Thom's Commentary: This is an exceptional lens with a level of performance Nikon has never before achieved at 50mm f/1.8 (or f/1.4) before (not even close). This lens gets into Zeiss Otus territory. Yes, the 50mm f/1.2 is better, but don't rule out this lens, it's that good, and it's much more compact. Recommended Read Thom's review of the 50mm f/1.8 S lens
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Nikon Z Camera Owners: Up-to-date information and new articles by Thom Hogan are available at zsystemuser.com, which continues to follow all Nikon mirrorless camera news and information in 2026 and the future.
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- Coverage: full frame (FX)
- Build: dust and drip resistant, S-line
- Optic design:
- 12 elements in 9 groups
- 2 aspherical, 2 ED elements
- Nano and Flourine coating
- Field of view: 47° diagonal
- Stabilization: none (can use sensor-VR)
- Aperture:
- f/1.8 to f/16
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm
- Focus:
- autofocus, internal focus,
- 16" (0.4m) minimum focus
- 1:6.6 maximum magnification ratio
- Filter: 62mm filter size
- Lens hood: supplied HB-90
- Size and Weight:
- 3.4" (87mm) long
- 2.9" (76mm) diameter
- 14.7 ounces (415g)
- Model number: 20083
- Price: US$600
- Announced: August 23, 2018
- Firmware: 1.01 (updated June 2018)
Thom's review of the 50mm f/1.8 S lens