Many photographers go for a Nikon 50mm as their first lens—apart from the one that their camera came with. Often referred to as the “Nifty Fifty,” this prime lens is not only generally affordable, but it also has a fixed field of view that’s suitable for a wide range of subjects and scenes. Not to mention, they normally have fast apertures that help you produce tack-sharp images with the most dramatic bokeh or out-of-focus blur.
Both aspiring and professional shooters use the 50mm for portraits, events, weddings, and even food photography as it offers the same field of view as the human eye. This makes this “normal lens” an excellent solution for capturing natural-looking images with little to no distortion.
If you’re using a Nikon DSLR camera, here’s a short list of the best Nikon 50mm prime lens for your camera at different price points.
Best 50mm Lenses for Nikon DSLRs
While a few name-brand Nikon 50mm lenses are available, they’re not for everyone—particularly those on a tight budget. We’ve included fantastic 50mm camera lenses from other notable and reliable brands like Zeiss, Sigma, Yongnuo, Tokina, and Rokinon. These are some of the best prime lenses for Nikon on the market today.
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2
Coming from a Carl Zeiss-related German brand that’s known for its film cameras and lenses, the Milvus 50mm f/1.4 is a beautiful piece of glass that is specifically designed to improve your Nikon photography. It’s a manual focusing lens for your full-frame camera. Using it may take some getting used to, especially if you’re a beginner.
Nonetheless, its specialized lens features make up for the lack of an autofocus system. It’s built with the newer Distagon optical lens design, a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, a floating lens construction, the brand’s exclusive T* Anti-Reflective Coating, and a sophisticated set of lens elements, all contributing to the production of high-resolution, incredibly detailed, and vibrant images. It’s among the best 50mm lenses on this list.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.4 – f/16
- Manual Focus Control Ring
- ZEISS Distagon Optical Design
- ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
- Floating Elements System
- Designed for Full-Frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
Photographers for generations have relied on Zeiss lenses for improved clarity, attractive bokeh, and impressive sharpness. The Milvus 50mm f/1.4 represents the many ways Zeiss lenses excel.
Not only does this lens produce beautifully sharp images, but you’ll notice outstanding transitions from highlights to shadows, impressive depth of color, and attractive graduation from areas of focus to areas of blur.
When it comes to image quality, the Milvus 50mm is a fantastic investment.
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar T* ZF.2
Exacting photographers know there’s something classically rewarding about manually focusing to perfection. Shooting with the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar T ZF.2 fuses the immediacy of digital photography with the artful quality of classic analog camera equipment.
Featuring a 9-blade aperture, all metal construction, apertures ranging from f/1.4 to f/16, and seven precision lens elements, this precise, sturdy lens doesn’t waste time on excessive frills or features.
As one of Zeiss’ updated digitally integrated lens offerings, the ZF.2 contains an electronic interface for communicating with your DSLR in program mode, shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual setting. The lens also transmits EXIF data for a more complete record of your camera settings stored in every image file.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture range of f/1.4 – f/16
- Manual focus control ring
- ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
- Nine-blade aperture
- 58mm filter diameter
- Designed for full-frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
Shooting with a Zeiss lens just feels good. Every aspect — from the smoothness of the focusing ring to the precise aperture adjustments — creates a pleasing photographic experience reminiscent of classic film photography days.
While shooting with vintage lenses by Zeiss can provide a satisfying experience, analog lenses lack a few key features that digital photography requires. The electronic CPU in this lens helps bridge that gap between analog and digital in a way photographers will love.
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S NIKKOR Lens
If you’re in the market for an ultra-fast, reliable workhorse lens for your full-frame Nikon DSLR, the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S lens will get your attention.
Ideal for photographing in low-light conditions, this lens produces impressive results when shooting wide open. With a rounded 9-blade diaphragm, bokeh takes on the attractive look photographers strive for.
Many 50mm lenses feature clunky, imprecise AF systems. In sharp contrast, this lens contains a relatively fast Silent Wave Motor for improved AF capabilities in a range of lighting scenarios.
