The Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AF-S is to many people the perfect companion for your average photographer. Headshots, Fashion and some street work all come easily in a trim little package. However, it does have it’s drawbacks.
Just like any prime lens you are permanently stuck in Neutral, with no where to go. There’s no reverse for example, allowing you to zoom in an out of tight spaces, such as offices or small rooms. There is also no forward gear, no zooming in on an eye or a small object on a table. No, and these things are important, but what it doesn’t have it replaces with something a little more delightful. Tonnes and tonnes of dreamy Bokeh.
Meet the standard photographer’s Ferrari.
For such a small machine, it also packs a powerful and fairly silent engine. It comes with SWM, or Silent Wave Motor to enthusiasts, and it really is quieter then it’s baby Sister the 35mm. It also comes with SIC, a Super Integrated Coating on the optical elements of all Nikon Lens, plus the M/A switch which allows you to go from a Manual to Automatic seamlessly. But these are nothing compared to the dept of field or bokeh offered by this little beauty.
Add to this it’s low light capabilities and you have a little gem. If there’s one piece of advice I would give to people who are new to photography, it’s learn how to use your camera manually. Brands are irrelevant in low light using automatic or auto mode. The lens will fetch and in some cases with the flash turned off, not capture anything, thus not work. So understanding Shutter Speed, ISO and Aperture, will help you understand what your lens is capable of.
Rating: 8/10
Price at time of piece $219.95
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-nikkor-50mm-f%252f1.8g.html
The Street Photographer's Guide 
Nice write up James! I have this lens and like it, but it’s not the prime I reach for when hitting the street or walking about. I always reach for the 35mm f/1.8G.
I’ve always preferred the 35mm to the 50mm. I think I see a bit wider than “normal”. 🙂
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Yes the 50mm is a bit square but my photos were with all sorts of lens and whichever one suites you is the best
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I like having a 50mm in my lens line-up, it’s capable of a lot in my opinion.
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It’s a fabulous lens but it’s good to have a zoom lens with it as an Amateur. A 50mm on it’s own would be tough.
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I know some photographers have just one lens, but honestly, I would find that frustrating. For me there isn’t a single lens that covers all the things I like to shoot.
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18 to 200 wouldn’t be far off if it was a 1.8:)
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50mm was one of my favorite travel lens, works very well in low light condition too.
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I love it. Think the bokeh is excellent. Still love the movie feel of a 35mm though
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Oh ya the bokeh is great. Am using a Canon 50mms f1.4. But I usually open up to f2 instead which is already good enough. F1.4 maybe quite hard to find the right focus point if capture a scene too close. Oh ya I used 50mm to shoot commercial portrait in the past as well, work well for half body shot.
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I love your professional shots. You are a natural and you must understand business too. However Singapore is very modern and the offices are like they were built yesterday, Ireland is very rustic and old. I did a Thai Massage place for a girl I know, and to be honest the space was tight and I was not very good. Some of the shots are ok. I only had the 50mm with me.
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After 11 long freaking years. I hate the business, but I still love photography so much. Next regarding your photography, If the space is too small, I wouldn’t want to do it there, I would select a bigger space to do it. Unless u must shoot at that space, I will do a head shot instead or, use a wide angle. Maybe you can share with me the pic so I can have a better idea to help you improve.
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Send me your email and I’ll send you samples. Castlenites@gmail.com I only do this as a hobby, I think when you take your Love of something and try to make money with it it becomes tougher, however maybe you are not in the right sector of the right business. Maybe exhibiting yourself would be the way to go. I am going to try it here very soon.
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