Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Review
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition ($279.95) is a dressed up version of the standard AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G($196.95 at Amazon) that features cosmetics that better match the retro Nikon Df. If you're paying the $150 premium to get the lens bundled with the camera it's a great value, but unless you're in love with its style you're better off saving some money and going with the standard 50mm f/1.8G.
Very light at 6.7 ounces, the lens($276.95 at Amazon) measures just 2 by 2.8 inches (HD). Its filter thread supports 58mm filters, and a lens hood is included. Close focus is limited to just under 1.5 feet—you'll be able to frame subjects tightly and open up the aperture to blur the background, but don't expect this to perform double duty as a macro lens. The lens doesn't have any sort of image stabilization, as Nikon only puts that technology into zooms and telephoto prime lenses—it's rare that you'll see it in a 50mm lens from any manufacturer. There is an internal foc...
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition is optically identical to the standard version of the lens, but is priced higher.
Sharp; Compact; Wide aperture; Internal focus motor
No vibration reduction or aperture ring; Priced higher than standard version of lens based only on cosmetic changes