The “nifty fifty” as many photographers call it is the lens that is considered by most professionals to be a necessity and the first lens to purchase for a beginner.  Don’t let the price fool you, the 50mm 1.8 lens has been made for many years and still takes amazing pictures. Personally, some of my best selling pictures have been made using this lens.  It always has a place in my camera bag when I am on a shoot.

One of the reasons it is so popular is the price. A new copy will cost you around $125, which is a steal when it comes to quality lenses. Often you can pick one up used for less then $100 from a reputable dealer.  For you brave souls who like eBay you can often get one for $50-60.  The reason this lens is so cheap is that it has been around for many years and the machinery and research that went into this lens was paid for years ago.

Now for the technical stuff, courtesy of Nikon.

• Mount Type
  Nikon F-Bayonet
• Focal Length
  50mm
• Maximum Aperture
  f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture
  f/22
• Format
  FX/35mm
• Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)
  31°30′
• Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)
  46°
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio
  0.15x
• Lens Elements
  6
• Lens Groups
  5
• Compatible Format(s)
  FX
  DX
  FX in DX Crop Mode
  35mm Film
• Diaphragm Blades
  7
• Distance Information
  Yes
• Super Integrated Coating
  Yes
• Autofocus
  Yes
• Minimum Focus Distance
  1.5 ft. (0.45m)
• Focus Mode
  Auto
  Manual
• G-type
  Yes
• Filter Size
  52mm
• Accepts Filter Type
  Screw-on
• Dimensions
  (Approx.) 2.5×1.5 in. (Diameter x Length)
  63.5x39mm (Diameter x Length)
• Weight
  (Approx.) 5.5 oz. (155g)

What does all this technical stuff mean?  It pretty much means that it is small, light, and a great all around lens.  Please don’t get me wrong, it will not replace a good telephoto or macro lens, but for the majority of photography this is a good lens to learn and grow with.  Also, since this is a prime lens it will get you used to moving closer or farther away from your subject to zoom, rather than standing still and zooming with your lens which can have some unfavorable results.

Here are some pictures taken with a 50mm 1.8 lens so you can judge for yourself if the lens can take a great picture.

Sean McGrath via Flickr

Richard Melanson via Flickr

Chris Niemann Photography

So if you only have the kit lens that came with the camera, or maybe you have some great lenses but you want to see what a prime lens is all about, don’t be afraid to try out the Nikon 50mm.  We are pretty sure you wont be disappointed.

Buy Nikon 50mm 1.8