Skip to content

Related Gear

Gear Reviews

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

£280.00

Photo answers rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4.5
The new Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S replaces the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 D AF - but is it any better?

The most notable change in the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S is the inclusion of a Silent Wave Motor, allowing quieter focusing, and for it to be used on Nikon D-SLRs without an AF motor in the body, such as the D40 and D60. The construction is very solid with a metal lens mount meaning it should take some wear and tear, while the maximum aperture of f/1.4 is excellent, producing a super-shallow plane of focus.
Though larger than the f/1.8 version and its predecessor, it’s still compact with a large rubberised focus ring, a very positive feel, and a Manual/AF switch. All focusing is internal so there’s no extension of the front element and while it’s accurate with almost no hunting, it’s slower than the Nikon f/1.8 and the older f/1.4, actually feeling quite sluggish when switching from close-up to distant subjects.

Specifications:
Street price (body only): £280
Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups
Max aperture: f/1.4
Min aperture: f/16
Aperture blades: 9
Aperture ring: No
AF/Manual focus switch: Yes
Autofocus monitor: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 45cm
Distance window: Yes
Filter size: 58mm
Dimensions (length x width): 74x54mm
Weight: 290g
Lens mount construction: Metal
Lens mount: Nikon F
Website: www.nikon.co.uk

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating rating is 4

Users' Overall Rating rating is 4.5(3 reviews)

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

    taximan

    reward badge

    User's Overall Rating rating is 5

    Show Details

    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 5

    I recently bought this lens to go on my Nikon D700 the results are brilliant it also works well on my Nikon d300 a great portrait lens and the 1.4 is great in low light if you can afford it get it

    (Written by: taximan)

    05 August 2011 17:39

  • Just about as good as it gets

    Russ Barnes

    reward badge

    User's Overall Rating rating is 5

    Show Details

    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 5

    There is only one minor complaint I could have about this lens and it is the focus speed. The Photo Answers review is spot on in this respect - it does feel sluggish having owned both this and the f/1.8 AF-D. However in all other respects, this lens is significantly better than the older f/1.8 AF-D model and when you consider the circa £1500 price tags of the latest 24, 35 and 85 f/1.4 AF-S G lenses then the the 50mm f/1.4 looks like a steal at under £300. This is the optimum focal length on full frame but might feel a bit long on DX models - if you own a camera like the D90 or D7000 then I would recommend you look at the highly rated 35mm f/1.8 G AF-S DX instead which gives the equivalent focal length at half the price but with similar output.

    (Written by: russbarnes)

    06 January 2011 11:05

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

    Valiant1972

    reward badge

    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

    Show Details

    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 4
    Build qualityrating is 5
    Featuresrating is 4

    I bought this lens over the older f/1.4 Nikon and third party lenses. I find it quick, light and very sharp. Only negative is the standard price, shop around. Very happy with the results.

    (Written by: Valiant1972)

    11 March 2010 21:01

Page

Discuss this

Add your comment

There are currently no comments

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

Subject

Your comment

By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to Photo answers Terms and Conditions

Cancel

Get chatting

Want to ask advice or offer your opinion? Visit our forums where you'll find helpful photographers already chatting and swapping knowledge.

Start a topic now