Superb quality on the cheap...

Often avoided, or ignored altogether, the 50mm lens - once the standard issue with all new SLR cameras - is the dark horse of the optical world, but in recent years has fallen out of favour, particularly with people new to photography. It's a shame, really, as it is fast, sharp, lightweight, small and gives a bright viewfinder image. All that, plus it is superb value for what it costs.

The fact that this lens has become unfashionable has as much to do with retailers as anyone, who entice would-be buyers with  more 'exciting' zoom optics paired up with a new model, rather than a bland, fixed focal length - or prime - lens. For sheer optical quality the humble standard lens will blow the "consumer" kit lens into the weeds.

What I like about this lens is that it gives a very similar perspective to that of the human eye. This makes quick composition easier as the eye doesn't have to compensate for an exaggerated field of view given by more extreme focal lengths, such as wide angle or telephoto designs: It "sees" as I do.

Apart from the superlatives listed above it can also be successfully pressed into service as a macro lens, with either a reversing ring or a set of extension tubes.
All in all, a useful piece of glass to learn the basics of photography (and then some), without any serious outlay. Highly recommended.

50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor. 1/400 second at f/11. -0.33 EV compensation. ISO 200

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