50mm 1.8 vs 1.4

Mark G

Mark G

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Mark
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Hi all

I'm currently selling my 18-105 kit lens in order to fund a 50mm prime. I will be getting the new AF-S versions as my spare body is a D5000 so need the motor.

The question is which one to get? is the 1.4 worth the extra money than the 1.8? I'm leaning towards the 1.4 at the moment because I do charge for my work so should probably stretch to the best gear I can afford however I don't want to feel it was a waste of money.

I do a lot of newborn photography so think the 1.4 will come in handy as I currently use my Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8.

I'm particularly interested to here from anyone who has upgraded and if you thought it was worth it?

Many thanks in advance.
Mark
 
The 1.4 is only "better" because it allows you to shoot in lower light. The 1.8 is pretty much as good optically. If you need the ability to shoot in lower light, then get the 1.4.. if not, get the 1.8.
 
If the extra 2/3 of a stop is going to make a difference then your decision is already made, but in the real world - save your money, get the 1.8G, it's a better lens in every way. Focuses faster, is sharper and more contrasty, just lacks that extra 2/3 of a stop which isn't that much of a big deal really. Just bump your ISO by 2/3 of a stop :) I've had both the 1.4G and 1.8G, the latter is the one to go for.
 
I have the 1.8G. The need for a 1.4 is becoming more questionable these days as sensors improve. Only if I was doing lots of work in very low light would I consider paying twice as much for less than one stop of speed.
 
jpw said:
If the extra 2/3 of a stop is going to make a difference then your decision is already made, but in the real world - save your money, get the 1.8G, it's a better lens in every way. Focuses faster, is sharper and more contrasty, just lacks that extra 2/3 of a stop which isn't that much of a big deal really. Just bump your ISO by 2/3 of a stop :) I've had both the 1.4G and 1.8G, the latter is the one to go for.
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This. I've had both and the 1.8 seemed to outperform the 1.4 in the ways mentioned^
 
According to Thom Hogan you should buy the 1.8g for a cropper and the 1.4g if using full frame.

I have owned a few 50mm's, 3 x 50 1.8d's, 2 x 50 1.4g's and a 50 1.8g.

Of them all the one I have been most happy with is the 1.8g. I loved the dof on the 50 1.4g but found the a.f to be a little slow. So while it was great for those times I wanted a really shallow dof I found it frustrating to use when I didn't. For me the 50 1.8g was the best option.
 
Soda Farl said:
According to Thom Hogan you should buy the 1.8g for a cropper and the 1.4g if using full frame.
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I can't see why. Optically, their almost identical... one's just faster.
 
Not sure of his testing methodology though. Both Photozone and DxO have them almost neck and neck. In fact, DxO has the 1.8 as slightly sharper, although they do have a centre bias to their testing.

Both are superb.... seems pretty academic.
 
I've had both and the Bokeh is smoother on the 1.4g but if your budget is limited the 1.8 will be great!
 
Another who has had both. It's splitting hairs to say which is best, I've never been disappointed by either. If they cost the same I'd probably take the 1.4 because it's a 1.4. As things stand though, I think the 1.8 makes more sense and that is what I currently have.
 
I was all set to "upgrade" my old AF f/1.8 to the latest AF-S f/1.4 but was talked out of it by the sales assistants I spoke to (in 2 different stores). Unless you like having one eye in focus and the rest of a face OOF, I wouldn't advise spending the extra cash on the marginally faster lens - I'm sure you can put that £120 or so to better use elsewhere (based on WEX's price difference)!
 
Buy what you can afford. But don't forget that the f/1.8 will look out of place next to the 24/35/85mm f/1.4 primes in your camera bag when you decide to move up to FX. ;)
 
adrianday said:
Buy what you can afford. But don't forget that the f/1.8 will look out of place next to the 24/35/85mm f/1.4 primes in your camera bag when you decide to move up to FX. ;)
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My bag was the opposite when on FF. 28mm 1.8g, 50mm 1.8g, and 85mm 1.8g. Council primes!
 
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