50mm lens opinions: AI f/2 vs E series f/1.8

For what it's worth, I have the 50mm f/2 pre-AI (which is optically identical) and find it a superb lens.

 

When I got my non-AI f/1.2 lens, I kept the old Nikkor H 50mm f/2. That lens formula is still hardly improved on in optical terms.

I don't have any experience with the E lenses, but I wouldn't let "plastic" put me off.

They are so cheap used these days, that if you sold it you'd lose a very functional "body cap". ;)

Yup, my heavy f/1.8 doesn't have the flange cutout, so it's Ai. No matter as I've never owned a camera that cared. Agree, OP should keep all. Over the years I've found most lenses either make an image pop to my satisfaction, or they don't. Use 'em and see what makes you happy.

They are so cheap used these days, that if you sold it you'd lose a very functional "body cap". ;)

 

I've kept 80s 3rd party zooms around for that very reason.

 

They are a fair bit bulkier than a 50mm series E, but at least serve the function. If you are fortunate to have a local camera store like mine, you can probably get a box full for a token amount.

 

Of course, if you're a Canon FD shooter(as I was for years)...or Minolta or Pentax-these seem to grow on trees. My observation is that Nikon mount 3rd party lenses are somewhat less common, although certainly out there.