Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/2.0 Ai. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal

Weight
7.8 oz (222g)

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
1.5 feet (0.45 meters).

Filter Threads
52mm, Metal

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
Nikon Ai Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

 

 

Sharpness
f/2 This lens is a little soft with a fair amount of spherical aberration. Thereby causing
the lens to look soft and hazy, with a fair bit of chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Sharpens up nicely with good contrast and less chromatic aberrations.
f/3.5: Sharper yet, with more contrast and almost no chromatic aberrations.
f/4: Sharper yet.
f/8: Sharper yet.

Vignetting
A little bit of vignetting at f/2 which quickly clears off at f/2.8 and almost gone by f/3.5

Bokeh
The blur is poor and distracting.

Distortion
Has a fair bit of barrel distortion but is common for 50mm lenses.

Recommendations
Optics:        ★ ★ ★
Mechanics: ★ ★ ★
Usefulness: ★ ★
Availability: ★ ★ ★
Overall:       ★ ★
Out of 5

This is a large 50mm f/2 lens that is really well built and simple to use. However, it suffers from a fair bit of spherical aberration when shot wide open. It’s a sharp lens and if you want an f/2 lens then you can’t go wrong. Also, for a little more money you can buy a lighter, smaller, less distorted lens that has better optics–the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 E lens.

If you stumble upon one for cheap you can’t go wrong. They are fun to play with but I wouldn’t go out of my way to find one.

 

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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd