The Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm 𝒇1.8 is a lightweight, standard manual focus lens designed for Nikon F cameras. It extends approximately 2.5cm/0.98” from the mount, making it a compact and budget-friendly option priced between $100 and $200. This 50mm Nikkor lens is the second Nikon F kit lens reviewed here; the first was the Series E 50mm, which is slightly lighter and more affordable. In summary, the Nikkor feels better in hand and seems to offer superior optical performance.
In this review, I’ll share my experiences using this lens with my Nikon FM2n and FE cameras, provide some history and identification details for its six variants, and discuss whether the Nikkor is worth the additional ~$75 compared to the less expensive Series E. This review includes: Specifications, differences among "Non-AI," AI, and AI-S lenses, an overview of the SIX manual AI/AI-S Nikon 50mm pancake lenses and their distinctions, comparisons between Nikon Series E and Nikkor, build quality, image quality, and where to purchase the Nikkor AI-S 50mm 𝒇1.8 lens. You can support this blog and access premium features through GOLD memberships!
Kodak Gold 200 shot with Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm 𝒇1.8 — image not sharpened. Scanned using the Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 500ED, inverted with Film Q, crops and color correction done in Photoshop. The small black spot near the duck in flight is a seal, which frequently visits the beaches here in British Columbia.
Specifications: The Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm 𝒇1.8 lens weighs 148g (5.2oz) and extends 2.5cm/0.98” from the camera body, making it one of the most compact options for the F system. It features seven aperture blades that can close down to 𝒇22, with mechanical clicks to control light through six multi-coated elements organized in five groups utilizing the Double Gauss/Planar design. The 𝒇1.8 version is a refined iteration of the previous, bulkier Nikkor 50mm 𝒇2, incorporating thinner and flatter elements along with a reduced gap between groups for the aperture blades. The minimum focusing distance on my copy is 0.6m/2’, although there is a variant capable of focusing as close as 0.45m/1'6". The focus throw is roughly 75°, and it uses a 52mm filter thread.
"Non-AI" vs. AI vs. AI-S lenses: The F mount has proven to be long-lasting, with Nikon continuing to utilize it in their current models. However, some changes have occurred over time that affect compatibility. The earliest Nikon SLR lenses, made between 1959 and 1977 (commonly known as “non-AI” lenses), featured “rabbit ears” prongs. When mounted, photographers needed to adjust the aperture ring between its minimum and maximum settings for the internal light meter to calculate exposure correctly. The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 28mm 𝒇3.5, equipped with “rabbit ears,” is compatible with almost all Nikon F cameras.
Nikon's more recent AI "auto-indexing" F mount lenses incorporate a ridge on the lens mount that connects mechanically to the camera, along with a second aperture number visible through the camera’s “periscope” view. AI lenses are backward compatible but must feature “rabbit ears” for proper function with older cameras' built-in light meters — most can be modified easily for this purpose. Unfortunately, newer Nikon F AI cameras following the F2, FE, and FM models cannot accommodate older non-AI lenses, and mounting them can result in camera damage. While most older Nikon F cameras accept newer AI lenses, they won’t couple the aperture, so the built-in meter and aperture values won’t be visible in the viewfinder; however, both lens types work with the FE and FM, keeping the meter fully functional. Introduced in 1981, AI-S is an enhanced version of AI coupling that optimized aperture priority modes on specific Nikon F models (such as the FA, FG, and F301), identifiable by the half-round slot on the lens mount.
The SIX manual AI/AI-S Nikon 50mm pancake lenses and their distinctions: The first version of this lens (1978-1982) was the AI Nikkor 50mm “Longnose.” It featured improvements over the prior Nikkor 50mm 𝒇2, including a maximum aperture of 𝒇1.8, enhanced aberration control, and a recessed element to reduce flaring. The updated “Longnose” (1981-
The Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 is a compact manual focus lens designed for Nikon F camera models. In this review, I will discuss my experiences using it with my Nikon FM2n and FE cameras, provide some historical context, and identify the six different variants. Additionally, I will share my opinion on whether the Nikkor is worth the added cost of approximately $75 over the more affordable Series E.