nikon 50mm 1.8G vs 1.4G

[reaction]

Has anyone compared the two?
One is double the price, but both are still 'affordable'.
From what I see the 1.4G at 1.8 is better than the 1.8G but only slightly

[nightbringer]

From what I've heard, the 1.8G is actually slightly better than the 1.4G at the same settings, in that it's a bit sharper.
That was mainly why I went with the 1.8G over the 1.4G though of course other factors would go into which to pick, as to whether you want the benefits the extra 1/3-2/3 of a stop the 1.4G offers, like razor-thin DoF and awesome low-light performance.

That said, I'm quite happy with my 1.8G, though I might later trade up for a 1.4G given I shoot a lot of film and so am usually shooting around ISO 100-400.

[gqtuazon]

Value and sharpness wise I would choose the f1.8G also. Cameras can easily compensate the f stop difference by bumping the ISO a bit. You can probably get a Nikon 35mm f1.8G and 50mm f1.8G for the price of a Nikon 50mm f1.4G.

[swifty]

Not exactly what you're after but I have the Sigma 50/1.4 and Nikon 50/1.8D.
I have to say I don't 'love' the Sigma though it's a decent performer. But I must admit I've not used it as much because of what I've been shooting lately. And it's only a small step up compared to 1.8D. I've heard the G improves almost every aspect compared to the D except it lacks an aperture ring which is no good for me because I occasionally reverse mount the old 50 for macros.
But I suspect I'd be just as happy with only a 50/1.8G and nothing else (I very seldom do macros).

[rellik666]

Cant say I have compared, sorry but I do have the 1.4 and it is my favorite lens ever! Glad i have it and wouldn't swap it, but I love the DoF it gives!

[reaction]

You can probably get a Nikon 35mm f1.8G and 50mm f1.8G for the price of a Nikon 50mm f1.4G.

Yes I've been thinking this too, but then also is there a need for 35 & 50 if they're so close?
otoh the difference in DOF of 1.4 vs 1.8 on a crop - is it worth the $ or will I just miss focus all the time?! :confused013
if I end up using it at f2 all the time there's no point after all.

[rellik666]

Once you have 1.4 you won't be using it a F2! :p

And I am desperate for the 35mm 1.4mm...but I just don't have the pennies at the moment.....

[N*A*M]

agreed. the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 with a crop sensor is not massive, and there are definite challenges in shooting even at f/1.8
the extra speed can give you creative options and more latitude in shooting conditions, but the amount of poorly done thin DOF shots i see these days has made me tired of the whole look. hopefully, thin DOF for the sake of thin DOF will go away soon. along with garrish cartoon-like HDR with terrible halos. but i digress.

i am very impressed with what nikon has been able to do with new technology in the primes they have released recently, 24 f/1.4, 35 f/1.4, 35 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.8G (as well as all their recent new micro lenses). the 50 f/1.8 G shows what a few years can do, and definitely gives the 50 f/1.4 G a run for its money. we can be sure that if they ever update the 50 f/1.4 G, it will be a top class lens (judging by the 24, 35, 85 f/1.4 G lenses). but in terms of bang for buck right now, the 50 f/1.8 G looks like a no-brainer.

[Lance B]

Photozone has done a test on each:

50mm f1.4G:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/441-nikkor_afs_50_14_ff

50mm f1.8G:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/631-nikkorafs5018ff

[reflect]

I love my 1.8 even if it presented some challenges when I first started using it. Every now and again I put on the D700 and play for the weekend, it makes you remember to zoom with your feet....and it is so cheap !!

[Bchip]

Would there be any point jumping from the 50mm f/1.8D, to the 50mm f/1.8G?

[reaction]

faster AF?
too much $ and nothing to spend it on?

[kiwi]

General consensus I've seen and experienced with my old 1.8 af compared to my current 1.4g us that acquisition speed is similar but the g tracks a moving object much better

I also think the g has smoother bokeh than the older 1.4 or 1.8

[RRRoger]

I've had several "Nifty Fifties" and almost never used them FX or DX.
I use the 35 f/1.8 DX quite often and much prefer the focal range.
It is so good that I have not even tried the f/1.4
It is especially useful for Video

[gqtuazon]

This might help a bit. A good review on all Nikon 50mm lenses including the Sigma 50mm f1.4 lens.

http://mansurovs.com/nikon-50mm-f1-8g-review

[N*A*M]

yeah great review. very surprising results in comparison to the sigma and afs 1.4 g.

[nightbringer]

Thom Hogan has also just got a review of the new 50mm f1.8G on his site as well.
In his opinion, the 1.4G is SLIGHTLY better, but not significantly. However, the 1.8G apparently has a slightly better AF, though again not that significant.

[reaction]

Photozone has done a test on each:

50mm f1.4G:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/441-nikkor_afs_50_14_ff

50mm f1.8G:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/631-nikkorafs5018ff

After thinking for a long time, I'm still confused. Both boken look nervous to me, tho I can't compare to say which is more nervous.
1.4 looks rounder tho.
but for 2/3 stop but less sharpness and double price is not an easy choice at all