Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8GvsNikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
50mm / F1.8
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
18-55mm / F3.5-5.6
27-83mm equiv.
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Which to choose
When the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G suits you better
- Brightness1.9 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
When the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II suits you better
- Close focusFocuses as close as 25cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 18-55mm in a single lens
- StabilizationHas stabilization
- Weather sealingHas weather sealing
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G52.5mm long × 72mm diameter
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II59.5mm long × 66mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 50mm | 18mm | +32mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 50mm | 55mm | −5mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F1.8 | F3.5 | 1.9 stops brighter |
| Max aperture (tele) | F1.8 | F5.6 | 3.3 stops brighter |
| Min aperture | F16 | — | No data |
| Min focus distance | 45cm | 25cm | +0.20m |
| Max magnification | 0.15× | 0.30× | −0.15x |
| Aperture blades | 7blades | — | No data |
| Weight | 185g | 195g | −10g |
| Length | 52.5mm | 59.5mm | −7mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 66mm | +6mm |
| Filter size | 58mm | 52mm | +6mm |
| Released | 2011 | — | No data |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes | No |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G relative to AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
ADLinks to Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, MPB, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G in detailAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II in detailAll F mount lenses