Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S Lens Review
By Oliver Peate
The Nikon 50mm f1.4G sits at the top of the Nikkor 50mm lens pile; currently available alongside the f1.4D and f1.8D versions. The 50mm lens has traditionally been a workhorse for many photographers, so it’s great to see Nikon continuing to update the classic formula with new technology.
Design
The exterior of the Nikon 50mm f1.4G is made of high-quality plastic, which isn’t quite up to the full metal design of the tank-resistant 85mm f1.4 or Nikkor lenses of the past, however the construction is spot-on given the materials. It’s reassuringly solid.
The new AF-S 50mm f1.4 is a G-type lens, which means it doesn't have an aperture ring.
The quality feeling is reinforced whilst comparing the 50mm f1.4G to the cheap plastic 50mm f1.8D (loveable nonetheless). The lens seems so well put together that you could forget its price tag is only around £280 – affordable when compared to the eye-watering prices of f2.8 Nikkor zoom lenses.
Autofocus
The Nikon 50mm f1.4 G features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), reflected in the AF-S label. Having the autofocus motor integrated into the lens means it can be used with all Nikon digital SLRs – including the D40/x, D60, D3000 and D5000. Adding a SWM to the 50mm line-up is Nikon’s first step in addressing the concerns of many Nikon photographers over the lack of AF-S prime lenses.
The autofocus performance of the 50mm f1.4G was always adequate for the task at hand (in this case a fast-paced wedding), it’s an accurate combination the MultiCAM3500 in the D700, but I wouldn’t describe the speed as blisteringly fast. The autofocus of my old 50mm f1.8D felt marginally faster whilst testing the lenses side by side on a D700 and D200, albeit creating baby-waking decibels in the process.
Image Quality
The 50mm f1.4G produces spectacular images; they’re sharp, full of contrast and well saturated – and so they should be – these are all qualities you expect from a 50mm prime. I found the lens to be rewardingly sharp: If your technique is spot on then it won’t let you down.
The 50mm f1.4G was on detail duty during the wedding
The fast f1.4 aperture is a potent combination for low-light photography when mixed with the full-frame D700. In extremely dark situations creative options are still wide open. For images where I didn’t need to use the lens at f1.4 its light gathering capabilities still have an underrated benefit; a brighter viewfinder, which assisted composition in the dark.
50mm f1.4G + D700 = A potent combination for low-light photography. Taken at f2.2, ISO 4000.
In bright scenes the lens produces a subtle ‘dreamy halo’ effect at f1.4, which disappears by f2.8. A quick Google revealed the effect to be the result of Longitudinal Chromatic Aberrations (LoCAs) – great another acronym to remember! LoCA is where different wavelengths are focused at a different distances from the lens. Personally I quite like the effect – it adds a nice touch to portraits – however it may not be to the taste of optical purists. One aspect of getting the best from your equipment is understanding it’s characteristics under different settings & scenes, and in this case I’d describe the LoCAs under bright conditions as a benefit in the pursuit of producing flattering portraits.
The 50mm f1.4G truly excelled at portraits & detail shots.
Conclusion
The 50mm f1.4G is left in a dilemma; entry-level DX digital SLR users will most likely be just as happy with a 35mm f1.8G for learning & day to day use, yet at the same time the 50mm f1.4G has a limited appeal to enthusiasts and pros who already own a 50mm f1.4D. To tempt the latter group I suspect Nikon would’ve had to make this lens a little bit more special, adding Vibration Reduction (VR) or an f1.2 aperture to the mix.
If you don’t own a Nikon 50mm lens then the f1.4G is a superb choice – it was a blissful combination with the full-frame D700. For f1.8D owners I’d still say “upgrade & enjoy” because the extra low-light capabilities, quiet autofocus and superior build quality are three compelling reasons.
Overall 
(21 votes, average: 3.95 out of 5)
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with regards to the Nikon 50mm and having owned one and subsequently sold it, the autofocus is terrible, slow is not something you would expect from a newly designed lens but slow it is, and if the subject you want to shoot is quite out of focus it dosent even try you have to manual it until close then it will take over. Optically is is great but come on Nikon, not good enough, i have now purchased the sigma 50mm and it is awesome, my first Sigma and it is more £ then the Nikon but so much better optically and speed of focus. I do hope they take note of many pro’s complaints before they rebuild the 85mm f1.4
sorry but would only give this lens 3 stars
KarlBHi KarlB,
Thanks for your feedback! I found the AF speed to be a bit sluggish, but the lens never failed to acquire focus when the subject was initially very OOF. Perhaps you had the misfortune of finding a bad copy of the lens? Which camera body where you using?
The Sigma 50mm f1.4 does get great reviews, but it’s at quite a premium over the Nikon 50mm f1.4G. Sigma’s 3 year extended warranty on EX series lenses does sweeten the deal.
Oliver (author)Oliver, i was using the 50mm on either of my D3 or D3x and it is the same on both, as for a bad copy i have had two, two friends of mine have the same issue and both now have the sigma….
KarlBThanks Karl – I’ll have to get my hands (& camera) on a Sigma 50mm f1.4 and try it out!
Oli (author)Probably the worst lens I have ever purchased,returned it because of the very poor speed of focus,
philip gowdybought the old previous model which was far superior on a D3..
I recently bought the 50mm 14.G SWM and I’m very please with the results it produces on a D80 and a D700. Having moved from a 3rd party brand. I am impressed with the speed of the focus and the sharp pictures it produces.
NeilHave recently bought a Nikon 50mm1.4 AF for use on a D300 and my only comment, is Brilliant.
Super sharp and extremly fast and of coarse cheaper, worth a thought, hope it helps
Alan
Alan LunnI’ve owned the 50mm F1.4 AFS for 2months and have used it at several childrens’ parties, with lots of moving children. The lens has produced excellent photographs, without flash and the lens wide open. This was used on a D700 and in conjunction with a 35mm f1.8 on a D5000 which is a little slower, but just as good.
Chris Harvey