This lens is very highly rated in terms of sharpness, and freedom from distortion (straight lines remain straight, not curved). In addition it is a macro lens (Nikkor refers to it as a micro) which means it has the ability to focus much more closely than a conventional lens, and also that the lenses...

Great lens. Used for macro underwater.great bokeh very sharp! Didn't love macro underwater till I got this lens paired with my D500!

I sold my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens in order to afford swapping to this Nikkor. The difference in focal length is negligible in practical use, but having the close focusing ability adds so much more to my kit. Focus is sharp from edge to edge, and the colors are true to rest of Nikons lens line.