Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens DxOMark Review: A Great Choice for Nikon Z Adopters

DxOMark published their Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens test results: Tested on the 45.7MP Nikon Z7, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens achieves an outstanding overall score of 44 points, with a combination of 37 P-Mpix Sharpness, 1.9 TStop Transmission, 0.2% Distortion, -1.6 EV Vignetting and 2μm Chr.aberration – Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens is exceptionally sharp and a very good all-round performer.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens Key Features

  • Z-Mount Lens/FX Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
  • Two ED and Two Aspherical Elements
  • Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings
  • Stepping Motor AF System
  • Programmable Control Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Conclusion from DxOMark:

The new wider Z-mount with its shorter register means that there’s a lot more flexibility for the optical engineers when designing lenses. Although the benefits derived from this are usually more applicable to wide-angle designs, there has been a noticeable improvement in terms of optical quality over the Nikkor’s F-mount predecessor. Whether that’s due to the more complex optical design or the greater freedom enabled by the mount—or both—is best known to Nikon. Certainly the new lens is more expensive than the F-mount version, but it’s all relative: after all, it is exceptionally sharp and a very good all-round performer. Even wide-open, it comes close to some of the best and most expensive lenses currently available, so in our opinion, the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S offers an exceptionally good balance between price and prowess.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens: $596.95 at AmazonB&HAdorama

Nikon Z7 body: $3,396.95 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Read the full review at DxOMark.