Lens · prime
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-2005
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI-S: 6 elements in 5 groups, 7 aperture blades, 0.6m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 145g.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.8
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 5
Known for
- Travel
- Learning
- Sharp results wide open
Considerations
- Less impressive bokeh
- Plastic focus ring feel
- Manual focus and aperture (Ai/Ai-S F-mount)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Smooth, slightly nervous on busy backgrounds
Rendering: Clean, sharp, slightly clinical
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
AI
1978-1982
Full-size barrel, 37 mm long, 0.45 m close focus
220 g
Series E 50mm f/1.8
1979-1985
Series E branding, black or chrome ring, compact pancake
6 elements in 5 groups, 0.6 m close focus
AI-S (export, long barrel)
1981-1985
37 mm long, metal focus ring, 0.45 m close focus
210 g
AI-S pancake
1985-2005
27.5 mm long, plastic focus ring, 0.6 m close focus
145 g; most common version
The long-barrel export model (1981-85) focuses to 0.45 m; the compact pancake (1985-2005) focuses to 0.6 m and weighs 145 g. The Series E 50mm f/1.8 is a separate budget lens with the same 6/5 element count.
Common issues
- Focus ring loosening
- Minor coating wear
Buying guide
Check focus smoothness and aperture click stops. Check aperture blade operation and focus smoothness, and inspect the glass for haze, fungus or cleaning marks.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Min Focus | 0.6m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 145g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £50 - £100
- Mint
- ~£150
Indicative, no dated source.