Nikon 50mm 1.4 mf review

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Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4 D (FX) - Review / Test Report

Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)

Article Index Introduction Analysis Sample Images & Verdict

Page 1 of 3

Review by Markus Stamm, published May 2011

Introduction

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 is a rather old design. The AF-D version of the lens was introduced in 1995, however the design goes back to the pre-Ai version, which was brought to market in the mid seventies. Since then the lens has been released in several versions, all sharing the same optical formula.

In 2008 an optically upgraded AF-S lens was released, however the AF-D version remained in production and can still be purchased new, at least at the time of this review (May 2011).

In this review we will have a look at how the lens performs on our FX test camera, the Nikon D3x.

The build quality of the lens is very good and in line with most moderately priced Nikkors. The outer barrel is made of polycarbonate combined with a metal mount. The small rubberized focus ring is very smooth and only marginally damped, but rotates during AF operation.

Typical for lenses with a linear extension system the whole inner tube moves during focusing thus extending the lens a little when focusing towards closer focus distances.

The lens has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera, so AF is not available on the motor-free entry level Nikon DSLRs. As a result of the screw drive, AF operation will generate a moderate degree of noise.

The front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem.

Specifications Optical construction7 elements in 6 groups Number of aperture blades7 min. focus distance0.45 m (max. magnification ratio 1:6.8) Dimensions65 x 43 mm Weight230 g Filter size52 mm (non-rotating) HoodNikon HR-2, barrel shaped rubber, screw mount (optional) Other featuresLens reports distance (D) information to camera

Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G Price: $429.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Price From: $119.95 USD

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Price From: $459.95 USD

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S Price From: $679.95 USD

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

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens Price From: $194.95 USD

Nikon AF 28mm f/2.8D Price From: $244.95 USD

Nikon AF 35mm f/2.0D From: $319.95 USD

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $439.00 US

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from March 7, 2010

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS4 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.

As a young photographer back in the eighties the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S was a lens I was hoping that, one day I would get my hands on. There was something magical about that fast f/1.4 f-stop.

The sheer amount of glass they could fit in this lens was awe-inspiring for a young photography nerd. I was convinced, that if you had this lens, surely you would become a better photographer.

I have already featured sample images from the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S in reviews of the Nikon FM2n, Nikon FM3a, and Nikon F3 but wanted to wrap up with my thoughts about this iconic lens and feature even more sample images. I have also written an article on using the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on Fujifilm X Series cameras.

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon FM2n

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S - Introduction

Even though the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S dates back to 1981 you were able to purchase it brand new up until very recently.

I bought my copy of the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on the local used market for $120.00 and it offers terrific value for the money spent.

The lens is also widely available on e-Bay and often bundled with Nikon SLR cameras. This lens has been a very popular choice for Nikon cameras for decades, hence the supply is quite good.

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon F3

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S - Handling and Build Quality

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a manual focus lens with a smooth focus ring and the aperture is adjustable in full stops. The lens has 7 elements in 6 groups with 7 diaphragm blades and a filter diameter of 52mm, which is standard with a long list of Nikkor lenses from this era.

Weighing in at 8.69 oz, 246 g, and dimensions of 2.5 x 1.6", 63.5 x 40.6 mm, in my book the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a perfect size and it never feels bulky or cumbersome to carry around.

The focus ring is big enough that you never struggle to find it and the rubberized grooves make it easy to adjust focus. The minimum focusing distance is 1.48", 45 cm.

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon FM2n

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S in Action

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is an absolute joy to work with. The all-metal design makes it feel rugged and solid in the hand. My copy is absolutely mint which adds to the enjoyment factor.

Personally, it gives me great pleasure to carry around an older lens that still appears as if new. According to the serial number on my lens, it is a late copy which I estimate to be from around 2004.

Image Quality

Sample images in this post are from three different black and white negative film stocks, Ilford Delta 100, Ilford HP5 Plus, and Kodak TRI-X 100. I rarely shoot the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S at f/1.4 but probably should try it more.

Nailing accurate focus gets trickier at f/1.4 and I do find it renders rather soft images at the max f-stop. I most often shoot it from f/2 and upwards and find the images rather pleasing in this range. Photos are perhaps not clinically sharp but have a nice character.

Depending on your monitor size you can view my sample images up to 2500 pixels wide. Please see more sample images below and click to view larger images.

Conclusion

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a real classic. In the interest of trying to review other Nikkor lenses, I recently put it up for sale but eventually regretted the decision. When taking a second look at the lens and the images I have made with it I realized what a gem it is, and you get all that for $120.00.

As a reviewer, I inevitably go through a lot of gear. I buy and sell in order to try more cameras and lenses. My goal has never been to be a collector but once in a while you come across a lens or a camera that promises longevity and if you sell them, chances are, you will regret it.

You never know but for now, I am hanging onto the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S.

Please see the sample images below. The negatives in this post were copied using a Fujifilm X-Pro2, an AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens, and Skier Sunray Copybox 3. RAW files were imported to Lightroom and I used the Negative Lab Pro plugin to convert the files.

Is A Nikon 50mm 1.4 A Good lens?

The Nikon 50mm f/1.4 is a secret weapon for low-light photography. Far more important than a fast ISO speed is the ability to gather light, which this lens does extremely well. In low light, this f/1.4 lens on a D80 should perform about as well as an exotic f/2.8 zoom will on a D3.

What is a 50mm 1.4 lens good for?

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens is very useful for low-light indoor photography when a flash is not permitted, appropriate or desired. It works very well in a church or gym for example. The 50 f/1.4 is a good lens and focal length for full-body portraits.

What is the Nikon AF

With a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and Nikon's unique rounded 9-blade diaphragm, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G renders a remarkably smooth, natural background blur (bokeh). This makes it an ideal lens for portraits—subjects can be isolated from their backgrounds for a dramatic composition.

Why is 50mm so cheap?

50mm lenses are often more affordable compared to other lenses for a few reasons. First, they are often simpler in design, which can reduce production costs. Additionally, 50mm lenses are popular and widely produced, leading to economies of scale that can lower the cost of manufacturing.