Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm
Exceptional sharpness across the frame is delivered by its 12-element optical design with 2 ED and 2 aspherical elements, even wide open at f/1.8. The Nano Crystal Coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting, while the customizable control ring and weather-sealed, 185g build add practical versatility. This lens is best for street and travel photographers using Nikon Z cameras who need a lightweight, high-resolution prime for everyday shooting.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong build (95th percentile) 95th
- Strong social proof (93rd percentile) 93rd
Cons
- Below average bokeh (30th percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 536 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 62 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | No |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 450 |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x |
vs Competition
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M | Altura Photo NIKKOR YZ0308 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 17-70mm | 16-28mm | 12-60mm | 12-35mm | - |
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Screw-on lens fits camera lenses with a 55mm front filter thread |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 185 | 544 | 450 | 320 | 318 | 320 |
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | RXD | Stepping AF Motor | linear motor | STM stepping motor | STM |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | wide-angle |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 50mm | 53.7 | 29.6 | 94.6 | 32.7 | 63 | 42.2 | 63.3 | 33.3 | 92.6 | 37.8 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 87.4 | 69.6 | 85.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 63.3 | 89.3 | 85.1 | 83.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 84.6 | 75.5 | 68 | 62.7 | 37.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98.1 | 87.4 | 84.6 | 51.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 44.2 | 93.1 | 67.8 | 83.4 |
| Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Compare | 87.4 | 82.3 | 84.8 | 56.8 | 92.9 | 84.6 | 0 | 80 | 34.9 | 83.4 |
| Altura Photo NIKKOR YZ0308 Compare | 87.4 | 75.9 | 73.5 | 96.2 | 45.2 | 77.9 | 0 | 33.3 | 71.5 | 83.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
B&H Photo 1 offer From CA$339
We started tracking prices for this product on May 14, 2026. The chart appears once we have more data.
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
