difference between the 2 versions of NIKON 50mm f1.8 E Series

[deleuze3]

Hi,
i have a question concerning the focus ring of the 2 versions of NIKON 50mm f1.8 E series.

There is one version with aluminum lens mounting ring, and there is a version with a black lens mounting ring.

1) Is there one with a better focus ring ?

2) I've heard it is the same quality as the nikkor 50mm 1.8 AIS. Is it?

Thanks in advance

 

[TheDingo]

The lens with the "silver" colored aluminum ring is the newer lens. This ring was added to all of the Series E lenses to make them appear more like the Nikon AI-S lens line. I vaguely remember something about the "silver" E lenses having better physical construction, but you might want to dig around on the web to see if anything backs this up.

Compared to the 50mm f/1.8 AI-S lens, the AI-S lens has better multicoating and probably better physical build. Optically I think they are equivalent.

 

[deleuze3]

Thanks TheDingo for your answer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T12q7cUc4e4
I see quite a big difference in terms of quality (in terms of contrast)

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_norm.html (there are great reviews here. The reviewer says the color are less good on the e series and the contrast also.

 

[TheDingo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T12q7cUc4e4
I see quite a big difference in terms of quality (in terms of contrast)

They look pretty close to me, with the big difference appearing in the back-lit shot where the AI-S multi-coating controls the flare better.
( the music was horrible in this video )

The History of the Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8s Standard Lens

The 10 Part History of the Nikon 50mm Lens

 

[deleuze3]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801165530-USE/nikon_normal_50mm_f_1_8_ais.html

This lens is the smallest of the nikon 50mm. Its an e series. It could interest me. The difference in terms of quality compare to the AIS shouldnt be that noticeable.
Have a good day TheDing

 

[TheDingo]

I bought most of my Nikon AI-S lenses from eBay. Just make sure to check the pictures for marks or scratches, and buy from sellers with 98+ percent positive feedback.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Manual Focus AIS lens

 

[Michael Carter]

Cheapest way to get a series-E 50? Look through the old Nikon film cameras on eBay - often you'll find, say, an FG or something with a series-E 50 for $25 or so. And then you'll have a cool-retro film camera to put on your shelf.

BTW - the series E lenses aren't that hot - the 28mm is really soft until 5.6 or so. But the 100 2.8 is a steal if you can get one for under $100 and can't afford a 105 2.8.