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Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8GNikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2011June 2011
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length40 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Macro lensYes–
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groupsSeven elements in six groups
Special elements–One aspherical element
Coatings–Super Integrated Coating
Aperture detailf/2.8 maximum aperture at infinity; Nikon notes the effective aperture becomes smaller at close focus, with camera exposure and displayed aperture automatically compensatedf/1.8–16; no aperture ring
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 38°50′; angle of view equivalent to 60 mm on FXFX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleAPS-CFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DXNikon F mount; full-frame/FX coverage, also usable on DX cameras. Built-in autofocus motor supports Nikon DSLRs without an in-body focus motor, as Photography Blog confirms
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.163 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification1×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailUltrasonic motor with manual focusing available; both reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual overrideSilent Wave Motor with manual focus override
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.163 m from the focal plane at life-size reproduction. Digital Camera World reports a 3.5 cm working distance from the lens front at maximum magnification; the barrel extends when focusing closerMinimum 0.45 m; Photography Blog confirms the outer barrel's length stays unchanged and the filter thread does not rotate during focusing, while noting this is not a true internal-focus lens
Magnification detailMaximum 1× life-size reproductionMaximum 0.15×; not a life-size macro lens
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by both reviewsNo lens optical VR
Design
Filter diameter52 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter68.5 mm72 mm
Length64.5 mm52.5 mm
Weight235 g185 g
ControlsFocus ring and distance window; focus limiter selects the full infinity–0.163 m range or infinity–0.2 mManual focus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance window; Photography Blog notes depth-of-field markings for f/16 only and no focus limiter
Filter detail52 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports the thread does not rotate during focusing58 mm screw-in filters
Weather resistanceePHOTOzine identifies a mount gasket but explicitly notes no weather-resistance claim; no general rating is assignedBoth reviews confirm a rubber seal at the metal mount. Broader barrel sealing is not established, so no general weather-resistance rating is assigned
Dimensions detailApproximately 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 64.5 mm from the mountApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm length
Weight detail–Approximately 185 g according to Nikon; Photography Blog reports 187 g, which is not substituted for the maker figure
Lens hood–HB-47 included
In the boxLC-52 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-61 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouchLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-47 bayonet hood and CL-1013 pouch
Release detailNikon Japan records 25 August 2011 availabilityNikon USA's April 2011 announcement states 16 June availability. Earliest exact global and first UK day unconfirmed, so June precision retained. Photography Blog's URL includes DX and its image captions refer to 24mm, but the actual review tests this FX 50mm f/1.8G

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