Review: AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

This FX-format lens is my go-to lens for portrait and macro work in the DX format. It combines ultra-fast speed with incredible sharpness in an autofocus lens that is manual-focus friendly.

The classic f/1.4 maximum aperture offers many advantages. It’s a full stop faster than an f/2 lens, and two full stops faster than the average digital camera lens. This gives you extra speed when you need it, and plenty of latitude to add a polarizer and still come in under f/2.8.

This lens lives on my Nikon N80. It’s a perfect upgrade to this film body to give me an edge when working with film and also a classic prime-lens feel.

Normal
This is a normal lens in the 35mm/FX format, so if like me you own or are planning to buy a film or FX digital body, it saves the cost of an additional lens. On a DX body, the field of view is a little tight for average work, but perfect for special purposes.

Event
Its speed and mild telephoto field of view give you an edge when photographing events such as recitals and club concerts.

Portrait
The 75mm equivalent length is great for portrait work, and its 1.4 maximum aperture make working in existing light a breeze. It’s almost too sharp, so shooting wide open and/or adding a diffuser like the Hoya DUTO filter are good options. There’s plenty of latitude for adding a 1.4x teleconverter, which adds a stop, but brings the focal length up to 105mm.

Macro
Used alone, its 1.5x magnification factor and 1.5 ft minimum focus distance make it ideal for close ups. However, with a 12mm extension tube, it offers similar performance to a dedicated 100mm macro lens in the 35mm format. Add the 20mm and 36mm tubes and you can go well beyond 1:1 magnification. This lens and the Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG can save you the cost of a dedicated macro lens if you don’t mind the minor inconvenience of switching tubes to change the range of magnification.

Build Quality ★★★★

Not professional grade, but quite rugged. Solid feel with good heft. Chromed brass mount with gasket. 9.8 oz. (276g)

Compatibility ★★★★

Like all G-series lenses, this lens is intended for use with cameras that use electronically controlled apertures. No aperture ring means the aperture is set to its minimum value on cameras manufactured before 1988. If you have a Nikon BR-6 and a locking shutter release cable, you can reverse it for macro work.

Focus ★★★★

This is primarily an autofocus lens, the operation of which it is fast and silent. Manual override and full-manual mode work well, and the action is just a bit smoother than the AF-S DX 35mm. Still, it is not fluid like an AI-S lens. There’s no hard stop at infinity; if you rotate the clutched focus ring until the focus scale stops rotating, objects at infinity will be out of focus. However, using the focus scale, it is possible to set the camera to infinity by centering the infinity symbol on the index mark, at least on this example. At the other end of the scale, it is possible to focus very slightly closer using manual focus than with autofocus.

Optical Quality ★★★★★

You buy this lens for its ultimate speed, and in that regard it does not disappoint. Sharpness peaks at f/5.6, but gradually tapers off to only “very, very good” levels at f/1.4; no sharp drop offs. The edge sharpness remains closer to the center at its widest aperture than any other lens I’ve used.

Value ★★★★

This lens carries a premium price, but since it can double as a fast portrait lens in the DX format, I consider it to be a good value.

Versatility ★★★★

Versatility is a normal lens’ middle name. Primarily designed for FX/35mm, it makes a sharp, fast portrait lens in the DX format, and the additional magnification at its close minimum focus distance makes it a good candidate for closeup and macro work. Adding an extension tube only enhances this capability. Not the best choice for reversal, but will work with the Nikon BR-6 Auto Diaphragm Ring and a locking cable release.

Diaphragm

7 curved blades.

Filters

Accepts 58mm filters with its plastic thread. Adapts well to larger filters with step-up rings. The body of the lens is approximately the same diameter as a 67mm filter, which appears perfectly normal when used. even 72mm filters do not look overly large.

Hood

Comes with an HB-47 reversible bayonet hood. For filters larger that 58mm, use a step-up ring and the excellent Hoya Screw-In Rubber Zoom Lens Hood. Tip: It is possible to use 67mm filters with the HB-47 hood; screw the 67mm filter of your choice firmly onto a 58-67mm step ring, and attach the whole assembly after installing the HB-47 hood using the center-pinch cap as a wrench. Be sure not to over-tighten to avoid problems removing the filter later on.

Included Accessories

Suede-like storage pouch with front pinch and rear lens caps, HB-47 bayonet hood.

Specifications

You can view Nikon’s Specifications for this lens by visiting their website.

Recommendations

Add these to your purchase of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G to give you several lenses in one:

Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG
Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 DGX 1.4x AF Teleconverter
Hoya 58mm Pro1 Digital MC UV (0) filter
Hoya 58mm Duto/Softener A/Softener B/Diffuser filters