Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D – Full Frame (FX)
SKU
Price range: $35 through $200
Classic Nikon F-mount 50mm prime with f/1.8 aperture and D-type distance chip. Tack sharp, lightweight, and versatile — ideal for portraits, events, street, and low-light work on FX full-frame and DX crop bodies. Physical aperture ring for manual video control.
Description
The Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D is the classic fast fifty for Nikon F-mount shooters — a compact, lightweight prime that punches well above its weight class. Sharp wide open, brilliant in low light, and small enough to forget it’s in your bag.
Whether you’re shooting portraits, street photography, events, or documentary work, the 50mm f/1.8D gives you a natural perspective that’s flattering and versatile. The D-type designation means it communicates distance information to your camera body for accurate 3D matrix metering and balanced fill flash — a distinct advantage over older non-D lenses. Compatible with Nikon F-mount film bodies and DSLRs including the D3, D7x, D800/D810/D850, and D600/D610/D750 series.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Focal Length 50mm |
Maximum Aperture f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture f/22 |
Lens Type D-type AF NIKKOR |
| Mount Nikon F-mount |
Format FX full-frame + DX crop |
| Lens Elements / Groups 6 elements / 5 groups |
Diaphragm Blades 7 (rounded) |
| Minimum Focus Distance 0.45m (1.5 ft) |
Filter Thread 52mm |
| Dimensions 63 x 39mm |
Weight 155g |
BEST FOR
Prime Lens Rental Tips
Wide open at f/1.8 the lens is sharp but can be slightly soft in the corners. For portraits, f/2.2–f/2.8 gives you tack-sharp subject focus with beautiful background separation and more consistent rendering across the frame.
The D-type lens requires a camera body with an internal AF drive motor to autofocus. Bodies like the D40, D60, D3000, and D5000 series lack this motor — on those bodies the 50mm f/1.8D will be manual focus only. D7x00, D500, D600 series and above all autofocus correctly.
Unlike the newer G-type, the D-type has a physical aperture ring — a genuine advantage for manual video shooters who want tactile iris control without diving into menus. Set your camera to aperture ring priority and adjust exposure smoothly during a take.
On a crop sensor body the 50mm field of view multiplies to approximately 75mm — an ideal portrait focal length with flattering compression. If you’re shooting on a D7500, D500, or similar DX body, this lens is a compelling portrait prime at a very low rental cost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will this autofocus on my Nikon camera?
It depends on your body. The 50mm f/1.8D requires a body with an internal AF screw drive motor. It autofocuses correctly on D7x00, D500, D600/D610/D750/D780, D800/D810/D850, D3 series, and all Nikon film SLRs. It does not autofocus on D40, D60, D3000/D3100/D3200, or D5000/D5100 bodies — it will be manual focus only on those.
What’s the difference between the D-type and the G-type (AF-S)?
The D-type has a physical aperture ring and relies on the camera body for AF drive — making it compatible with older bodies including film SLRs. The AF-S G-type has a built-in Silent Wave Motor (quieter, faster AF on all bodies) and no aperture ring. For most DSLR shooters the G-type is more convenient; the D-type is preferred for film bodies or manual video work.
Does it work on a full-frame body?
Yes — the 50mm f/1.8D is an FX full-frame lens. It covers the full 35mm frame on D800, D810, D850, D750, D600/D610, and Df bodies with no vignetting. It also works on DX crop bodies where it gives an equivalent 75mm field of view.
Can I use this for video?
Yes. The aperture ring makes it a useful manual video lens. Keep in mind that AF is driven by the camera’s screw motor which is audible — for video work you’ll want to manually focus or use a follow focus. The aperture ring allows smooth exposure changes during a take.
What filter size does it take?
52mm. This is a standard size — filters are widely available and inexpensive. A UV or clear protection filter is a good idea if you’re shooting in dusty or harsh conditions.
Rent the Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D – Full Frame (FX) in Williams Lake, BC — available by appointment from Gear Locker, serving photographers, filmmakers, videographers, wedding professionals, event planners, corporate event coordinators, and production crews across the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.
| Rental Duration | 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days, 1 Week, 2 Weeks, 3 Weeks, 1 Month |
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