Nikkor 50mm

[mic_y]

Hey guys,

its my dads b-day coming up, and I was hoping to get him a lens (which I will also obviously use). Now, I want to get him a fast 50mm and was wondering who had any experience with the 4 fast 50mm lenses (F1.8D, F1.8G, F1.4D, F1.4G).

Price wise, I am looking at the following:
F1.8D - R 1400 (though I have seen it cheaper somewhere, just cant remember where)
F1.8G - R 2600
F1.4D - R 3900
F1.4G - R 4700 (also seen it cheaper somewhere).

Additional info: this lens will be used with a Nikon D300s.

Has anyone used a couple of these, and which would you go for?

Thanks in advance

 

[dabean]

The 1.8D is on special at Orms for R895 at the moment. Haven't tried any of them sorry, still deciding which body to get.

 

[Tygerr]

The F1.8D uses the old screw autofocus, so it focuses a bit slower (though on a 50, it's hardly noticeable) and noisier and you can't use it on some of the cheaper bodies (D5100 or lower) which can only use AF-S lenses.

Having said that though, the 50 1.8 is a legend. The cheapest lens in Nikon's arsenal, yet it provides tack-sharp superb images. The design of the lens hasn't changed for something like 50 years - it's a classic.

I have one, and it's possibly my most used lens.

The two newer lenses (1.8G and 1.4G) have AF-S focus which is faster and quieter, but this isn't a long focal length so that's hardly worth the price. The optics on the newer ones are slightly better though - there seems to be less fringing especially in bright light conditions. This is probably from using more advanced nano-coatings on the glass. But you'll have to decide whether that's worth the extra money or not. Generally easily fixable in PS, and not even noticeable in most conditions.

As for the 1.4 vs 1.8 - well, not even a full stop of light extra. How badly do you need it? (especially consider how good the higher ISO on newer bodies is). Also, the 1.4 models are much bigger and heavier than the 1.8 models, which defeats the purpose for me - I love how light and 'compact' my camera feels when I have the 50 1.8 on it. Perfect for street or casual family photography (not bad for portraits either if you use it on DX body).

So in summary, my opinion is that the 50 f1.8D is the best value for money lens you can get from Nikon. If you want to spend more cash, the other lenses are also great and do give a little bit extra (AF-S for the G models, or slightly more light from the 1.4 models, possibly less fringing).

 

[mic_y]

Thanks for the replies so far guys greatly appreciated.

One of the factors that I wanted to determine (and have so far had no luck with) is which (if any) of the 4 lenses listed provides any form of weather sealing (as with the 24-70 f2.8).

Look foward to the responses.

 

[Bodega]

I have the 50mm F1.4G, and let me say this again, This is the best asset in my camera bag. The best purchase i have ever made. People are amazed at the photos taken with this lens. If money aint the issue go with it.

 

[dabean]

[video=youtube;6my3DO00X28]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6my3DO00X28[/video]
[video=youtube;MZiwizm4TuA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZiwizm4TuA[/video]

Maybe these videos will help you decide if you haven't seen them.

 

[Tygerr]

Thanks for the replies so far guys greatly appreciated.

One of the factors that I wanted to determine (and have so far had no luck with) is which (if any) of the 4 lenses listed provides any form of weather sealing (as with the 24-70 f2.8).

Look foward to the responses.

None of the 50mm lenses are 'weather-sealed', but the AF-S G lenses do have those rubber gaskets on the mount that will keep the camera moisture-sealed on a D300 body.

 

[mic_y]

None of the 50mm lenses are 'weather-sealed', but the AF-S G lenses do have those rubber gaskets on the mount that will keep the camera moisture-sealed on a D300 body.

ah thanks... was suspecting so... basically, go for either of the G lenses.

Another option that I have started looking at today is the AF-S FX 35mm f1.8? Anybody have any experience with this one?