With an impeccable build quality, the 50mm f/1.4G is a terrific choice for portraits, travel, events, and many other photographic subjects. The best part, though? it won’t add a lot of extra bulk to your camera bag.
Key Specifications:
- Nikon F bayonet lens mount
- Aperture range of f/1.4 – f/16
- Manual and autofocus switch
- Includes HB-47 bayonet lens hood
- 58mm filter size
- Designed for full-frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
While it doesn’t feature the multitude of bells and whistles found in a more expensive lens, this 50mm excels when it comes to edge-to-edge sharpness, attractive bokeh, and impressive performance in low-light settings.
Between the wide maximum aperture and the universal functionality of the 50mm focal length, this is a quality lens you can keep mounted on your full-frame or crop-sensor camera so you’ll always be ready to shoot when a special moment arises.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
Sigma is widely-known for manufacturing the best third-party lenses for different camera brands, and their 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens for Nikon is often considered the best 50mm prime lens for Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. What makes it stand out is its capability to capture the sharpest images, aside from its impressive optical quality and seamless compatibility with full-frame Nikon systems.
This Sigma ART lens features a maximum aperture of f/1.4 for improved depth of field control, super multi-layer coating to reduce flaring and ghosting, multiple aspherical lens elements for more accurate image details, the Hyper Sonic (HSM) motor for swift and discreet autofocusing, and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm for rounder bokeh lights.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.4 – f/16
- Hyper Sonic (HSM) Autofocus Motor
- Super Multi-Layer Lens Coating
- Rounded 9-Blade Aperture Opening
- Designed for Full-Frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
Like other lenses in the Sigma Art series, the 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is a step above the competition. Providing professional-grade sharpness even when wide open, truly gorgeous bokeh, and a rich, gradual focus fall off, this lens will quickly become your favorite photography tool.
Sigma’s improved Hyper Sonic Motor system delivers ultra-fast and ultra-silent focusing, letting you use this lens comfortably in any environment without drawing undue attention.
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 50mm f/2.8 II Lens for Nikon F
Photographers love Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan lenses for their unique soap bubble-style bokeh and light swirl effects. Perfect for floral photography, close-up subjects, artful portraits, and nature abstractions, this 50mm f/2.8 lens provides everything you need to create images that stand apart.
This edition of the lens features a ground-up redesign based on the Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 II, for enhanced handling without losing that classic Triopan look. Select a backlit subject for the strongest Trioplan effect.
Though this is a fully manual lens, you’ll appreciate its sharp focusing capabilities, even at its widest aperture. Enjoy a relatively short close-focusing distance of 40 cm and a sturdy black anodized aluminum housing as you explore subjects in the natural world.
Key Specifications:
- Fits the Nikon F lens mount
- Aperture range of f/2.8 – f/22
- Manual focus lens
- Designed for full-frame Nikon DSLRs
- Made in Germany
- Includes lens hood
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
No matter what type of photography you specialize in or enjoy exploring as a hobby, you will get a lot of use from this lens. That’s true even if you already own another fast 50mm lens, because the images produced by the Trioplan 50mm will stand apart.
This lens provides that commonly sought-after gorgeous vintage look without sacrificing build quality or reliability. It offers a similar uniqueness to a Lensbaby while maintaining beautiful clarity and sharpness.
Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Milvus ZF.2 Macro Lens
The Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Milvus ZF.2 is a superb macro prime lens that is highly rated across popular online camera retailers, and it’s easy to see why. Aside from providing striking images that one should expect from premium 50mm prime lenses, it offers outstanding macro photo and video shooting compatibilities.
This particular piece of glass, which boasts of the brand’s Makro-Planar Optical Design, has a minimum focusing distance of 3.9 inches (10 cm), so you can capture both traditional portraits and the finest macro details when shooting close-up. It also features the ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating for optimum control of reflections, thus improving the appearance of zoomed in surface details.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/2 – f/22
- ZEISS Makro-Planar Optical Design
- ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
- Manual Focus Control Ring
- Floating Elements System
- Designed for Full-Frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
Use this lens for an afternoon and you’ll realize just how intentional every design feature and function truly is. The ergonomic design helps you avoid fatigue as you fine-tune focus. You’ll also love the velvet-lined lens hood built for reducing glare from direct and reflected light. This Zeiss Milvus 2/50M lens is nothing short of a work of art.
