Introduction
August 19, 2008
The 50mm was the standard lens that came with camera bodies, until 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 cameras though, like Nikon's DX sized DSLR`s. On a DX sized sensor the lens becomes approx a 75mm f/1.4, which is more of a portrait lens then an all round lens like the 50mm. The AF 50mm f/1.4 was
originally manufactured in Japan, but production of this lens has now
been moved to China.The AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 is more than twice as
expensive as the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D, the big question is, is it
worth it's price compared to the AF 50mm f/1.8D?
Specifications
Lens Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
Picture Angle: 46° (35mm)
Minimum focus distance: 0.45m
Filter Size: 52mm
Lens Hood: HR-2
Included accessories: Front cap LC-52, rear cover
Size: 64.5 x 42.5mm
weight: 255g
Diaphragm: 7 straight blades.
Price from: $264.95 USD
Positives
- Sharp. Even at f/1.4 this lens shows great sharpness.
- Build quality. Built far better then the f/1.8D, it still could be a bit better tough.
- DOF & IR markings. Although the lens is only engraved Infrared and DOF f/11 & f/16, it is better then none at all.
- Bokeh.
Drawbacks
- Rear cap, Provided rear cap is ridiculous at best. It's really not a
cap, but more a plastic cover that won't stay on.
- IR hotspots @ f/11, not a huge problem un till f/16 tough.
- CA. The 50mm f/1.4 does show higher amounts of CA then the f/1.8 wide open.
Verdict
The Nikon 50mm f/1.4 is sharper wide open than the AF 50mm f/1.8, it
does show a slight amount of CA wide open though. The f/1.8 shows almost no CA, at f/2 the CA is gone on both lenses. Performance wise the 1.4 is sharper than the f/1.8, until f/4 when both lenses has almost the
same performance. On the D3 the lens shows some softness in the corners
until f/2.8. The softness is minimal, but it is there. On a DX sized
camera this is of course not an issue since only the center of the lens
is in use. The bottom line is that the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 is sharper than
the f/1.8, in fact sharper than any of the Nikkor 50mm's I've tested so
far(this includes quite a few 50mm lenses that have not been reviewed
yet), and the bokeh is nicer in my opinion as well.
Alternatives
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Price From: $104.95 USD
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Price From: $299.95 USD
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S Price From: $499.95 USD
Or if you want a equivalent 50mm on a DX sized DSLR
Nikon AF 28mm f/2.8D Price 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 19, 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. |
