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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8GNikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Overview
ReleasedJune 2011December 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groups12 elements in nine groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementTwo ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsSuper Integrated CoatingNano Crystal Coat; the maker does not list a fluorine coating for this model, despite Photography Blog describing one
Aperture detailf/1.8–16; no aperture ringf/1.8–16; electromagnetic aperture control
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon 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 confirmsNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.4 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor with manual focus overrideStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 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 lensMinimum 0.4 m measured from the focal plane; internal focusing
Magnification detailMaximum 0.15×; not a life-size macro lensMaximum 0.15× according to Nikon Japan's specifications
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VRNo lens optical VR; uses in-body stabilisation on compatible cameras. Nikon UK quotes up to five stops under CIPA standards for the original compatible camera system, not every Nikon Z body
Video features–Near-silent autofocus, reduced focus breathing and smooth aperture changes
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter58 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm76 mm
Length52.5 mm86.5 mm
Weight185 g415 g
ControlsManual focus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance window; Photography Blog notes depth-of-field markings for f/16 only and no focus limiterCombined focus/customisable control ring and AF/manual switch; no distance scale, as Photography Blog notes
Filter detail58 mm screw-in filters62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceBoth reviews confirm a rubber seal at the metal mount. Broader barrel sealing is not established, so no general weather-resistance rating is assignedMount and moving barrel parts sealed against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof rating
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm lengthApproximately 76 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 185 g according to Nikon; Photography Blog reports 187 g, which is not substituted for the maker figureApproximately 415 g
Lens hoodHB-47 includedHB-90 included
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-47 bayonet hood and CL-1013 pouchLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-90 hood and CL-C1 case
Release detailNikon 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/1.8GAnnounced August 2018. Nikon Japan's updated November notice confirms 7 December 2018 local availability after an earlier planned date; earliest exact global and UK day unconfirmed, so December precision retained. ePHOTOzine's 2022 review introduction does not describe the original launch chronology

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