Nikkor 50mm f1.8 series e vs 50mm f1.8 pancake

Steve Bellayr · Jan 2, 2022

What is the difference between these two lenses? When I see images of them they appear the same. Thank you.

Chan Tran · Jan 2, 2022

Check Ken Rockwell website. He describes the differences. There are 3 version of the lens that look alike.

benveniste · Jan 2, 2022

The Series E uses plastic in its construction. The AI-s pancakes are metal, glass, and rubber.
The Series E uses single coated elements. The AI-s lenses use multicoated elements. As a result, the AI-s lenses will transmit more visible light and are slightly less likely to flare. The Series E will transmit more UV light.
The Series E has a minimum focus distance of 0.6m, as do AI-s pancakes produced for most markets. But some 50mm f/1.8 AI-s pancakes made for the Japanese market have a minimum focus distance of 0.45m.

Teriann Renaud · Jan 2, 2022

Hey thanks for the super helpful reply. I'm not sure how I missed that thread. I haven't quite mastered the search function on here. The Information you shared above is great. I have been reading all you shared here. In this you explained everything very well. Thanks I am going to bookmark this https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...s-e-vs-50mm-f1-8-pancake.188893/#post-2501587 .

flavio81 · Jan 2, 2022

benveniste said:
The Series E uses plastic in its construction. The AI-s pancakes are metal, glass, and rubber.

The Series E uses single coated elements. The AI-s lenses use multicoated elements. As a result, the AI-s lenses will transmit more visible light and are slightly less likely to flare. The Series E will transmit more UV light.

The Series E has a minimum focus distance of 0.6m, as do AI-s pancakes produced for most markets. But some 50mm f/1.8 AI-s pancakes made for the Japanese market have a minimum focus distance of 0.45m.

To add something to this very fine list;

The AI-S version of the 50/1.8 was rather cheaply made compared to other AI and AI-S lenses. So the Series E is a cheapened-down version of a cheapened-down lens. Still they are very good lenses, no complaints.

Nikkor 50mm f1.8 series e vs 50mm f1.8 pancake

Steve Bellayr

Chan Tran

benveniste

Teriann Renaud

flavio81

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency