L1)NIKON 50MM F1.4G AF-S LENS (2180)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great lens, especially for low light, no flash work
It’s fast and great optically. For portraits or poorly lit subjects where a flash is not allowed (or not wanted) this is the perfect lens. On a DX format camera it’s a bit long (field of view is about 75mm equivalent) for some inside work, a 28 or 35mm focal length might be a better option (but 1.8 is the faster you can get in those focal lengths).

5 Stars Good stuff. Worth every penny.
I had two of the previous generation of 50/1.4 AF before owning this lens. I’ve tried both versions on a D2x, d90, a d300, d3, and d3x. This is the better version, and it’s really the top of the heap, short of the MF 1.2 or a bloody Leica. So if you want sharp and AF simultaneously, this is your best bet.

Yes, it could be a touch sharper wide open. It could also be five times more expensive. It’s sharper edge to edge than the old version at all settings. It’s sharper in the corners than the Sigma or the Canon 1.2.

All around I’m quite happy.

I am nervous about only one thing: while blowing dust off I tapped the rear element with the plastic tip of my blower bulb. It made a quite resonant “TING”. Looking at the diagrams on Nikon’s site, it is a very thin element. Moreso than the previous generation. For the most part, this seems to be a much more robust build than the previous 1.4AF. (I owned two because I pretty nearly destroyed my first one…it did still work even so.) But that rear element does give me pause and I now try to shift it forward before and after mounting it (when I can remember).

Optically, can’t complain. Focus doesn’t seem any faster or slower than the previous version. It’s more comfortable to hold since nothing spins or moves externally while it’s focusing. It’s quieter, which is nice in the dim situations I often use it it.

It actually focuses properly on my d90, unlike other fast nikon glass. (I’ve tried many d90′s and it seems that d90′s just don’t focus precisely with their center point with large aperture screw driven lenses.)

Good stuff. If you shoot film or FX get one. If you have a DX, get the 35/1.8 AFS. If you have the 35/1.8 AFS, get this too! If you are using your Nikon DSLR for video, you should get like ten of these. Ok, maybe one. But still, it’s that nice.

Hope you found this useful. Enjoy shooting!

4 Stars Nice for DSLR without the internal motor
This is an excellence “fast” lens – very sharp and the auto focus is fast and accurate. This is one that you want when shoot in a low light environment where flash is not permitted.

Having said that, however, it is so much more expensive than the Nikkor 50mm f1.4D without significantly improvement on the optical quality. If you own a entry level Nikon dSLR (e.g., D40/x, D60, D3000, D5000) without an internal motor to power the D-series lens (or lenses without internal motor of their own) then, you will like this one. If you own a more advance dSLR (D80, D90, D300/s) then, you are better off economically with the 50 f1.4D.

5 Stars Sharp, well constructed, and AF-S; great normal lens!
Pro’s:

I initially got this prime because it was THE ONLY lens at the time that had an f-stop less than 2.8 AND AF-S on my old D40x BACK in December of 2008 (other than the $6,000 200 f/2).

Thankfully, Nikon updated their DX AF-S lineup this year aggressively with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras as well, but I’ll review that later.

This is a bokeh machine, not as creamy and perfect as the Nikon 85 1.4, but pretty nice. But bokeh is a personal thing, and some people find it a little nervous in this lens (your call).

AF-S is dead silent, hunts very little in low light, and tracks well.

Light weight and a nice hood is included.

Works awesome on my N75 film body (and I can’t WAIT to use it a D700!!)

Con’s:

AF is apparently slower than previous 50mm models that are AF only (not AF-S).

A bit long on a DX body to be considered “normal”(75mm equivalent), but still useful as a portrait lens (just not AS close as say a 85mm on an FX body).

I just don’t use it as often as I’d like and always reach for the 35 1.8G as my “go to” prime ONLY because 50mm on a DX is too long for a general purpose lens.

Upshot:

A worthwhile purchase, an excellent AF-S revision to older models, and perfect choice for those AF-motor-less users (D40/x/D60/D5000) who need a portrait/fast prime lens. Also works on FX/Film bodies (but not compatible with film bodies prior to the N75 era, ie

P.S.

I have also found DxO Optics Pro v 5.0, Elite Edition Photo Enhancing Software for Mac & Windows. a priceless software tool with this camera/lens combination (This “module” is available with my D200 + 50 1.4G, helps give my shots an “extra stop” of noise reduction.). I always shoot RAW images and use DxO to convert to TIFF or jpg.

5 Stars Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens
Good basic prime lens. Bought it because it is a required/suggested/recommended lens for many photo classes & exercises. Forces you to get closer to your object. Is closest to “human eye” observation. Not an expsensvie lens: I read great reviews on this lens.

Buy/More Info