Nikon 1's fast prime — the 18.5mm f/1.8 for sharp 50mm-equivalent portraits on 1-system.
The Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 is the fast standard prime for Nikon's discontinued 1 system, providing a 50mm equivalent with f/1.8 speed. At f/1.8 on the 1-inch sensor, it provides the shallowest DOF available in a 1 Nikkor lens — meaningful for portrait-style subject isolation on the compact system.
Optical performance is very good for the 1 system. Sharpness is excellent from f/1.8 — one of the sharpest 1 Nikkor lenses. The f/1.8 on the 2.7x crop provides DOF separation equivalent to approximately f/4.9 on full frame — modest but visible. Good colour and contrast. A step up from kit zoom quality.
Nikon 1 mount — discontinued. Filter thread is 40.5mm — tiny. Weight is approximately 70 grams — negligible. Build quality is good with a metal mount. The compact size creates one of the smallest interchangeable fast prime setups available. No weather sealing.
Very cheap on the used market. Check AF and clean optics. The finest prime for the 1 system — excellent sharpness and fast aperture. The discontinued system limits future utility. Only of interest to existing 1 system owners who want the best prime available.