Nikon Super Integrated Coating is Nikon's term for its multilayer coating of the optical elements in NIKKOR lenses.

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is something of a no-brainer if you don't have a 50mm lens for your new Nikon Z6/Z7 camera, and well worth considering even if you do already have a 50mm DSLR lens.

The Nikon Z 50mm f1.8S is a very good standard prime lens for owners of Z-series mirrorless bodies: its optical performance is right up there with the much heavier and more expensive Zeiss 55mm f1.4 Otus including longitudinal color aberrations - which is no small feat.

Very good resolution and contrast; Very little longitudinal CA; Good resistance against flare, glare, and ghosting; Good Bokeh; Minimal distortions (through lens profile); Extensive weather sealing plus fluorine coating against moist and dust; Fast and reliable AF operation.

Relatively long lens; Flimsy lens pouch.

Nikon’s new Z-mount has paved the way for lenses that set new benchmarks for optical quality. In focal length terms the Z 50mm f/1.8 S prime may be ‘standard’, however in every other respect this lens is anything but.

Incredibly sharp; Achieves beautiful bokeh

Heavier than its F-mount counterpart

I purchased this lens for the Z7. Its resolving power exceeds my expectations and is at least on par with the Sigma Art series lenses. The size, while large compared to a DSLRs 1.8 equivalent lens, is perfectly matched to balance and be ergonomic with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

The Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 S is a powerful standard lens for the Z system, offering outstanding sharpness and full-aperture performance. There are better 50mm lenses on the market for portraiture, but none that are sharper or so well-corrected for coma and longitudinal chromatic aberration when shot wide...

Low light photography; where edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures is hugely beneficial.

Portraiture; where the slightly harsh bokeh can be distracting in some situations.

The Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 S is a powerful standard lens for the Z system, offering outstanding sharpness and full-aperture performance. There are better 50mm lenses on the market for portraiture, but none that are sharper or so well-corrected for coma and longitudinal chromatic aberration when shot wide open.

Low light photography, where edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures is hugely beneficial.;

Portraiture, where the slightly harsh bokeh can be distracting in some situations;

But if you're in the market for a 50mm for the Z, the 50mm f/1.8 S delivers fantastic results at a price that is more midrange than high-end. It's not perfect; I would have liked to see Nikon include fluorine protection, and the control ring is currently something I'm not happy with in any Z lens.

Super sharp; Bright f/1.8 design; No visible distortion; Dust and splash protection

Sensitive control ring; No fluorine coating; Vignette at wide aperture

Nikon has been cranking out one gem after another with the Z-series lenses. Aside from the somewhat polarizing 14-30mm f/4, which we still praised at Photography Life (and bought for our personal travel photography use), each one has really knocked it out of the park.

Make no mistake about it, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S ($599.95) is a serious lens. It may not have a sexy f/1.2 aperture—a Z 50mm f/1.2 S is coming in 2020—but its photographic chops are legitimate. It captures incredibly sharp images, even when shot wide open, and boasts speedy autofocus and protection from dust and splashes. It's not an absolutely perfect performer—there's a bit of a vignette and no protective fluorine coat on the glass—but given its overall quality, and exceedingly reasonable price tag, we're awarding the Z 50mm f/1.8 our Editors' Choice. Basic Black The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S's aesthetics are purely understated. The lens is finished in matte black, with all functions and branding presented in a simple white typeface. The lens itself is sized in line with similar optics, measuring 3.4 by 3.0 inches (HD), tipping the scales at 14.6 ounces, and offering support for 62mm front filters. Compare this with the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 for Sony mirrorless cameras, which i...

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a bright, sharp, fast-focusing standard prime lens for Z mirrorless cameras, and a serious value for the price.

Super sharp; Bright f/1.8 design; No visible distortion; Dust and splash protection

Sensitive control ring; No fluorine coating; Vignette at wide aperture