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Miljenko Devcic | profile | all galleries >> tech >> Lens reviews and tests >> 50mm f1.8 vs 50mm f1.4 Nikkors tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

50mm f1.8 vs 50mm f1.4 Nikkors

Frequent dilemma among Nikon (and not only Nikon) users is: should I buy 2 or 3 times cheaper f/1.8 version or "de luxe" fancy f/1.4 version of "standard" 50 mm lens. Here are some of my findings about Nikon 50 mm lenses.
50mm_flair.jpg
50mm_flair.jpg		 Bokeh_comparison.jpg
Bokeh_comparison.jpg		 50mm_comparison_2.jpg
50mm_comparison_2.jpg		 Comparison chart
Comparison chart
Reversed comparison
Reversed comparison		 50mm AF Nikkors: 1.4 vs 1.8
50mm AF Nikkors: 1.4 vs 1.8

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Photog 05-Aug-2008 17:54
Thank you!
Dennis Jaravata 12-Jan-2008 16:08
The test is an unfair comparison againts what the faster lens are designed to do. The f/1.4 and f/1.2 is really designed for low light conditions and are not optimally designed to be operated on aperture settings smaller than 2.0. Try doing a comparison of pics on indoor, cloudy or dawn conditions and see a stagering difference (because of the need to switch to a higher ISO on f/1.8).
If your most common shoots are outdoors in daylight conditions, then you won't need the f/1.4. Professionals who buy a 1.4/1.2 should have had a 1.8. You buy both for a necessity. You don't choose between the 2 and buy one.
Daniel 31-Mar-2006 06:35
Fantastic work, Miljenko. Much appreciated!
Guest 30-Mar-2006 21:59
Wow, I didn't know the 1.8 can compete with the expencive 1.4.
Nice, (as I have the 1.8D) But...
Are you comparing the 1.4D version to the 1.8D version or the older (and probably better) 1.8 version that is made in Japan (as opposed to the D version which is made in China).

I have the 1.8D and it focuses slower than the 18-70Kit lens, but a friend claims his older 50mm 1.8 (non D) focuses even faster than his Kit lens!
Ricky Marek 15-Oct-2005 14:03
I'm not a professional, but as far I know, flares may also appear when you got some dust on the outer lens element, (and not only on the architecture of the lens) Is this true?
Miljenko Devcic06-Sep-2005 08:26
These are valuable findings, Guest. Incidently, they are just opposite to mine :) No, not really. The reason is obviously the fact that my 50f1.4 was a non-D version so the yellow cast I experienced was due to older coating formula Nikon used prior the "D" generation. My 50f1.8 WAS an AF-D version and didn't exibit any yellowish cast.
Guest 26-Aug-2005 13:41
I had a Nikkor AF/1.8D and I now own a Nikkor AF f/1.4D. I agree that the Nikkor AF f/1.8D gives quite consistent resolution from the center to the edge. I however found the color produced by it tends to be warm in comparison with the color rendered by Niikor AF f/1.4D. I have taken some pictures of a white platic bottle for comparison. The photos produced by the Nikkor AF f/1.8D look a little bit yellow. I have also taken some pictures of more colorful objects using both lens. The pictures produced by Nikkor AF f/1.4D appear to be more colorful.

I also agree that the Nikkor AF f/1.4D should give more flare. The Nikkor AF f/1.8D started to be marketted later than Nikkor AF f/a.4D. The coating technology should be more advanced then.
Miljenko Devcic22-Mar-2005 12:54
Thanks Luiz for the kind words. I'm glad it could help in your lens evaluation. Regards, Miljenko
Luiz 22-Mar-2005 02:22
I've seen several comparisons of these lenses. Yours is by far the best. Previously, I thought the 1.8 was more subject to flare, but your tests show clearly that the 1.4 has the bigger problem. Thank you for sharing your work!
Miljenko Devcic13-Mar-2005 20:25
Thanks, Bob. 50mm shootout is continuing, and it includes both 50mm Nikkors as well as Nikkor 18-70 and Sigma 18-50 f/2.8. More results are on the way. Keep checking this gallery! Regards, Miljenko
Bob Kukachka 11-Mar-2005 20:07
A very informative and useful comparison of the Nikon 50mm lenses. Thanks for all the work.

Bob
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