Review : Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Price $289.95 with Free Super Saver Shipping

"I owned both the 50mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.4 lens. I also own a Nikon D70s and D200. I took test shots to compare the sharpness of these two lenses. The 50mm at f/1.4 is very very soft. The pictures at f/1.4 look like you are looking through a sheer veil. A dreamy look for sure, but not at all pleasing. At an aperture of f/1.8 the 50mm f/1.8 is still sharper than the 50mm f/1.4 at f/1.8. It isn't until the 50mm f/1.4 is at f/2.8 that the two lenses have similar sharpness. At no aperture was the 50mm f/1.4 better than the 50mm f/1.8. Why spend so much more money for the 50mm f/1.4, when it is so soft at f/1.4 as to be useless and does not match the sharpness of the 50mm f/1.8? Softness at f/1.4 will also affect the ability of your camera to autofocus correctly because the lens autofocuses with its widest aperture. If the autofocus sees a soft image, you'll have problems getting a focus lock. The 50mm f/1.8 works like magic on the D50/D70/D200 cameras. Trust me."

"I have had my 50mm Nikon AF 1.4 lens for 20 years. It worked on my Nikon N-4004 until I bought a Coolpix 5700, it slept for two years, and it woke up when I got my D-100 digital SLR six months ago. If you are a candid and available light photographer, and you can live with a very fast 75mm field of view, you will get a lot of shots that others will miss. The color rendition and sharpness of focus are perfect for digital use. With a good editing program you will work miracles. Zoom lenses are great, but the tried and true, fixed and fast 50 mm f-1.4 will outlast them all!"

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