Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were RAW-converted in CaptureOne with lens corrections disabled.

Click on a thumbnail to open the sample image in full resolution.

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/1.8
Exposure1/6400s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/1.8
Exposure1/6400s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/8.0
Exposure1/250s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/5.6
Exposure1/500s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/5.6
Exposure1/800s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/3.5
Exposure1/640s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/4.0
Exposure1/500s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/2.8
Exposure1/1600s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/6.3
Exposure1/1250s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/4.5
Exposure1/800s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/1.8
Exposure1/5000s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/2.8
Exposure1/2500s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/2.8
Exposure1/60s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/5.0
Exposure1/320s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/2.2
Exposure1/1250s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/4.0
Exposure1/500s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/7.1
Exposure1/800s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/6.3
Exposure1/400s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/1.8
Exposure1/4000s

MakeNIKON CORPORATION
ModelNIKON Z 7
ISO Speed100
Focal Length50.0mm
Aperture:f/5.6
Exposure1/250s

Verdict

Nikon promised an above average normal prime performing on a new level, and they certainly delivered. The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S delivers extremely sharp images, combined with very pleasing background blur.

The lens resolution is outstanding both because of the high level across the whole image frame straight from the maximum aperture, but also because of its uniformity across the tested aperture range (until diffraction kicks in and reduces the maximum possible resolution at smaller apertures).

Background blur is very soft and smooth with evenly filled highlights without visible outlining. The latter is also partly because of the fairly low amount of bokeh fringing. In summary, the bokeh quality is outstanding for this lens class.

CAs are very well controlled and no issue at all. Distortion is fairly low natively already and well handled by software correction, if applied.

Vignetting is pronounced at large apertures, but that's to be expected from such a lens. Software correction can take care of it completely, it's surprising though that Nikon does not make full use of its own correction profile in-camera.

The build quality of the lens is on a very high level. There are some plastic parts on the lens body, but most of it is made from aluminum and feels sturdy and solid. Controls on the lens are reduced to a minimum, just the AF/M switch and the focus ring. The latter works electronically thugh with variable speed and can be customized to control a (small) selection of other functions.

Thanks to a stepping motor, autofocus is very fast and silent.

In summary, a really impressive lens that easily deserves our 'Highly Recommended' badge.

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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