RRP: £199.99
Sales start date: 2nd June 2011

Nikon announced the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens, a fast, compact lens that affords photographers the versatility of the classic 50mm focal length and the benefits of a fast aperture for photos and D-movies. Whether a new D-SLR enthusiast or a seasoned pro, users will appreciate the tack-sharp image quality, extreme low-light performance, shallow depth of field and Nikon core technologies that improve upon the original to make a great lens even better.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says:

"This 50mm is an ideal second lens. It's a great chance for curious D-SLR enthusiasts to venture out beyond a kit lens and explore the creative possibilities that fast aperture can offer, like pleasantly blurred backgrounds in portraiture and comfortable low-light shooting."

Fast and bright The fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes Nikon's new 50mm lens an excellent choice for low-light situations or when shallow depth-of-field is required. You can single out subjects to produce portraits with smooth bokeh or shoot with available light and still capture striking, sharp images. The fast aperture also provides a bright viewfinder image, making it easier to compose your shots.

All-new design The all-new optical design comprises seven elements in six groups, including one aspherical element for superb image quality. The dedicated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures discreet but accurate autofocus. Compatible with Nikon FX-format D-SLRs, it offers a 75mm (equivalent) focal length when used with Nikon DX-format D-SLRs.

Go light Weighing in at only 185 grams and boasting a weather-sealed metal mount. This remarkably lightweight and compact 'take anywhere' lens is perfect for portraiture or general photography. With its strong combination of classic focal length, speed and quality optics, it easily deserves a place in every photographer's bag. The lens is supplied with a lens hood HB-47, and a soft pouch CL-1013.
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

• 50mm FX-format standard lens (75mm when used with a Nikon DX-format SLR).
• Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• Ideal for shooting in low-light situations or when shallow depth of field is required.
• Aspherical lens element for superior image quality.
• SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.
• Two focus modes: M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus).
• Remarkably lightweight and compact body.
• Weather-sealed metal lens mount

London, UK, April 2011 - Nikon celebrates a significant milestone this month, with the production of its 60 millionth NIKKOR interchangeable lens. The landmark figure is the culmination of over 50 years of Nikon's commitment to supplying professional and amateur photographers alike with the best possible equipment.

Five million lenses have been produced in the last seven months alone, after total production of NIKKOR lenses reached 55 million in August 2010. Since then, Nikon has continued to expand the product lineup by releasing six new NIKKOR lenses for FX- and DX-format SLR cameras. The popularity of the six new releases, which satisfy the needs of a wide variety of photographers, has helped production surpass expectations.

NIKKOR lenses released since August 2010:

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
(released September 2010)
An ultra high-power zoom lens with magnification of approximately 10.7× that covers a broad range of focal lengths from the wide-angle 28 mm to the telephoto 300 mm; equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II, which provides image stabilization equivalent to an approximately four-step increase in shutter speed. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
(released September 2010)
fast, mid-telephoto, fixed focal length (prime) lens that offers pleasing blur characteristics and superior resolution with a focal length of 85 mm and fast maximum aperture of f/1.4. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
(released September 2010)
An ultra high-power zoom lens with magnification of approximately 5.5× that covers the 55 mm to 300 mm range of focal lengths; equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II, and high refractive index (HRI) lens elements. This lens is compatible with the DX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
(released September 2010)
A 5× standard zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the entire zoom range; utilizes Nano Crystal Coat and is equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II
(released October 2010)
A fast, telephoto, fixed focal length (prime) lens with a focal length of 200 mm and maximum aperture of f/2 that is equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II, and utilizes Nano Crystal Coat. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
(released November 2010)
A fast, wide-angle lens that exhibits superior image quality with shooting at f/1.4 maximum aperture; utilizes Nano Crystal Coat and is equipped with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This lens is compatible with the FX format.

The history of NIKKOR lenses began in 1959, when Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.) released its first SLR camera, the Nikon F. At the same time, Nikon also released its first NIKKOR interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras, among them the NIKKOR-S Auto 5cm f/2. The current lineup of more than sixty NIKKOR lenses for Nikon SLR cameras offers a rich variety of lenses, including fisheye lenses, super wide-angle to super telephoto lenses, micro lenses and PC-E lenses.