50mm 1.4 vs 50mm 1.8

[rflower]

Hi all,

I have read on this forum that the 50mm 1.8 is Nikon's Best value for money lens (or something like that) - coming in at less than $200. With the Christmas season almost upon us, people are starting to ask what I want. My wife is talking about buying either of these lenses. Is the 50mm 1.4 worth the extra couple of hundred dollars that it is available for within these forums?

Any comments appreciated.

thanks

Russell

[Andyt]

Hi! Russell,

I have the 50mm 1.8, and find it exceptional, easy to carry around, and after the 85mm F1.4, the best for portrait shots.
Unless you have a specific need for 1.4 it will not disappoint. Whilst the 1.4 is a better build quality and a faster lense, do you really need such a shallow DOF? If so, go for it. I have seen pics where the nose is in perfect focus but the eyes are out of focus!

Suggest you start with the 1.8 and put the difference towards your next acquisition, you can always upgrade later on

[Yi-P]

Only if you find yourself needing the f/1.4 speed, you can get the f/1.4 version.

The f/1.4 is suitable for low light light photography and will do better in this range. It is sharper wide open and has a little better bokeh than the f/1.8 version.


The f/1.8 will do most of what you'll need, is damn dead sharp stopped down from f/5.6 through to f/11, and for the value of money, nothing beats this one!! Also, this can stop down to f/22 if ever need, the 1.4 stops down to f/16 smallest...

[Glen]

Russell,

I have both and both are excellent. I agree with above, buy the 1.8 unless you want really low light capability, then get the 1.4.

[MATT]

It is sharper wide open and has a little better bokeh than the f/1.8 version.

The f/1.8 will do most of what you'll need, is damn dead sharp stopped down from f/5.6 through to f/11, and for the value of money, nothing beats this one!! A

I think the above statement is what it is all about. The 1.8 is great value, they only reason I can see to buy the 1.4 is that it will be sharper wider open with smoother bokeh. But if you have the cash go the 1.4..

I have the 1.8 and use it all the time.

Cheers

MATT

[vikin70]

imho, if you have to ask then you dont need f1.4, go f1.8 n dont look back, save the moola n buy other pressies...

[DaveB]

The Nikon 50mm 1.8D is a nice little lens (I have one myself which I use as a test lens on Nikon bodies) but you do need to take care of it.
It's the cheapest of Nikon's lenses for a reason: they've cut a few corners in terms of design and materials. The lens assembly moves in and out as you focus, and inside this is being supported at 3 points. But it's all plastic.

Of itself that's fine, but I've been hearing stories of the 1.8 lenses needing serious repair after being left in the sun.
What seems to be happening is that Nikon have used two different types of plastics in the moving lens assembly. These expand at different rates when they warm up, and the subsequent warping can stuff the whole lens up!

That shouldn't turn you off the lens, but I'm mentioning it so you know that it's not the most robust lens around and you need to take care of it. Like I said, I own one myself and like it.

[rflower]

Thanks for all your comments guys.

imho, if you have to ask then you dont need f1.4, go f1.8 n dont look back, save the moola n buy other pressies...

Vikin70, you are probably right with that statement. I would like a nice prime for portraits (of the kids and such) in indoorish / natural light ... Seeing the available prices (and saving so much off the 1.4) I ummed and ahhed about that one, but think that I would be just as happy with the 1.8 at this point in time.

Cheers

Russell

[Yi-P]

I never missed the 1.4 on my 50/1.8

And its the lens which got me 80% of all my best shots as well!! How can I justify with only a $125 lens!! Its brilliant...

[Matt. K]

Russell
Are you going to keep on taking photographs for the next 20 years? If so...buy the F1.4. You will never regret it. It is better to own only one outstanding lens than 3 mediocre ones. Having said that....the f1.8 is no slouch either....but the build quality is close to crap.

[spada]

Russell
. It is better to own only one outstanding lens than 3 mediocre ones. Having said that....the f1.8 is no slouch either....but the build quality is close to crap.

Exactly what I am thinking .

[Dargan]

I think this is still relevant to the topic (50mm, portrait, 1.4 vs 1.8 ) and aspects have been mentioned in the replies already. If the choice for 50mm comes down to quality of construction (and seems to be the best reason for getting it over the 1.8 ), is the same to be said about the 85mm 1.4 vs 1.8? The difference in price there is more dramatic still, so is the construction of the 85mm 1.8 similarly plastic and poor or is the 85mm 1.8 a better purchase simply for the reason of price?

[phillipb]

My personal opinion is that the 1.4 necessitates a much bigger lump of glass, therefore a stronger frame to hold it is needed. Nikon as chosen not to over engineer the 1.8 and thereby kept the cost down. I have the 50mm 1.8 and I don't find it flimsy.

[Matt. K]

phillipb
Whilst it may not feel flimsy on the D70 or D200....because the F/stop is locked down and controlled from the camera....using the lens on a film camera will certainly reveal its flaws. I guess for those who intend using it on a digital camera then that's not a consideration. A point I did not consider.