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Gary Wolstenholme reviews the new version of Nikon's 50mm prime lens, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens.

Outstanding optical performance when stopped down; Very good sharpens in the centre at maximum aperture; Excellent build; Light weight; Resistance to flare; Low levels of chromatic aberration

Barrel distortion a little strong for a lens of this type; Hyperfocal marking difficult to use

The Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is an affordable prime lens for Nikon's range of FX and DX format DSLRs, and as an AF-S model, it'll autofocus on any Nikon body.

After more than 30 years, Nikon has changed the optical design of its 50mm f/1.8 lens. But how does the new model compare to its predecessors? Richard Sibley investigates

July 11th. Nikon recently released the AF-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8G, a reasonably priced fast prime lens geared towards enthusiast photographers. When attached to a digital SLR camera with a DX format size sensor, the lens offers approximately a 75mm field of view in 35mm equivalent terms.

With so many choices in the 50mm category, even just from Nikon, it's hard to figure who the target audience for the 50mm ƒ/1.8G. Obviously, owners of consumer bodies such as the D3100 or D5100, which don't have mechanical autofocus screws, will gravitate to this lens.

I felt somewhat obligated to enter a review, as the only quick review of two stars seemed a bit unfair. But, in all fairness, I've only had this lens for about 24 hours, so take this for what it's worth. I've used the 1.8 D for a couple years and was generally satisfied with it.

Build; AF speed; Improved optics wide open; silent af; auto/manual override; great bokeh

1 stop loss on the high end

When it comes to great lenses it seems like innovation still happens at a glacial pace. Of course, one could just blame it on an age where new mobile phones are announced every 29 hours, but we digress. Good things come to those who wait and the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S ($220) is certainly just that.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent companion to any modern Nikon SLR camera, whether film or digital. Small, lightweight and affordable, it's also a winner in the optical department.

This lens is an incredible value for the money, which probably explains why its so hard to find right now. The wide aperture creates incredible background blur in portraits, and also allows for shorter exposures in low-light conditions.

Absolutely everything

Hard to find