With 1:2 macro reproduction capabilities, this is an incredibly versatile lens you’ll use for portraits, floral photography, food, travel, and just about anything else you can dream up!
Tokina Opera 50mm f/1.4 FF
Released in 2018, the Tokina Opera 50mm f/1.4 FF lens is a new generation, premium-quality full-frame lens that’s designed to complement high-end Nikon DSLRs in producing professional-looking imagery.
The 9-blade aperture opens wide at f/1.4 and even features an electric diaphragm that offers more precise aperture control specifically for Nikon camera systems. Matching its incredible depth of field control is its ring-shaped Ultrasonic Motor for fast and accurate autofocusing. It’s also dust-resistant and weather-sealed to ensure that your lens will withstand regular use in harsh environments—and for many years to come.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.4 – f/16
- Tokina Extremely Low Reflection (ELR) Lens Coating
- Ring-Shaped Ultrasonic AF Motors
- 9-Blade Aperture Opening with Electric Diaphragm Control
- Dust-Resistant and Weather-Sealed
- Designed for Full-Frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
The Tokina Opera 50mm f/1.4 FF will change any preconceived notions you may have about third-party manufactured lenses. The autofocusing drive is incredibly fast, reliable, and silent. So, no matter your environment or subject, you can confidently capture your image without calling attention to yourself or missing out on a candid moment.
The filter window on the lens’ hood is a truly unique feature that gives you full filter functionality while the hood is mounted.
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens
Concluding our list is the well-loved (and incredibly affordable) 50mm f/1.8G AF-S by Nikon. This Nifty Fifty lens offers stunning images without breaking the bank and is suitable for portraits, night photography, and even video. Its highlights include an ultra-fast AF system that’s silent and inconspicuous thanks to the built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology; an M/A Focus Mode Switch for seamless transition between manual and autofocus; and a large aperture of f/1.8 for impressive low-light capabilities and smooth background blur.
This versatile lens has a 7-blade diaphragm and an optical design with one aspherical element and Super Integrated Coating for tack-sharp, highly accurate images with significantly reduced flare and ghosting.
Whether you’re on a budget or are simply looking for a reliable new 50mm for your lens lineup, you simply can’t go wrong with the 50mm f/1.8G AF-S.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/1.16
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF System
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Super Integrated Coating
- One Aspherical Lens Element
- 7-Blade Aperture Opening
- Designed for Full-Frame Nikon DSLRs
Why did we choose this 50mm lens?
As one of the most affordable fast 50mm lenses around, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S belongs in every beginner photographer’s camera bag. When you’re new to photography but want to hone your understanding and execution of depth-of-field adjustments, shooting in low light, and capturing attractive portraits, you need an inexpensive lens.
The autofocus performs admirably for the price point, so you can pay attention to framing and settings instead of worrying about crispness.
Best 50mm Lenses for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
As Nikon mirrorless cameras like the Z50, Zfc, Z5, Z6 and Z7, Z6II and Z7II, as well as Z9 continue to grow in popularity among photographers, Nikon has added a few fantastic 50mm prime lenses to its mirrorless lineup.
Now photographers who love shooting with a nifty fifty but want the benefits of using a compact mirrorless camera can take advantage of cutting-edge technology, wide apertures, and high-quality glass.
Here are some of the most impressive 50mm lenses on the market for Nikon mirrorless cameras.
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens
The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens is the fastest 50mm lens on the market for Nikon mirrorless cameras. It boasts an ultra-wide maximum aperture, impressive sharpness and detail from the corner to corner of the frame, and a weather-sealed build to protect it from the elements. In other words: this lens should be at the top of any photographer’s wishlist.
