The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR and the Nikon 50mm f1.8D for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR is the longer of the two lenses at 80mm. The Nikon 50mm f1.8D with a length of 39mm, is 41mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR also has a larger diameter of 73mm compared to the Nikon 50mm f1.8D's 64mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 50mm f1.8D weighs 155g, 41% (110g) lighter than the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR's weight of 265g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR and the Nikon 50mm f1.8D have the same Filter thread size of 52mm.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 50mm f1.8D has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR is also available in the Nikon F (DX) mount.
Focal Range
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR has a focal range of 18-55mm and
3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 50mm f1.8D is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 75mm.
