Nikon just announced the newest addition to their lens lineup at Photokina in Cologne, Germany. It's the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.4G - a fast prime - YAY! I love working in low light with wide-open apertures to throw the background out of focus. I've been using its predecessor, the Nikkor 50mm f1.4 D, for many many years with great results. But the new rounded 9-blade diaphragm, faster focusing, Silent Wave Motor, and bayonet-style lens hood may mean it's time to upgrade this focal length in the ol' gear box!What do YOU think? Leave me a comment if you think it's worth the upgrade...why or why not?
16 comments:
Yes upgrade immediately and pawn off your old slow focusing copy to me!
Patrick
Thanks for your vote, Patrick...SKEWED AS IT MAY BE! :-) I'd seriously like to get it "immediately". Won't be out until December, though.
The interesting thing about the new 1.4G is the oversized housing. Rough and dirty geometric analysis suggests that the housing would easily accomodate f1.2 elements, (half of which could be borrowed from the existing 85 f1.8). I wonder if we'll be seeing such a release in the near future? Now THAT would be something. In any case, I really dig my 1.4D, and fast 50's in general. I'm not in a hurry to upgrade per se, but probably will anyway :)
On the wish list. To bad the body is now made of plastic.
If it ain't broke.....
I say, that unless there is something about your lens that is hampering your abilities (not that I see), then spend the money on your sweet wife instead.
Hey Chris
This lens is already on my wish list at B&H. I will be getting it. However, some are already complaining because the outer body is built out of plastic. Would like to see a more in depth test to make sure that it is just as sharp as the older lens.
Thanks, Ron. I've been doing some research on DPReview as well. But the whole plastic thing doesn't bother me. Football helmets are made of plastic and look how durable THEY are! And it would be nice to have f1.2...but truthfully I often stop down my current 50mm to f1.8 or f2.0 becos the DOF is TOOO shallow. So f1.2 is more for "bragging rights" than practicalitly IMHO. Anyway, good input and I appreciate it my friend.
Bill, my man...you always bring "perspective" to the table with you. :-) Thanks!
The new 50 sounds awesome.
ps. The photos on your blog are beautiful - so crisp and clear! That D3 must be treatin you right!
Yve
Thanks, Yve...you're so sweet! I love the D3. But it's probably the lenses that are giving me that crispness. I don't use any of the "consumer grade" lenses with variable apertures except for casual family/travel pics. My daily bread-n-butta lenses are the 14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, and 70-200 f2.8. Some call this the "Holy Trinity" of lenses. I often add my 200-400 f4 to that group and call it my "Fantastic Four". ;-)
Nice! I would love to get the 14-24 and the 50.
Nikonians just post a interview with Nikon about the New 50 at
http://blog.nikonians.org/archives/2008/09/photokina_nikonians_fong.html
Interesting...
Ron
NICE! Thanks, Ron...
Chris,
Buy it! I'd like to, when I can afford it. According to all I have read the older lens is simply "older design." I find it interesting that the re-design requires more glass and a 58mm filter size. I believe Zeiss influenced this, as their 50mm is a manual-focus monster, superior to the Nikon. There is a market for higher quality lenses out there and many Nikon designs are re-cycled reputations.
I am using the older design, too. I want the new one. It is priced like the new Sigma 50 f1.4, but under sells the Zeiss by about $75.00.
That is my opinion. I, too, wish to have a low-light kit...Working on it.
Douglas
Thanks, Doug! I know a lot of folks love the Zeiss optics...but I just don't understand why they can't incorporate AF? I mean it's the year 2008, man! Anyway, I'm very pleased with the fine quality of a good Nikkor lens. And I don't think this 50 f1.4 will be any different.
That lens looks sweet!
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