EF 50mm f/1.8 STMvs AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 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 DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G (2009) Starting from £149 new Best for Street, everyday photography & low light View AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm 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.

Street, Everyday Photography & Low Light — AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G (2009): The best-value prime for the D7500 — a natural perspective, fast AF, and f/1.8 aperture for under £150.

↓ Full specifications below

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 DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G (2009)
Price £119 £149
Sensor f/1.8 (max aperture) f/1.8 (max aperture)
Video 35cm minimum focus distance 30cm minimum focus distance
Autofocus STM stepping motor — smooth and near-silent for video Silent Wave Motor (SWM) — fast and near-silent
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 200g
Dimensions 69.2mm diameter × 39.3mm length 70mm 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 (DX)
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A
Genre EF 50mm f/1.8 STMAF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
Portrait
9.0
7.0
Street
7.0
9.0
Travel
7.0
9.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side EF 50mm f/1.8 STM prices → AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G prices →

More comparisons with EF 50mm f/1.8 STM