Oh my, which 50 mm lens?

[Moritat]

I'm really impressed with the 50mm 1.8 long nose. It's one of the best bang for the buck lenses out there. I use it a lot at f2 (slightly better bokeh and sharpness than 1.8 ) and at 5.6 or f8 where it's sharp across the frame. Mine is the AIS version and I'm speaking of the lens with serial numbers in the range of 3135197 - 3304551.

[benveniste]

I'm sorry if this question has been asked a thousand times before, but perhaps my question is a bit different. At least I hope so.

The only prime lens I have between 28/1.4D and 85/1.4D is currently the 50/1.8D and sometimes the "gap" feels a bit too wide. I do have the 17-35/2.8D and 28-70/2.8D zooms, but they don't cut all the requirements either:
* nice bokeh
* aperture ring
* macro
* reversability

Is there a 50 mm lens that offers all of these, or should I get two (or more?) lenses instead?

Have you considered a 60mm f/2.8D?

The biggest challenge with a 50mm lens is the "nice bokeh" part.  For a while, I owned both a 50mm f/1.8D and a "long nose" 50mm f/1.8 AI.  The only difference I could see in the optics was in the coatings -- bokeh is best described as "indifferent" with both lenses.  While the older 50mm f/2 used a slightly different optical formula, I don't remember it being any better.  Any of the manual focus lenses will offer better focus feel, but beyond that I doubt you'll see much difference from your current 50mm f/1.8D.

It's been so long since I used a 55mm micro I can't tell you anything about the bokeh, but I don't remember anyone praising it for that "back in the day."  As Bjørn mentions, the faster 50mm Nikkors aren't the best candidates for close-up work due to aberration and field curvature concerns.

The 60mm f/2.8D has an aperture ring.  It can be reversed using a 62mm->52mm "step-down" adapter ring, but since it's a native 1:1 lens doing so is mainly useful on a bellows.  I'd rate the bokeh as "fair-to-good," which IMO is a solid step above the 50mm f/1.8D.  I purchased a copy in EX condition for under $200, although $225-$250 seems to be more of the norm.

Another "black-tie" alternative is the Zeiss Makro-Planar f/2.  Compared to the 60mm f/2.8D, it's a stop faster, has significantly better bokeh, and has far better focus feel.  On the downside, it's a manual focus lens, only goes to 1:2 without additional accessories, and costs about three times as much in the same condition.  It also requires 67mm accessories, so I'm not sure how well it will reverse.

One of my planned "snow day" activities is to compare three (reversed) lenses on a bellows -- the 50mm f/1.8 AI and 60mm f/2.8D I mentioned above plus a Rodagon 50mm f/2.8 APO enlarging lens.  If there's interest, I'll post the results here.

[Erik Lund]

The later version 60mm AFS 2.8 has a really nice Bokeh!

[Bjørn Rørslett]

True. But no aperture ring, which complicates lens reversal.

[Ron Scubadiver]

I don't shoot macro, but for street and portraits covering more than a headshot, I am in love with the 50 f/1.4G

[Erik Lund]

So conclusion is;


There is no one 50mm that does all - But 55mm 2.8 Ais comes pretty close,,, 

[Airy]

50/2.8 AIS
what about 50/1.2 AIS Apo Macro (caution : at most 400g allowance)

[Akira]

I'd rather like to see a Nikkor version of APO Summicron 50/2.0 that can go up to 1:3 on its own: a true walk-rounder.

[Airy]

definitely.

[Peter Forsell]

I decided to get the 50/1.8 AI first and will arrive on tuesday. My second choice is 55/2.8 micro, but I want to acquaint myself with the 1.8 AI before getting more gear.

I have owned three 50 millimeter lenses before: the 50/1.2 AIS, 50/1.8D and Sigma 50/1.4 HSM but none of them felt quite "right" for reasons that are hard to describe. I don't know why, but 50 mm focal length doesn't work for me easily, seems like I always prefer 28/35 or 85. Anyway, once the 50/1.8 AI arrives I won't take it off my camera for a month. After that I'll be a bit wiser, I hope. 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A good plan if you manage to stick to it for an extended period of time. Two or even better three contiguous weeks should be great.

[MILLIREHM]

.. but 50 mm focal length doesn't work for me easily, seems like I always prefer 28/35 or 85.

I have made the same experience for me. So far i did not feel the need to force me into the 50 range. But will be interesting to read your insights after your three weeks special Peter.

[Peter Forsell]

I know, "yummy" is not a very profound lens analysis, but that was my first reaction with AI 50/1.8. The extra-extra-long focus throw is great and the bokeh is remarkably good. Light, sharp lens and flares surprisingly little when sun is in or near the corner.

Thank you all for your help and insight. I will try to challenge myself hard with 50 mm focal length for a few weeks.