The Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D is a compact, normal-length prime lens built for Nikon F-Mount FX-format cameras — delivering a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture that excels in low-light conditions and gives photographers precise control over depth of field for stunning subject separation. On DX-format bodies it provides a 75mm equivalent focal length, making it a versatile addition to any Nikon DSLR kit.
Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating is applied to individual lens elements to suppress flare, ghosting, and internal reflections, ensuring rich contrast and accurate colour rendition even when shooting into bright or backlit light sources. Paired with a seven-blade rounded diaphragm, this lens renders beautifully smooth bokeh, making it a favourite for portraiture, street photography, and everyday shooting.
Key features
- Bright f/1.8 Maximum Aperture: Shoot confidently in low-light environments and achieve creamy background blur with shallow depth of field for professional-looking subject isolation.
- Classic 50mm Normal Focal Length: Delivers a natural, true-to-life perspective on FX-format bodies; equivalent to 75mm on DX cameras for a flattering short-telephoto view.
- Super Integrated Coating: Advanced multi-layer coating on each element minimises flare and ghosting, preserving colour accuracy and contrast in challenging backlit or bright shooting conditions.
- 7-Blade Rounded Diaphragm: Produces aesthetically pleasing, smooth bokeh that enhances selective-focus and shallow depth-of-field techniques in portraits and close-up work.
- D-Type Autofocus Compatibility: Fast and precise AF performance on Nikon DSLRs equipped with an in-body autofocus motor; fully usable in manual focus mode on all other F-mount bodies.
- Compact & Lightweight Prime Design: Slim, lightweight build makes it an ideal everyday carry lens that balances easily on any FX or DX Nikon DSLR body.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F-Mount |
|---|---|
| Format Compatibility | FX (Full-Frame); DX compatible (75mm equivalent) |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 (Rounded) |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Autofocus | AF D-type (requires in-body AF motor; manual focus on D3000/D5000/D40/D40X/D60) |
| Lens Type | Prime |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D compatible with DX crop-sensor cameras?
Yes. While the lens is designed for FX full-frame F-mount cameras, it is fully compatible with DX-format Nikon DSLRs, where the crop factor gives it an effective focal length of approximately 75mm — ideal for portraits.
Will autofocus work on my Nikon D3000, D5000, D40, or D60?
No. The AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D relies on the camera body's built-in autofocus motor to drive focus. DSLRs such as the D3000-series, D5000-series, D40, D40X, and D60 lack this motor, so the lens must be used in manual focus mode on those bodies.
How does the Super Integrated Coating improve image quality?
Nikon's Super Integrated Coating is applied to individual lens elements to suppress internal reflections, lens flare, and ghosting. This results in improved contrast and more accurate colour reproduction, particularly when shooting in strong light or backlit scenes.