 

[GTi]

I have the 50mm g and the 35mm g both awesome lenses but I fine the 35mm short or too close. The 35mm is extremely sharp, the 50mm too but not as sharp.

 

[Quantum Theory]

I have the 35mm... Great lens. I find 35mm to be a lot more usable than 50mm. Depends on what your dad's shooting.

 

[mic_y]

So, after a lot of debating, I have decided on getting the 35mm at Orms on special for R2k thanks for all the advice guys

 

[Quantum Theory]

So, after a lot of debating, I have decided on getting the 35mm at Orms on special for R2k thanks for all the advice guys

Excellent choice...

 

[tRoN]

So if there are only 2 choices : 50mm 1.8G versus 35mm 1.8G which is better?

 

[AniV]

The 1.8D is on special at Orms for R895 at the moment. Haven't tried any of them sorry, still deciding which body to get.

This post is dedicated to the awesome folks at Orms and the awesome MyBB forumites in the Photography section.

I got the 1.8D Orms special along with some long-sought-after CR2 batteries for my remote trigger unit. If it wasn't for the forumites I would not have known about the special. If it wasn't for the awesome service from Orms I would not have gotten the special. They ran out of stock before the promotion ended, but Shawn arranged to get me one at the special price. Then my CC wouldn't work so he went out of his way to help me get the payment made.

I love Orms. I love MyBB. Thanks guys HOORAY FOR NEW TOYS!

 

[AniV]

I'd like to take this opportunity to add that my "24-48hr" RAM couriers package, which was dispatched at 3.30pm yesterday afternoon from Orms in CT, was waiting for me at work this morning. It took 17hrs from Orms' to me.

Happy Panda, I am. Toys Toys Toys!

 

[mic_y]

so, I eventually got the 35mm 1.8 and from the initial testing, I am very happy with it... awesome bokeh (at least from very early preliminary testing) and the lens focuses quickly and quietly... stil yet to take it out and play with it properly (why are there only 24 hours in a day), but I am hoping for some awesome photo opportunities this weekend (trance festival in Mpumalanga).

Thanks for the advice guys. it is greatly appreciated.

 

[mic_y]

and after eventually having tested the lens properly (thanks to Frans' http://sourceforge.net/projects/mtfmapper/ ) and found that it was severly front-focusing. Took the lens to Nikon, and they fiddled with it, and got it a little better, but still far from perfect. Eventually, convinced them to swap it out for another lens. the second one is performing just as badly (sever front focus, event at +20 AF Fine tune).

So I will be taking it back, as this is unacceptable now, and will put in the extra cash for a 50mm f/1.4 G. Hopefully I have more luck with that one

 

[dabean]

My 35mm F1.8 back focuses quite a lot (-17 AF fine tune), looks like lots of people have focus issues with the lens. Luckily mine wasn't that far off.

 

[fvdbergh]

My 35mm F1.8 back focuses quite a lot (-17 AF fine tune), looks like lots of people have focus issues with the lens. Luckily mine wasn't that far off.

Strangely, my 35 mm F/1.8 seem to focus spot-on. As for more people having focus issues with this lens, I have two theories:
a) The large max aperture makes AF more consistent, so people are more likely to notice a bias, and
b) People probably use this lens more at larger apertures, hence AF errors are more easily spotted.

To elaborate on point a) : A kit lens with a max aperture of say F/4 @ 35 mm will have a DOF of around 42 cm at a distance of 1.8 m, compared to the 35 mm prime at F/1.8 with a DOF of 19 cm. The AF sensors are designed to put the plane of focus approximately within the zone deemed "sharp enough", which corresponds roughly to the figures produced by a DOF calculator (i.e., very roughly between 0.5*DOF behind to 0.5*DOF in front of focus point) for the max aperture of the lens.

If you shoot the F/1.8 prime at F/4, then your focusing distance variability will still be less than 19 cm, compared to 42 cm for the kit lens. This decreased variability in focus distance will make it much easier to spot the bias if the lens is front/back focusing.