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

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

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
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 — 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.

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 af-s dx nikkor 35mm f/1.8g is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (2011)AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G (2009)
Price £169 £149
Sensor f/1.8 (max aperture) f/1.8 (max aperture)
Video 45cm minimum focus distance 30cm minimum focus distance
Autofocus Silent Wave Motor (SWM) — fast and near-silent with full-time manual override Silent Wave Motor (SWM) — fast and near-silent
Stabilisation None (relies on body VR if available) None (relies on body VR if available)
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 185g 200g
Dimensions 72mm diameter × 52.5mm length 70mm diameter × 52.5mm length
Weather Sealed No No
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Nikon F-mount (FX / DX) Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A
Genre AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8GAF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
Portrait
9.0
7.0
Travel
7.0
9.0
Street
7.0
9.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G prices → AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G prices →

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