I noted in last year’s review of the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 that Nikon’s marketing strategy at the typical prime focal lengths (35mm, 50mm, and 85mm) is a bit unconventional. In the past the usual strategy was entry level (F1.8), mid-tier (F1.4), and premium (F1.2) options. But Nikon actually released F1.8 lenses at these focal lengths first, but rather than the typical entry level “plastic fantastics” they actually created more premium mid-tier options included in their premium S-line lineup. They then followed those up with F1.2 options (large, expensive, and excellent), and only then created F1.4 options. The F1.4 lenses are actually the least expensive options, and, ironically, tend to be about the same size as the F1.8 S lenses. But thanks to a newfound connection at Nikon Canada (thanks, Chris!), I’ve got an opportunity to work through some of the catalog lenses in Z mount. I’ve been very interested in seeing how the F1.8 S lenses compare to the newer F1.4 lenses, so I’m starting that journey by reviewing the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S, and I’ll follow that up with a review and article directly comparing it to the 50mm F1.4. Sound interesting? Find out my thoughts by watching the video review, reading the text review, or just enjoying the photos in the gallery below.

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Thanks to Nikon Canada for sending me a review copy of this lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. All opinions and conclusions are my own. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the 45MP Nikon Z8, which I reviewed here. You can visit the product page for the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S here.

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I actually really liked the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 and ended up purchasing one myself from Camera Canada. I’ll be using my own copy of that lens for some of the comparisons in these reviews. What’s interesting is just how similar in size these two lenses are. The F1.8 lens is about 2.5mm shorter and weighs 7g less, but let’s just say that it wouldn’t be difficult to confuse the two lenses.

The 50mm F1.8 S has been a great seller for Nikon, and that’s in part because this approach allowed photographers to have an S-Line lens that they could afford…and that wouldn’t mind carrying. The 50mm F1.8 S weighs 416g; the premium F1.2 S weighs a whopping 1090g! Many “ordinary” photographers aren’t interested in paying for or carrying around a lens like the F1.2 S, so that has made the F1.8 S lens the sweet spot for many buyers. I’m curious how the F1.4 lens released in 2024 has impacted sales of the F1.8 S. Has Nikon done a good enough job of marketing the S-Line advantages to the casual buyer, or will they see the F1.4 aperture and lower price of the newer lens and pull that level instead? We tackle that question and others in the reviews if you want more info. For now, just enjoy the photos in the galleries.

Photos of the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S

Photos taken with the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S

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GEAR USED:

Purchase the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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Purchase the Nikon Z8 @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

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