Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Review

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Introduction

Posted April 2007, Updated August 17, 2008

The 50mm was the standard lens that came with camera bodies, un till the 1980`s when zoom lenses took over the market.The 50mm lens is said to be the lens that comes closest to the human eye`s perception of distance and depth, Thus labeled as a "normal" lens.This does not apply to a aps-c type camera tough, like Nikons DX sized digital SLR`s. On a DX sized DSLR the lens becomes approx. a 75mm f/1.4, which is more of a portrait lens then a all round lens like the 50mm. To get a equivalent 50mm on DX sized Dslr's, you got 2 choices, a 35mm or a 28mm, which translates into 52.5mm and 42mm. The 50mm f/1.4 is one of two 50mm manual focus lenses left in Nikons lens lineup, the other one is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups

Picture Angle: 46° (35mm)

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HS-9, HR-1

Included accessories: Front cap, Rear cap.

Size and weight: L1.6" D 2.5" 9.2 oz (260g)

Diaphragm: 7 Bladed

Price from: $ 299.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Build Quality.
  
• DOF/IR markings.
  
• Center sharpness, even wide open center sharpness is awesome.
  
• Contrast. great contrast even wide open.

Drawbacks

• Prize, costs more then the AF 50mm f/1.4(it is built allot better tough)
  
• Ghosting/Flare, the MF 50mm flares quite a bit easier then the newer AF 50mm f/1.4.
  
• Light Falloff(vignetting) on a full frame camera like the D3 this lens does show a bit of light falloff wide open.

Verdict

Performance of the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 is almost at the top of the line. The lens does have some problems with ghosting and flare, more so then the newer AF version. Center sharpness wide open is stunning, the corners are somewhat not on the Nikon D3. Corner light falloff improves at f/2 on the FX format and at f/2.8 it is minimal. From f/2.8 the lens really performs well. Sweet spot of the lens is f/2.8 - f/8. The best value for money if you want a 50mm lens for a Dslr is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 it is however slightly softer wide open then the MF version reviewed here.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Price from: $ 299.95 USD

Alternatives

Nikkor MF 50mm f/1.2 AIS From $499.95 USD

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.4D From $264.95 USD

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D From $104.95 USD

Or if you want a equivalent 50mm on a DX sized DSLR

Nikon AF 28mm f/2.8D. From: $ 209.95 USD

Nikon AF 35mm f/2.0D. From: $ 289.95 USD

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $ 429.00 US

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from August 17, 2008

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.