The aperture is composed of 9 rounded blades, creating elegant bokeh, and the focus falloff is soft and beautifully gradual — even when shooting wide open. If you’re looking for a super-fast lens with an elevated yet surprisingly silent autofocus system, this is the choice for you.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.2 – f/16
- 2 STM Stepping Motor Silent AF System
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Multiple Anti-Reflective Nano Coatings
- Weather sealed case
- 9-Blade Aperture Opening
- Designed for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
- Weighs 38.5oz.(1.09kg)
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens
Photographers looking for a more compact yet high performance 50mm prime lens will love the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens. Designed for creating beautiful, high-clarity photographs and video content, this lens is an all-around workhorse that can stand up to any application.
Sharpness is consistent edge-to-edge at any aperture, so photographers won’t need to step down the lens for clarity. Shooting wide open at f/1.8 will provide consistently impressive results. Carefully designed coatings eliminate concerns about aberration, ghosting, and flare across the full frame too. No matter what lighting conditions you encounter, your images are bound to impress.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/16
- 2 STM Stepping Motor Silent AF System
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Multiple Anti-Reflective Nano Coatings
- Customizable control ring
- 9-Blade Aperture Opening
- Designed for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
- Weighs 14.7 oz. (415 g)
NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens
Macro photographers are destined to fall in love with the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 lens. An impressively close focusing distance sets this 50mm lens apart from other models, so whether you’re photographing insects, flowers, or a sparkly diamond engagement ring, you can fill the frame with larger-than-life detail.
A moisture and dust-repellant front element coating means that no matter how up-close and personal you get with pollen or other potential sources of dust and smudges, your lens will remain clean and ready to create great images.
A range limiter switch is another great feature in this lens, allowing it to find focus quickly based on the distance to your subject.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/2.8 – f/22
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Range limiter switch
- Multiple Anti-Reflective Nano Coatings
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.53′ (0.16m)
- 9-Blade Aperture Opening
- Designed for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
- Weighs 9.2 oz (260g)
Meike 50mm f/1.7 Lens
If you’re in the market for an ultra-affordable, high-quality 50mm prime lens, consider the Meike 50mm f/1.7 lens. With a minimalist and attractive classic design, this is a great option for a variety of photographic subjects. The glass provides a dreamy quality, while manual aperture and focus control rings make it an ideal lens for shooting video or stills.
Multi-layer nano coatings and six optical elements in five groups provide impressive visuals even at such a low price point. While this lens is relatively simple and straightforward, it’s designed to stand up to serious use for photographers and videographers alike.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture Range of f/1.7 – f/22
- Manual focus ring
- Manual aperture ring
- Multi-layer Coatings
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.64′ (50cm)
- 52mm filter size
- Designed for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
- Weighs 10.9 oz (310g)
Why Every Photographer Needs a 50mm Lens
A 50mm lens is an important piece of equipment for every photographer to have in their kit. Not only is it small, lightweight, and incredibly affordable, but a 50mm lens creates images that are very similar in scope and proportion to what the human eye sees. That means your images will be even more accessible to viewers.
If you enjoy practicing portrait photography, you’ll love the way 50mm lens photography renders the proportions of your subject’s face. Wide angle lenses tend to make faces look more angular, while zoom lenses flatten features and make faces look larger than they actually are. A 50mm lens falls right in the middle, so it flatters subjects beautifully.
Because 50mm lenses are so popular, it’s easy to find one in your price range, and many camera manufacturers prioritize the 50mm focal length by offering multiple aperture options. There are plenty of relatively affordable f/1.4 or f/1.8 lenses. That’s not the case with other focal lengths.
The wider maximum aperture means you can take photos easily when low-light shooting without needing to shoot at a very high ISO. Your images will be clearer, free of noise, and much more visually pleasing as a result.
A 50mm lens is incredibly useful because it’s amazingly versatile. You can explore 50mm lens photography in portraits, food photography, macro, street photography, nature photography, landscape photography, and a variety of other styles.
