Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens from Nikon now available for pre-order

By [NR] admin | Published: April 27, 2011

For now only Amazon & Adorama is taking pre-orders for the new Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens @ $219.00:

Expected shipping date is June 16th, 2011.

This entry was posted in Nikon Lenses and tagged Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens. Bookmark the permalink. Trackbacks are closed, but you can post a comment.

James K

Hope they can make enough to go around…
Vivek

Ordered, thank you very much!
santela

Gonna be rocking this little gem with my old F80, o ya baby!
TrT

For that price I cannot resist, ordered. This one will be back ordered for a while.
dwight schrute

I’m surprise that it costs less than the current price of the 35mm ƒ/1.8G DX.
- okay
  
  That’s how Amazon usually does their pricing for Nikon lenses. If the ESP is $219.95, then they will charge $219.00. When everyone else was jacking up the price for the 35, and the the ESP was $199.95, Amazon was selling it for $199.00 (although it was backordered). Also, look at the 70-200. The ESP is $2,399.95 and Amazon has it in stock for $2,399.00. Most of the 2nd party merchants listed on Amazon are trying to get $2,800.00+.
  - Saba
    
    Well, some would say it’s just the law of offer and demand.
    And I know, that the most of the dealerships, who tried to save costs by having only a small stock now are going through pretty tough times as the can’t get supply from the accordingly Headquarters of Japanese makers for several months. And it’s by far not only Nikon who can’t deliver. (if you enter Fuji FinePix X100 in German’s Google, the only offers you’ll get is the hood for the Camera…) Some will even have to fire some of their staff to survive.
    
    On the other hand I know from my marketing experience in the B2B business, that a behavior like increasing prices over MSRP seldom pays off in the long run. In fact some of my photo-friends told me frankly, that they permanently deleted dealerships who do so from their list .
    
    However, I wonder how the entire situation will have straighten itself out by the end of this year (hoping it will have by this time!)
  - dwight schrute
    
    What are you talking about? I already know that Amazon prices their products below the MSRP/ESP.
    
    What I meant was that the situation in Japan has affected the price of the 35mm DX (which is made in China) while this new 50mm has not been affected. Is there really a shortage of 35mm lenses?
    - Global
      
      No there is not a shortage.
      
      People are hoarding them, because they think they are affected by the crisis. But they are not. Anyone who bought that lens for $300 was taken in by scare-tactics.
      
      This lens is going to be mass manufactured until the market is saturated. Its a winner and is far more profitable in mass production than in small batches.
      
      Compare it to the complexity of the 55-300 DX. No comparison yet similar pricing. The 35mm is a profitable for Nikon.
Beginner

I already have a 50mm 1.8/D for D700, is it worth getting this lens for the AF-S facility?
- Timo
  
  Probably not worth it just for AF-S. But the bokeh might be nicer, judging from the sample images. According to the MFT charts the performance of the lens in the center should be better, but on FX it’s not as good as the old AF-D in the corners.
- Dweeb
  
  That would be interesting. Trading would cost you about a hundred bucks to upgrade. I have the Chinese screw job one so I’d have to replace filters which could cost more than the lense. You would get a shade but the existing front element is deeply recessed anyway. The old one has terrible coma if you use it for starwork. Otherwise the old one has good optics so it’s up to you if you figure it’s worth it to you. Myself? A new lense in the Spring is always welcome. Especially if they’re less than 2000 dollars. Unlike the old one comes with a real lense cap too.
- Fred
  
  I am getting the 50mm 1.8G to replace the D version on my D700. Things I look forward to… Better AF (speed and accuracy), better contrast, better IQ, usable wide open and better bokeh.
3rrolsk13

Great price for such an awesome lens D3000, D5000, D3100 and D5100 users are gonna be really happy…. Thank you very much Nikon… One more wish Nikon if you don’t mind… I wish for an 85mm F/1.2…..
- Werger
  
  isnt this lens FX? the cameras you named are DXs
  - zoetmb
    
    So what? You can use an FX lens on a DX camera. Some of the lower-end DX cameras don’t have a screw drive so they have to use AF-S lenses, but that’s the only limitation. It’s the other way around that’s the problem: using a DX lens on an FX body, which works, but you get vignetting.
    
    The primary reason why there are DX lenses is to restore the wide end of the lens to the smaller sensor.
    - AJK
      
      50 on dx is a strange focal length, imho. go with the 35.
      - Stephen
        
        I have both the 50mm f1.8D and 1.4G on my D50 and D90…
        
        35mm f1.8G hasn’t been around very long.
        
