M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8vs AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 (2012) Starting from £199 new Best for Portraits & everyday photography View M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
VS
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G 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?

Portraits & Everyday Photography — M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 (2012): An outstanding portrait prime that punches far above its price point — compact, sharp, and beautifully built.

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.

↓ Full specifications below

Quick take: The af-s nikkor 50mm f/1.8g is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 (2012)AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (2011)
Price £199 £169
Sensor f/1.8 (max aperture) f/1.8 (max aperture)
Video 50cm minimum focus distance 45cm minimum focus distance
Autofocus MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) — quiet, fast stepping motor AF Silent Wave Motor (SWM) — fast and near-silent with full-time manual override
Stabilisation None (relies on body IBIS) None (relies on body VR if available)
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 116g 185g
Dimensions 56mm diameter × 46.3mm length 72mm diameter × 52.5mm length
Weather Sealed No No
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Micro Four Thirds Nikon F-mount (FX / DX)
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A
Genre M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Portrait
9.0
9.0
Street
7.0
7.0
Travel
7.0
7.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 prices → AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G prices →

More comparisons with M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8