Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens
Score: 69/100
Canon EF 50mm f.8 STM
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact, fast prime lens delivering excellent low-light performance and quiet autofocus. Its trade-offs include softness at the widest aperture, a plasticky body, and no weather sealing. Ideal for beginners, portrait shooters, and video creators seeking a lightweight, affordable fast lens.
Nikon's 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR lens provides a versatile telephoto range with effective 4-stop vibration reduction in a compact, retractable design. Softness at the 200 mm end and a plastic build detract from its otherwise strong value. Ideal for budget-conscious DX users needing a lightweight zoom for travel and general photography.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 50 mmbest | |
— | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.1 m | 0.35 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 g | 159 gbest |
3.6best | — | |
— | 7best | |
0.3best | 0.2 | |
— | 6best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | SWM | STM |
Focus Type | auto/manual | AF |
Optics(4) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-200 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0-5.6 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.1 m | 0.35 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.289 | 0.21 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 159 g |
Length (mm) | 78.7 mm | 39.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 68.6 mm | 69.2 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the lens's exceptional value, compact build, and effective 4-stop VR, noting very good sharpness through most of the zoom range. However, they point out a clear weakness at 200mm where sharpness falls off, as well as chromatic aberration at the extremes, slower autofocus, and a plastic construction that feels cheap. The lack of advanced VR modes is also mentioned as a limitation for demanding shooting scenarios.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for value, lightweight design, and VR performance, often calling the lens a great addition to kit setups for travel and general photography. Common praise centers on sharp center performance and portability. Recurring complaints mirror the expert critiques, focusing on softness at 200mm, plastic build quality, and sluggish autofocus, with several users noting the limited VR mode options.
“"4-stop Vibration Reduction system enables handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds, improving low-light performance."”
“"Compact, retractable design reduces storage size and keeps lens weight at only 300 g for easy portability."”
“"Noticeable softness and loss of sharpness at the 200mm focal length, especially when shooting wide open."”
Professional reviewers describe the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM as a surprisingly capable "nifty fifty" that delivers excellent color balance, sharpness when stopped down, and a quiet STM motor that makes it video-friendly. They note the upgraded metal mount and Super Spectra coatings improve durability and reduce flare, though they acknowledge persistent softness at f/1.8 and the absence of weather sealing.
Everyday users love the lens for its pocketable weight, sharp portrait and low-light results, and value as an entry-level prime. Common complaints focus on softness and vignetting at the widest aperture, the plasticky feel of the body, lack of weather sealing, and occasional AF noise in very quiet video recordings.
