The new Nikon
50mm 1.4 AF-S is an improved design that adds AF-S focusing while still
keeping the lens small and light. Let's see how it stacks up against
the previous version and semi-exotics like the Sigma 50mm 1.4 HSM.
Build Quality
This does seem to be an improvement, at least in feel, over my old 1.8 and 1.4 AF-D versions of the 50mm. The Chinese built 1.4 was very cheap feeling by comparison.
Focus
While the old 1.4 was no slouch, I do seem to get more shots in focus with this lens. It's lightning fast AF-S system is spot on with little delay. This reduces movement errors which can be critical below F2. Against the older version it is a noticeable improvement. Stacked against Sigma HSM focus motor I called it a draw.
Overall Performance
Well, I can honestly say that this lens is NOT a major upgrade from the old AF-D version. It does have a bit better contrast and control over CA wide open, but not hugely so and not enough to make anyone dump their old version. It's a very modest improvement and the 440 dollar price tag is steep when you consider that 60 dollars more will by the superior Sigma 50mm 1.4. Bokeh is fair, better than the old version, but only borders on acceptable.
I Suggest....
If you want a SMALL 50mm 1.4 that focuses fast, then this is your lens. But if the utmost optical quality, sharpness and bokeh are at the top of your list go with the Sigma. You might as well pop for the 500 dollars and get the best 50mm prime if this focal length is common to your shooting style. Otherwise the AF-D version is perfectly acceptable and you can save even more money. Frankly there are a lot of good choices for a 50mm and even more if you'll work with a manual focus lens. But by-and large it's the Sigma that rises to the top, though it's practically twice the size of the Nikon. Many shooters just want all of their lenses to be Nikon. They consider themselves "purists." Don't fall into that trap. Get the best lens and don't worry about who made it.
My Grade for the Nikon 50mm 1.4 AF-S is 3.5 out of 5 stars!
Good luck!
Build Quality
This does seem to be an improvement, at least in feel, over my old 1.8 and 1.4 AF-D versions of the 50mm. The Chinese built 1.4 was very cheap feeling by comparison.
Focus
While the old 1.4 was no slouch, I do seem to get more shots in focus with this lens. It's lightning fast AF-S system is spot on with little delay. This reduces movement errors which can be critical below F2. Against the older version it is a noticeable improvement. Stacked against Sigma HSM focus motor I called it a draw.
Overall Performance
Well, I can honestly say that this lens is NOT a major upgrade from the old AF-D version. It does have a bit better contrast and control over CA wide open, but not hugely so and not enough to make anyone dump their old version. It's a very modest improvement and the 440 dollar price tag is steep when you consider that 60 dollars more will by the superior Sigma 50mm 1.4. Bokeh is fair, better than the old version, but only borders on acceptable.
I Suggest....
If you want a SMALL 50mm 1.4 that focuses fast, then this is your lens. But if the utmost optical quality, sharpness and bokeh are at the top of your list go with the Sigma. You might as well pop for the 500 dollars and get the best 50mm prime if this focal length is common to your shooting style. Otherwise the AF-D version is perfectly acceptable and you can save even more money. Frankly there are a lot of good choices for a 50mm and even more if you'll work with a manual focus lens. But by-and large it's the Sigma that rises to the top, though it's practically twice the size of the Nikon. Many shooters just want all of their lenses to be Nikon. They consider themselves "purists." Don't fall into that trap. Get the best lens and don't worry about who made it.
My Grade for the Nikon 50mm 1.4 AF-S is 3.5 out of 5 stars!
Good luck!