        50mm on DX is 75mm on FX, so does that make the 85mm f1.8D a weird focal length? They’re basically the same thing…
        
        3rrolsk13
        
        +1
    - 3rrolsk13
      
      +2
      - Shasta_D
        
        +85
Brian

PRE-ORDERED! For that price I couldn’t resist!
Mylith

I have one wish too… 70-200 f/4
- fredflash
  
  Yes, that is correct. Supplied with AF-S and VR – that would be great. But maybe a 2.8 / 50-135 AF-S VR DX would also sell fine ?
  - Laurentiu Ilie
    
    I agree. A DX 50-135 f/2.8 AF-S VR would be even better!
  - Zograf
    
    +1 from me as well
  - SF
    
    Agreed… exactly why I’m looking forward to the new 50-150mm OS HSM Sigma lens…
Rob

I bought 10. I’m gonna make me a sweet 500mm F/18.
Saba

Have just bought the old one 3weeks ago. Loved it over the 1,4 because of less distortion. And I also wonder if it make sense to add the new one as I can’t complain about the old one.

As for revised lenses, I really would have seen others being far more due for a make over like the 80-400 for instance. Reading the rumors about a 3. Version of the Nikon Converters at least left me with some hope that the 2xTCIII on the 70-200 VRII would come out better (not only in the sweet spot!!!) and faster than the 80-400, for which we apparently have to wait to be revised for some time.

Hallo Admin, can you tell us if the new 1,8/50 is made in Thailand or in China like the old one?
broxibear

Haven’t found any UK retailers with this new lens for pre-order so I’ve no idea what the UK price will be…a simple currency conversion says £132, but it’s never that simple.
Purely from a stock and price perspective it’ll be interesting to see what happens to the older AFD lenses…there are a lot of 50mm AFD f1.8 lenses in retailers, and at the moment you can get one for £113.
- broxibear
  
  Just got some information about the UK price and it’s a lot more than expected.
  £199 in the UK.
- Chris
  
  Found a Dutch retailer. Price is € 229,00! (about $ 335,00)
  Expected sale as from June 2nd.
Chroko

So… where are these < $300 primes: DX 16mm f/2.8G (24mm equivalent); FX 24mm f/2.0G (35mm equivalent)?
- nastanir
  
  DX 16mm f/2.8G not fish-eye. I am waiting for one.
  - DeathK
    
    You can spend a little more and get the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 and have the option of going even wider. It really is a sweet lens.
- Zograf
  
  Such primes are unlikely to be released for the DX format, at least for now. And 16mm DX f/4 or larger aperture is going to be big anyway, better stick to a zoom for that focal range. Nevertheless I still hope Nikon at least releases 24mm DX.
  - David W.
    
    These lenses work fine on DX bodies…why else would they release it as af-s? I use the older 50 1.8 on my D90 and it works fine. Sure it’s not a true 50mm on a DX body but it works terrific!
CTLG

I have a 50 1.8D and a 35 1.8G, I’m seriously considering this lens. It’s so cheap! I do love my 50 1.8D for it’s jittery/nervous bokeh. It’s not appropriate all the time, however.
Mark

Pre-Ordered. Funny thing is two weeks ago I bought an AF(non-s) 50mm f/1.8G for my D3100… and as it turns out, I’m awful at manual focus. lol.
Slow Gin

Yaa-hoo! Sweet! Thank you, Nikon!
Ron Scubadiver

The 35 f/1.8 is in short supply so the price is inflated. As is typical of Nikon lately, the new 50 is a lot more expensive than the old one. Looks like the 85 f/1.8 and 35 f/2 are next up for gelding.
- broxibear
  
  Hi Ron,
  I was having a look at the prices and I’m convinced this lens includes the rumoured upcoming price increase. The new 50mm is double the price of the old AFD here in the UK and it’s not due for release until June.
  I’m starting to wonder if Nikon are going to release the D800 and D4 without an AF motor ?…personally I think it’s one generation too early but you never know ?
  There’s going to be a lot of pissed off people if they do.
  - zoetmb
    
    No way the D800 and D4 will be released without a motor. It’s only done at the low end to save money in a relatively cheap body and because consumers who buy at the low end tend to be new to SLRs and don’t have any non-AF-S lenses anyway.
    
    Nikon will not eliminate the motor in high-end bodies until most (or all) of the AF-D lenses have been discontinued for at least a year and maybe not even then, since it will alienate their longest and best customers.
    