Crop Sensor vs Full Frame
As you may already know, the same lens will deliver different results depending on the size of the sensor in the camera you’re using. A full-frame sensor camera doesn’t create any magnification in the resulting image, but a crop-sensor camera does. Understanding the difference between full-frame and crop sensor cameras will help you decide which corresponding lens you need.
Each camera manufacturer has a slightly different magnification factor in its crop-sensor camera bodies. Canon crop-sensor cameras have a 1.6x magnification factor, while Nikon crop-sensor cameras have a 1.5x magnification factor. That means images taken with your 50mm lens and a full-frame camera will look different than images from a crop-sensor camera, even when using that very same lens.
In essence, an image taken with a Canon crop-sensor camera and a 50mm lens will actually have an equivalent focal length of 80mm, while a Nikon crop-sensor camera and a Nikon 50mm lens will have an equivalent focal length of 75mm.
In terms of practicality, that shift in focal length is significant enough to warrant paying attention to it, but most crop sensor photographers aren’t bothered by the magnification. As more and more mirrorless full-frame cameras emerge on the market, fewer photographers will need to worry about magnification affecting their 50mm lenses.
Many of the 50mm lenses on the market are designed for use with either crop sensor or full-frame cameras, but it’s important to check for crop sensor vs full-frame compatibility before you purchase a lens.
Prime vs Zoom Lens – Know the Difference
The easiest way to distinguish between a prime lens and a zoom lens is that a prime lens always has a fixed focal length while a zoom lens can shoot within a range of focal lengths. All of the 50mm lenses mentioned here are prime lenses because they can only shoot at 50mm.
You may wonder why any photographer would want a fixed-focal-length lens when a zoom lens seems like it would be much more versatile. Much of the decision of prime vs zoom lenses comes down to maximum apertures and affordability. For example, a 50mm f/1.8 is significantly more affordable than a zoom lens that can shoot at 50mm with an aperture of f/1.8.
If you purchase an 18-55mm, or use a similar kit lens that came with your camera, the maximum aperture zoomed out at 18mm is f/3.5. Meanwhile, the maximum aperture zoomed in at 55mm is f/5.6.
Compared to a f/1.8 prime lens, that kit lens represents many lost stops of light and a much greater depth of field. As a result, it’s harder to use a kit zoom lens for things like macro, pleasing portraits, and achieving bokeh.
Many photographers prefer using prime lenses for Nikon and other cameras, because rather than zooming for a different perspective, they can just move closer to or farther away from the subject and still maintain a wide aperture. When it comes to choosing prime vs zoom, prime is often the clear winner.
What is a 50mm Lens Good For?
A 50mm lens is great for a variety of photographic subjects and genres. It’s a nearly perfect portrait lens.
Portrait photography
At 50mm, your photographs will flatter your subject’s facial proportions. With a wide aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8, you’ll be able to get great visual separation between your subject and the background. 50mm is also an ideal portrait focal length because you don’t have to get uncomfortably close to your subject to achieve a beautiful tight crop.
Street photography
If you’ve ever wanted to try street photography, a 50mm lens is ideal for many of the same reasons. The wide maximum aperture means you can capture great shots even during low-light shooting.
You can continue to shoot at dusk, indoors, or in areas of extreme shadow like city streets or under elevated trains. Plus the physical size of a 50mm lens is unobtrusive enough that subjects won’t feel alarmed by the presence of your camera, resulting in more natural images.
Macro photography
That same shallow depth of field is a huge benefit when photographing flowers or other macro subjects. You can get great separation between your subject and its surroundings. That means greater focus and emphasis on your subject.
50mm Nikon lenses also tend to have a very pronounced focus fall-off, so you can create a beautiful narrow plane of focus to highlight your subject with bokeh.
Great all-around option
When you’re traveling or you’re just not sure what you’ll aim your lens at that day, a 50mm is the perfect all-around option. You’ll find you can use it comfortably in almost any shooting situation. Even better, most models are so lightweight that you can carry them comfortably all day long.
Feature photo by Harold Wijnholds on Unsplash
