Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8g

£199/$217 This Nikon is a smart budget buy

Despite being an own-brand Nikon lens, this perennially popular prime is the most inexpensive here. Even so, it has a quality build and isn’t short on features. It’s FX compatible and works well as a ‘75mm’ short telephoto on DX cameras. The optical layout is based on seven elements, including one aspherical element, although there’s no ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass.

AF is courtesy of a ring-type ultrasonic system with an M/A mode that gives priority to manual override. It switches to manual focusing at a twist of the focus ring, enabling you to tweak the focus. A weather-seal ring is fitted to the metal mounting plate and the lens features Super Integrated Coating to reduce ghosting and flare.

Performance

AF speed is pedestrian, but image quality is good overall, apart from edge- and corner-sharpness lacking when shooting wide-open. Stop the aperture down a little and sharpness improves across the whole image frame but, with only seven diaphragm blades, defocused lights take on a noticeable heptagonal shape.

N-photo verdict

This 50mm prime punches above its weight and is good value at the price – a great entry-level lens.

Sharpness

You need to stop down to f/2.8 for good sharpness outside the central region of the frame.

Fringing

Colour fringing is a little more noticeable than with some competitors, but it’s still fairly minimal.

Distortion

There’s a touch of barrel distortion, but it’s less than from the pricier Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4 on test.