    I could only see this happening if Nikon changed their manufacturing strategy (especially because of the tragedy in Japan) and decided to stop manufacturing all current model AF-D lenses.
Drew

I’ve got the 50 f/1.8D and am trying to decide if this worth pre ordering or not. I’d love to have the AFS and the aspherical element is a nice addition as well over the D version. I just worry about a repeat of the 50 f/1.4G situation.

Also, I’d welcome new AFS G updates for the 85 f/1.8 and the 35 f/2. My favorite lens right now is by far my 85 f/1.4D, but I can’t justify upgrading it to the new f/1.4G. If Nikon were to release a new 85 f/1.8 and 35 f/2 with better optics and AFS I’d probably move to them fairly quickly.
- Stacy
  
  I too would love to see an update to the 85 f/1.8 as a G model. That would be fantastic. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for that one.
Brock Kentwell

What was the 50 f/1.4G situation? I’m supposed to get the 1.4 next week. Now, I’m on the fence.
- Slow Gin
  
  There are lot of those who claim AF-S 50/1.4 G being disappointing lens. Too much distortion, poor bokeh.
  - Bart
    
    True. I’m one of those: bought and sold the lens. For 1/2 stop more you get the privilege of paying more, distortion and poor bokeh.
- Aaron Lutsch
  
  As am I. I had no idea this lens would be coming out until all the hype. Sure, it’ll be cheaper, but will it be as good as a 1.4? The sample images look pretty sweet.
  
  I currently shoot with the 50mm 1.8 D. I do a lot of indoor shooting for events and need the wide aperture. Is there that much of a difference between 1.8 and 1.4? If not, I’ll definitely consider the 1.8 – my wife and I both shoot, and it’d be nice not to have to share lenses 🙂
Mac Rockwell

Admin you are really great, you bring rumors into reality. Website should be renamed to nikonupcomingproducts.com instead of nikonrumors.com. Just Awesome.

You cant believe how much I am happy because my lovely poor D5000 can autofocus now… Boooo Yahhhhh……

Thank you once again…. I have pre-ordered as soon as you have posted this….
- Trevor
  
  +1
Sly Larive

Wish I could pre-order but Amazon typically does not ship its electronics (basically anything not a book, movie or CD) to Canada.

Still, I’m probably going to go for the Sigma anyway. That filter size is a pain! I don’t have anything in that size. If you factor a simple filter setup (Say UV + ND) then it’s almost the same price as a sigma that can use my current 77mm filters.

I was not impressed by the Nikon 50mm f/1.4. Not impressed considering the price and competition. It is a marvelous lens no doubt about it. But I prefer the Sigma and I can get that one for less. I couldn’t justify the extra money over the 1.8d either. So for me, Sigma it is…
alchse

Does this mean they will raise the MSRP on the 35mm 1.8 DX?
Elton Saulsberry

It wasn’t so long ago that the 50mm f/1.8 AF-D lens was $99. But i procrastinated and ended up paying $129. A 30% increase! Now along comes the AF-S at $100 more. Sure, it’s a (slightly) better lens with additional features, but sheesh! I wish my paycheck went up like that.

Maybe Nikon could save costs by moving production to somewhere with a wrecked economy hungry for jobs, like ….. Michigan.
Seshan

I paid $100 for the no AF-S version…
D700guy

Along with so many recently released Nikon items; this is definitely something I will never need.
Man, my D700 has over 90,000 shutter actuations already. The body has a life of 150,000. I can forsee another year of use but after that I’m SOL.
I would really feel better if I knew there was a replacement on the horizon, but given the state of events I am doubting it.
- Elton Saulsberry
  
  you can have Nikon just replace the shutter. The rest of the body will keep on trucking.
  - D700guy
    
    I didnt know that.
    Hmm. Might be something I’ll do anyway, even if a D4 does materialize.
Hairulns

Sorry to all..may be i so stupid to ask.

just want to know ..this lens is made in Japan, Thailand or China?
- The invisible man
  
  99% chance it’s made in China like the others D and AF-s 50mm Nikon.
  - broxibear
    
    Oops, sorry The invisible man…I hadn’t refreshed the page and didn’t know you’d already replied ?
- broxibear
  
  Hi Hairulns,
  Nikon haven’t said…the AF-S 35mm f1.8 G DX is made in China, so I’d say it’s a safe bet the 50mm is also from China.
Patrick

I can finally replace my manual focus Series E that i got for $50!
amien

hey ADMIN , you said there was going to B an announcement today (wednesday), is this the main announcement or another Nikon product ???

