This is a good general purpose lens. The optical quality is good, if not better than Nikon´s f/1.4 models. The bokeh is a little hash for some pictorial work. It is usable on a DX camera for waist up portraits, but the distortion becomes unpleasant for typical portraits. Beware the plastic filter threads - this is a major disappointment and will slow you down because of the care needed to change filters.

This little lens is an absolutely must have in every DSLR user´s camera bag!!! Fast, crisp, smooth!!! This lens would be a bargain any almost any price! Inexpensive but well made and half the price of the 1.4. There are times when this is the only thing that will work: low light non flash situations, etc. Good for portrait if on a DX camera, equal to 75mm. Would give it 6 stars if I could!

Bright, portable and just beautiful sharp images. Awesome performance in poor light conditions. This lens is a must have. Or if you have a few more extra bucks, go with the f/1.4, but, is it worth the extra money?

excellent pictures all the time.. the only thing is it´s hard to take off from the camera.

I am a graphic designer. I use almost constantly NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 on my D80. But I noticed that my favorite pictures were often taken at the focal length of 50 mm! Since then, I always keep a AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D, which allows me to make professional-quality images (portrait, textures, patterns, panoramic, and reproduction of artworks).

Use it for landscapes. If you wonder why, well use this lens for land scape and stitch 2 to 3 photos. You get a perfect, sharp and contrasty image and don´t need a high megapixel count on your camera.
This eliminates using a high MP camera all the time with compromised ISO quality. I use it on my D700 and recommend it to anyone who likes to carry a light weight yet high class lens.

This lens does exactly what it´s supposed to and does it well. Plus it´s one of, if not the least expensive lenses in Nikon´s line. Nikon needs more lenses like this.

Late one evening I took photos of the waterfront with this lens and showed them to visitors to our wonderful city and everybody was impressed with the high quality of the photos which were printed in a cheap copier paper and laminated. I have taken fantastic photos of shows, displays, and other events when flash was not allowed and the lens performed wonderfully, especially for the very reasonable price.

An excellent compliment to my D300 and D700 cameras. Fast, sharp, contrasty lens. the low light capabilities are truly astounding. Coupled with the high ISO performance of the D700 and it is an unbeatable combination!
Can´t go wrong. I´m thrilled with it and try to use it whenever possible.