Nikon 50mm f/1.4D or f/1.8D or new f/1.4G??

incolorinred · Nov 11, 2008

Hi everyone. I am currently in the market for a fast prime lens for my D50 and I have honed in on Nikon's 50mm f1.4D, f1.8D lenses as candidates. I have read numerous user reviews for both and have basically come away with the impression that they are both similar with the exception that the 1.4D lens provides better performance in very low light conditions, slightly better contrast and Bokeh effect, and a larger depth of field. I am leaning towards the f1.4D because these slight advantages seem very appealing to me. I was wondering what all of you thought about this matter and how these two lenses compare. Please comment.

Also, I have read announcements about the new 50mm f1.4G AF-S that is due out at the end of the year and supposedly it is a improvement over the 1.4D in many areas and reduces flare distortion and has better chromatic properties. If you were in my spot, which one of the three would you lean toward and why?

I appreciate any responses.
Thanks,

Nick

Garbz · Nov 11, 2008

Distortion? The 50mm AF f/1.4 D has none. CA seems to be a bit of a problem with all large Nikon primes but only when used wide open. I'm sceptical that the new f/1.4 will be worth the extra money. One thing is certain, on a D50 you'd get faster autofocus.

incolorinred · Nov 13, 2008

Ok, Thanks garbz.

benhasajeep · Nov 14, 2008

I am waiting on the new 1.4 myself. But I will probably wait till mid summer when the mad rush to get it is over. I have a MF Nikon 50 1.8 that I use and it suits me just fine right now.

scyzoryk_o4 · Nov 14, 2008

i just bought a used 1.8 for 70$ cdn...Couldn't be happier with it, and my wallet too

blash · Nov 22, 2008

I have the f/1.8, it's a pretty decent lens. I'm saving for a f/1.4 in part because some of the plastic around my f/1.8 is broken and it costs too much to repair (in comparison to what a new f/1.8 costs), and in the meantime I can't use a lens cap or filters. Would definitely recommend the f/1.8, don't own a D80 or better without either that or the f/1.4 variant, really just depends on your budget which one.

I'm a bit apprehensive about the new f/1.4 though, just because it sounds like it's going for a $600 price tag or worse and, well, I'm going to have a hard enough time trying to get the money for the current f/1.4, lol. It definitely looks pretty cool from what I've heard, but I mean come on, less than $100 for a f/1.8 and then this is coming along at six times the price, I don't think so.

Early · Nov 24, 2008

I'd opt for the 50 1.4D because it has an aperture ring, and you can use it on any old Nikon body.

Sw1tchFX · Nov 24, 2008

Don't forget to check out the sigma 50mm f/1.4. It's big, but the images are beautiful.

jstuedle · Nov 24, 2008

All the Nikkor 50's are very good lenses. I include the AIS manual focus glass as well. All are exceptional in sharpness and contrast. The wide open flare is an issue with the vast majority of all fast primes, not just those from Nikon. Even though we have several 50's from f/2.0 to f/1.2 in non-AI, AI-s and AF, I am looking forward to testing the AF-S when it becomes available. The price is a little steep, but for a lot of the available light work we do, it should be a good performer.

limecat · Nov 24, 2008

I just bought a 50mm 1.8 for a bit over $100 and I love it so far. Its up to you to decide if what you get with a 1.4 is worth the substantial increase in price. For me, it wasn't.

Antithesis · Nov 26, 2008

I rocked a 50mm f1.8 on my old d80 (before I jumped ship) for about a year and it was sharp and only cost me $75. It was even pretty sharp wide-open. The f1.4D is a good lens, but certain lighting situation make it really soft.

The new 1.4G is apparently just the 1.4D with a focusing motor. I.E., it has the same glass and will be similarly as sharp. I have a friend who shoots ~75% of his stuff on a 1.4D on a D3 and swears by it. It's a good lens no matter what the reviews tell you.

JerryPH · Nov 27, 2008

I'll pick up the F/1.4G late spring if it is out and matches my expectations. Newer nano coatings and optical improvements at these wide open apertures make a difference, enough that for me, in this case, it would be worth it. However, like anyone that has a little patience, I will wait for a few reviews to come out before I rent it for a final test and see if it performs exceptionally.

I love quality fast glass.

droyz2000 · Nov 27, 2008

I was at the Photo Show Plus in NYC in October and tried both the new Sigma 1.4 and the new Nikon 1.4. The Nikon was still a pre-release version but it handled awesomely. The Sigma was nice but at $500 it is about $70 more than the new Nikon version. The Nikon version autofocused much faster than the old version. From what I could tell on the screen of the camera, the bokeh was nicer and did not muddy the background like the current model. I will be getting the Nikon when it comes out.

The Sigma is a nice lens and did focus fast and from what I could tell was extremely sharp, however, it was not an improvement over the new Nikon that is coming out. For that reason, the fact that it is huge and that it is $70 more I will wait and go with the Nikon.

incolorinred · Dec 11, 2008

Thank you everyone for your input! I have narrowed it down to the f1.4. Whether I get the new one or current one depends on if the current one becomes too cheap to pass up once the new guy hits the stage.

Thanks!

JerryPH · Dec 12, 2008

$278 vs $400+... I do not think prices will fall much if anything, it is already well under the cost of the new one and eventually will just be replaced.