Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
The Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar is a lens with legendary character, offering beautiful rendering and sharpness when stopped down, but it comes with a notable focus shift issue that requires compensation. Users praise its build quality, compact size, and value compared to Leica alternatives, though the focus shift and expensive hood are common complaints. It's a lens that demands patience but rewards with stunning portraits and a classic glow.
Pros
- Beautiful rendering wide open
- Very sharp when stopped down
- Solid build quality
- Compact size
- Great value for money
Cons
- Noticeable focus shift
- Expensive lens hood
- Focus shift requires compensation
- Not compatible with Contax IIIa
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 6 |
| Groups | 5 | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | T* |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 16★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | ARRI PL |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 1.22 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | pulse stepping motor★ | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 55 mm★ | 460 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.0520833333★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
- Below average build (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.