Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens

The Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens is a compact, affordable normal-length prime lens designed for Nikon F-mount FX-format (full-frame) cameras, offering natural image rendering and exceptional sharpness at a featherweight 5.5 oz. (155g). It’s a versatile, carry-anywhere lens well suited to travel, portraits, street photography, and general-purpose shooting.

Optically, the lens offers a 50mm focal length with a maximum aperture of f/1.8, delivering a 46-degree angle of view on FX-format bodies that closely mirrors natural human perspective, along with strong low-light capability and attractive natural background blur (bokeh) for isolating a subject. The 6-element, 5-group optical design is complemented by Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating, suppressing ghosting, internal reflections, and flare while improving color accuracy and contrast in harsh lighting. A rounded 7-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

As a D-type lens, it transmits distance information to compatible Nikon camera bodies, improving the accuracy of metering and flash exposure calculations. Autofocus relies on Nikon’s screw-drive mechanism, powered by a focus motor built into the camera body rather than an internal AF motor within the lens, so autofocus functions only on Nikon bodies equipped with a built-in focus motor; bodies lacking this feature, such as the D40, D60, D3000-series, and D5000-series, will require manual focus. A manual aperture control ring allows smooth adjustments during Live View shooting, making the lens a useful partner for video work as well.

Build quality is simple and compact, with a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 ft. (0.45m), yielding a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.15x, and a 52mm filter thread. The lens measures approximately 2.5 x 1.5 in. (63.5 x 39mm) and weighs approximately 5.5 oz. (155g), making it a convenient, pocketable lens for nearly any shooting opportunity. It does not include image stabilization.

As an FX-format lens, the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D delivers its full 46-degree angle of view on Nikon full-frame F-mount bodies while remaining compatible with Nikon DX-format APS-C cameras at an effective 75mm equivalent focal length.

Key Features
– 50mm f/1.8 normal-length prime lens for Nikon F-mount, FX-format
– 6 elements in 5 groups optical construction
– Super Integrated Coating
– D-type lens (transmits distance information to camera)
– Screw-drive autofocus (requires camera body with built-in focus motor)
– Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
– Manual aperture control ring (usable during Live View)
– Minimum focusing distance of 1.5 ft. (0.45m)
– Maximum reproduction ratio of 0.15x
– 52mm filter thread
– No image stabilization
– Compact, lightweight design (approximately 155g)
– Compatible with Nikon full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) F-mount cameras (confirm AF motor compatibility)