thx.
- [NR] admin
  
  this was it
joaquim Prado

hope this lens enter in the rebate program for the new upcoming FX cameras. I already own a MF 50mm 1.4 and have no need for another with auto-focus and no aperture ring, but this lens is just so cheap and seems to be a great lens for a FX body.
chotaurl.com

Yes!!! I placed an order for $219.
Look for my non AF-S 50mm f/1.8 on eBay. 🙂
cirtap

I am going to buy at least 4. Keep one..and when the prices start going up LIKE the 35mm 1.8…to the bank I go.
- The invisible man
  
  good luck
Serg

I can guarantee you that the price of the new 50/1.8G will go up in few weeks.
Vlad

I can’t wait for mine to arrive already. The two 1.8D that I had were horrid on my D700 wide open. There was an Ora of purple fringing with angels singing. If this lens is anywhere nearly as good as 35 1.8 DX, I will be a happy camper.
Ben Schlockwell

This lens is listed at $249.99 in Canada, but in a few months it will be $299.99 guaranteed, why is everything more expensive in Canada, our dollar is stronger than the us dollar, but still, we pay thru the nose. I’m sticking to used equipment.
- The invisible man
  
  It’s more expensive in Canada because of taxes necessary to pay for social help from the gvt.
  - Sly Larive
    
    You’d be surprised that taxes in Canada are usually lower than in many states. The income taxes can be higher but it still is not true across the boards, ask Albertans.
    
    (No, I don’t own a retail business or am part of retail sales in any way)
    
    Usually the higher prices in Canada are due to distributors or local branches. I could speculate this is due to the lower population density or lower buying power but that is where most of the price hike happes. Of course, there is less competition and canadian retailers have been sitting on their butt while we buy stuff in the US from the internet.
    
    Of course, the Canadian dollar is also a factor. When you buy stuff in July at 0.90$ and then it suddenly jump at 1.05, you can’t readjust your prices instantly. Still, I believe there is a mentality amongst Canadian retailers thatthey simply don’t need to match the US prices and that is what may come and bite them in the near future.
The invisible man

AF-s 50mm f/1.8 at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/766516-USA/Nikon_2199_AF_S_Nikkor_50mm_f_1_8G.html
The invisible man

And here is the TC (new design) for Nikon AF-s 50mm f/1.8 (Sorry Peter, I can’t help it !)
🙂

http://cgi.ebay.com/TEST-CHART-NIKON-Nikkor-AF-S-50mm-f-1-8-LENS-/200599751667?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb4ad4bf3
aaron

I have a AIS 50mm 1.2 but this looks like it will be great with a d5100, whenever I get the body…
photoartbymark

other than VAT why are the prices higher in europe take this lens as an example
someone explained canada already
- The invisible man
  
  Same problems as in Canada,
  
  I had a photo camera store in France, taxes on cameras are about 20% (7% in USA), social security cost for each employe is much (much) higher than in US, also the cost for runing the store itself is higher (local city taxes).
  
  That’s explain why there is no more independant photo retail stores in France.
Ben Schlockwell

The lens is more expensive in Canada and Europe, the price of the item has nothing to do with the sales tax. I think it has something to do with volume and other market strategies.
Dweeb

In Canada it’s $250 plus taxes meaning $282 bucks. The Can$ today is worth 5% more than the US. I was wrong, it’s the NEW lense that’s the screw job. Apple don’t get away with pulling this kind of crap on us.
photoartbymark

is this a non japanese made lens or has this lens been in the pipeline before the great tsunami
eldon lock

Don’t have one,but i sure wan’t one!!!
Crocodilo

Anybody found an european on-line retailer with a pre-order available for this one? I was saving for the 50mm f1.4, but rather go for this one instead.
- The invisible man
  
  get the f/1.4
  - Crocodilo
    
    🙂 with the reports of slowish autofocus, possible softness, (probable) higher distortion and less-attractive (theoretichal) MTF?
    
    If money wasn’t so short, I’l love to go for the Sigma 1.4. As it stands, I may just be able to splurge for the 1.8G without attracting too much of my wife’s anger.
    - The invisible man
      
      I had both AF-D 1.8 and 1.4
      get the AF-S 1.4 if you can.
Brian

Got an email from Amazon!

“Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras”
Estimated arrival date: May 17 2011 – June 15 2011
- Shasta_D
  
  When did you place your pre-order?

Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens from Nikon now available for pre-order

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