualities. Practically no distortion and very vivid colors. Nice lens for outdoor use. Early winter skies look stunning. (Well... they always do) And remeber: Primes rules.

Customer Service

Never used.

Similar Products Used:

Konica hexanon 50mm

Sharpness and price (in that order)

cheap feel; would pay more for better construction

A great little lens (glass), although the rest of it feels very plastic(y). However, I did not buy this to use with a manual focus camera, so no problem here. The sharpness is really surprising, especially for the price. I spent years doing part-time professional photography, and often used a 50mm, not understanding why this focal length was so overlooked. Still don''t. Buy it for the bag. You probably won''t use it often, but when you do, you''ll be glad you have it.

Customer Service

Not had to use

Similar Products Used:

Canon; Pentax

Marvellous image quality, sharpness and the colour are perfect. Low price and wheight.

The focus ring was made, in my opinion, not to be manually used, so you will be quite disappointed when using it in a manual focus camera. I have also detect, that I can''''t focus on the infinity when I have it mounted in my F3 but in my other cameras this doesn''''t happen. Maybe it is a F3 problem.

I have two. Cheap price and great image quality were the heavy factors on my decision. This is a "gift" from Nikon. With this price how can you point out something about the construction? Marvellous lens. If you whave the chance, buy one or two, you won''''t regret.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 50 mmm 1.4 (manual)

Nikon's best and cheapest lens. Very portable and lightweight.

Does not provide distance.

Great normal lens. Definately the first lens you should buy if you have a Nikon body. You can't get a better Nikon lens for this price.

Similar Products Used:

None

*****affordability
*****sharpness
*****construction
****fast speed
***compact

None

A lens at its perfection the first time it roled on the market. This is my favarite lens. You can't beat that price. At about $90 new, one can take sharp pictures in the bright mid day to the evening night and still have enough money to take the model out for dinner. The lens is compact and light. Has fast f1.8 glass for that evening scene and those cool portraits with hazy background. I wish all Nikkors is priced and constructed like the 50mm/f1.8 lens! A must for all Nikon users...

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 50mm f1.4

super small
super speed
super sharpness

none

Why even use 400 speed film when you have this silver bullet in your camera bag. People don't realize why cameras have 1/8000 speed- it is because of fast lenses such as this one, not just for stop action photography. This lens is the sharpness lens I have ever used and focuses superfast. With f1.8, images snap (a real snap) in and out of focus. Look at how many people complain about their slow zoom lenses! Even though the 400+ film are getting incredibly good, the slower films have always been excellent- only recently with crazy, slow zoom lenses like the 24-120 5.6, 28-200 5.6, and similar lenses, have been pushing the development for better fast films. Slow films are not getting the attention, death of Ektar 25, but are still excellent. You have the flexibility to use almost any film with this lens and the results will be superb.

Similar Products Used:

None

sharp like nothing else, rubber focusing ring, lock for lowest aperture, very cheap, takes alot of abuse without quality impairment

not as light as the 50 1.4

Wonderful lens, after catching alot of humidity after a photo assignment I thought it was gone, but it took all of it! Alot of cheaper than the 1.4 - those 0.4 don't make up that price difference. For non-pros a great lens. A must in every camera bag.

Customer Service

never used

Similar Products Used:

None

Extremlely sharp, light weight, small.

None

Just try and find a sharper 50mm 1.8 lens...at any price

Customer Service

No need

Similar Products Used:

Konica Hexanon..Pentax..Canon.

I have projected slide images against my wall and am never ceased to be amazed at the picture resolution!
I can see intricate detail from center to edge of projection.

Not a D Type Lens - Flash is still good but not as accurate.

Best sharpness to price ratio of any Nikkor Lens.
One of the sharper Nikkor Lens.

Customer Service

Still have not been able to get date back battery cover for N70 after more than 6 months.

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 35-80 D AF 4/5.6 very good
Nikkor 75-240 D AF 4.5/5.6 also very good