Technology Exclusive: Nikon updates a classic lens

AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

A long time ago, before zoom lenses were the norm with interchangeable lens cameras, the 50mm f/1.8 was the lens that you would get with every new SLR camera.

Since the advent of digital photography, of course, almost all modern DSLRs are bundled with a zoom lens which gives you more flexibility when it comes to framing your shots. Nevertheless, the 50mm prime lens is still one of the cheapest and sharpest lenses you can get and Nikon has continued to offer the venerable 50mm f/1.8D lens, largely unchanged in optical design, for more than 10 years.

However, the company recently updated their affordable 50mm f/1.8D, adding a bunch of new features and a new optical design to the lens, along with the longish name AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G.

The lens now comes with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor, which replaces the screwdrive and gear autofocus system of the old one and consequently, now works with budget DSLRs like the D3100 and D5100 that do not support the screwdrive autofocus system.

More importantly, the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G has an updated optical system featuring an aspherical lens element, which should mean that the lens has even better optical quality than ever before. Expect the price to go up as well - although it will likely still be relatively affordable, we expect the price to be between RM600 - RM900 based on US pricing.

For reference: www.nikon.com.my