EF 50mm f/1.8 STMvs AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Canon
EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (2015)
Starting from £119 new
Best for Everyday photography, portraits & low light
View EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
VS
Nikon
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (2011)
Starting from £169 new
Best for Everyday photography, portraits & low light
View AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Everyday Photography, Portraits & Low Light — EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (2015): The best first upgrade for any Canon DSLR owner — extraordinary value, genuine f/1.8 speed, and a natural perspective for everyday shooting.
Everyday Photography, Portraits & Low Light — AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (2011): The most recommended first prime for any Nikon DSLR owner — superb value, genuine f/1.8 speed, and works equally well on the D850 and D7500.
Who should buy what
Quick take: The ef 50mm f/1.8 stm is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (2015) | AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £119 | £169 |
| Sensor | f/1.8 (max aperture) | f/1.8 (max aperture) |
| Video | 35cm minimum focus distance | 45cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | STM stepping motor — smooth and near-silent for video | Silent Wave Motor (SWM) — fast and near-silent with full-time manual override |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body IS if available) | None (relies on body VR if available) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 160g | 185g |
| Dimensions | 69.2mm diameter × 39.3mm length | 72mm diameter × 52.5mm length |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | N/A | N/A |
| Screen | N/A | N/A |
| Mount | Canon EF / EF-S | Nikon F-mount (FX / DX) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | N/A |
| Connectivity | N/A | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Travel |
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