50mm 1.8 really better than 50mm 1.4?!?

[rachelrach11]

I will be purchasing a Nikon D7000 pretty soon. I typically do more indoor ( occasionally outdoor) portrait type shots.

I originally planned on purchasing a 50mm 1.4 fixed lens but after reading several reviews , I noticed several photographers stating that the 1.8 lens was much sharper and produced better photos?

Does anyone have any experience with the two? This just seemed a little confusing due to the fact that the 1.8 is almost half the price of the 1.4?

 

[Derrel]

Read the Thom Hogan review of the 50/1.8 AF-S G...the f/1.4 lens is marginally better under some conditions, but has better center-to-edge performance at f/2.8, whereas the 50/1.8 G model does NOT have that until it is stopped down more. The 1.8 focuses faster however. Read his review at Thom Hogan's Nikon Camera, DSLR, Lens, Flash, and Book site

 

[sleist]

[h=2]50mm 1.8 really better than 50mm 1.4?!?[/h]

Not at f/1.4

 

[rachelrach11]

Read the Thom Hogan review of the 50/1.8 AF-S G...the f/1.4 lens is marginally better under some conditions, but has better center-to-edge performance at f/2.8, whereas the 50/1.8 G model does NOT have that until it is stopped down more. The 1.8 focuses faster however. Read his review at Thom Hogan's Nikon Camera, DSLR, Lens, Flash, and Book site

Thanks for the information ! In your opinion, is the 1.4 worth the cost difference for low light portrait type shots ? Do you notice a significant difference in the photos between the two?

 

[3bayjunkie]

I have the canon 50mm f1.8 and wide open it is not as sharp as the 1.4 wide open.

 

[KmH]

And how does that relate to Nikon lenses?

Nikon offers two 50 mm f/1.8's, the $135 - AF 50 mm f/1.8D, and the newer $220 - AF-S 50 mm f/1.8G.

Canon's $125 EF 50 mm f/1.8 II is in a class by itself with its el cheapo build quality.

 

[Derrel]

Read the Thom Hogan review of the 50/1.8 AF-S G...the f/1.4 lens is marginally better under some conditions, but has better center-to-edge performance at f/2.8, whereas the 50/1.8 G model does NOT have that until it is stopped down more. The 1.8 focuses faster however. Read his review at Thom Hogan's Nikon Camera, DSLR, Lens, Flash, and Book site

Thanks for the information ! In your opinion, is the 1.4 worth the cost difference for low light portrait type shots ? Do you notice a significant difference in the photos between the two?

Rachel, I think Thom's conclusion is a good one...basically that EITHER the 50 1.4 or 50 1.8 AF-S G series lenses are a toss-up...he's happy with EITHER lens on his best camera body...if you are shooting on a DX body, I don't really think the 1.4 is worth the extra money, since the poorer edges of the frame are not "imaged" by the DX sensor's "crop"...if you wanna' shoot at f/2.8, then the 1.4 model seems to have a very slight edge. I say SKIP the f/1.4 50mm lens, and save some money, and apply that saved money toward the purchase of a new 85mm f/1.8 AF-S G telephoto lens for low-light work done at longer distances.

 

[jake337]

And how does that relate to Nikon lenses?

Nikon offers two 50 mm f/1.8's, the $135 - AF 50 mm f/1.8D, and the newer $220 - AF-S 50 mm f/1.8G.

Canon's $125 EF 50 mm f/1.8 II is in a class by itself with its el cheapo build quality.

But with the D7000 the OP also has the option of manual focus lens as well like the 50mm f1.4 ai/ais, 50mm f1.2 ai/ais, and of course the 58mm f1.2 Noct. These will be manual focus lens but will still meter. I don't think AF is that important for portraits, especially indoors where the AF may not work that well anyways.

 

[TheLost]

There are 4 lenses here..

50mm 1.8D (2002 - ??)
50mm 1.8G (2011 - current)
50mm 1.4D (1990's - ??)
50mm 1.4G (2008 - current)

Like other people have said... Read Thom Hogans reviews. For all other reviews you need to keep in mind the date the review was done, make sure you know if they are talking about the 1.4D or 1.4G. (and just ignore anything by Ken Rockwell).

Here is a quick 'cliff notes' version of what you'll find:
50mm 1.4D - very soft.. people say save your money get the 1.8D instead.
50mm 1.4G - much better then the 1.4D. But how much do you need 1.4? The 1.8G is a better option if you don't need 1.4.
50mm 1.8D - a great value.
50mm 1.8G - a bit sharper then the D. Has bit better bokeh then the D. Twice the price of the 1.8D.

Some people need a 1.4.. If you NEED a 1.4 then get the 1.4G.. If you don't NEED a 1.4 then maybe you should get a 1.8G. If you want to spend ~$100... just get the great 1.8D

 

[greybeard]

I have an older f/1.8 AF D and compared to my other lenses, it truly is in a class by itself. My 35mm f/1.8 does pretty well but, it still can't match my 50mm f/1.8. I'm sure the 50mm f/1.4 is in the same class as the f/1.8, just a little faster. (jmho)

 

[IgsEMT]

50 1.8 D vs 50 1.4G

For events, I've used 50 1.8 for years and was very happy with it. It was sharp, fast focus, great results. On FF, it was EVEN better...
However, when I dipped into 50 1.4G, the difference was significant enough for me to keep the 1.4 and sell 1.8.
50 1.4 is VERY slow focusing lens. I've exchanged it several times and its the same (tested on several bodies). I wouldn't necessarily use it at an even (not to say that I haven't) but as a portrait lens, especially when I'm in the studio w/ newborns, it is my GO-TO LENS.... #1, despite w/e reviewers are saying, it is sharp at 1.4 (shot it, printed it to 20x24, sold it, and no problem), the shallow dof adds a LOT of flavor to the image. There's no question about the fact that slight error in technique will result in poor image, however, when you GET that Money Shot, that patience worth it! So when comparing 1.4 to 1.8 in studio, again the shallow dof while having tack-sharp point of focus - GREAt result.
With 50 1.8, I had difficulty shooting at wider apertures, as its quality wasn't what I was looking for. It is GREAT lens, and often I've used it at events to get those additional ambient light images (fast focusing helped) and for the price of under $130 - its a great addition to the arsenal.
After purchasing 1.4, I ended up selling 1.8 to a friend of mine. I hate letting go of gear, at least I know it's in good hands.

 

[shadowlands]

I own the Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.4G. I sold my Nikon AF 50mm F1.8D. Sure, I miss my former and it's a great lens.
But yes, I'm happy that I mad the switch. Why? DOF at F1.4 is insane!!! Bokeh is more smooth (round). The 9 rounded blades do make a difference.
F1.4 is not its sharpest setting, but it's pretty sharp.