Nikon 50mm D Vs 50mm G

fraggle101

fraggle101

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OK, as some of you may know im pretty new to all things Nikon but im learning.. Iv been looking at getting a 50mm 1.4 but have stumbled uppon a small problem..

There are two model available atm, i was all for the shiny new model with the G suffix.. but i had a little search around for reviews and read one by Ken Rockwell.. apparently he is held in high regard.. he says that the new version, the G is too slow to focus and suffers with very bad barrel distortion! where the older D version doesn't!

What im looking for from you guys is a real world opinion on the two.. iv read other reviews from users but they range from raw beginners to advanced and their opinions vary just as much! but not in a coordinated way!

Now, im not going to be photographing brick walls as such, but while shooting portraits ect i just might find myself using a wall or some other structure as a prop/background and would rather not have the images look wrong!

Any input would be rather appreciated.. :thumbs:
 
Had both, prefre the G. The D had too much CA for my (lazy PS ass) liking. I also think the G is sharper wide open. Don't rule the Sigma out either, as it also has its fans.
 
agree with above - the G is not as fast aquiring focus but tracks well and is better focussing in low light I think.
 
I have the G also and it's 'pinners'...

However, it's no sharper than my 24-70 f/2.8 set at 50mm with both lenses shooting at f/5.6...
Unless you really need the additional f-stops (I occasionally do, but am still debating on whether to keep this lens for the four or five times a year I feel like using it), you may find a better alternative...
 
Thanks for the response so far guys..

Im sure the overall IQ is a little better with the G, but in terms of the Barrel distortion, has anyone had a problem in that area?

I have the 24-70 too and although i lve the lens, id like to have the extra low light ability, also the ability to really throw the BG out of focus.. thats really what im after, but i like that focal length..
 
Cant say i've noticed it on anything i've shot, but then again i wasnt looking for it and dont tend to shoot walls :)
 
I have the G, shoot portraits and think its great. My pics are mainly of 0-5 year olds and seems to focus fast enough.
 
fraggle101 said:
Im sure the overall IQ is a little better with the G, but in terms of the Barrel distortion, has anyone had a problem in that area?
Click to expand...

I recently upgraded from the AF-D to the G version, the barrel distortion is roughly the same IMO. It can be quite noticeable unfortunately but very easy to correct in post.

The main reason for me to upgrade was the flare on the AF-D could be pretty bad. At certain angles to your light source, not even a lens hood would help. :thumbsdown:

I still haven't sold the D yet but probably will.
 
I upgraded for D to G as well. Although the focus is marginally slower in good light, the G doesn't hunt as the D did in poor light and tracks better. As mentioned above the G handles digital artifacts much better as well
 
Right, i think im sold on the G, i was already but didnt want to make a mistake and but a duffer! so the barrel distortion isnt too bad, slightly slower to focus but not geriatric, some distortion but nothing to worry about.. but its better in low light which makes up for the downfalls..

Thanks for the help..:thumbs:
 
In day to day use - all you'll see is a fantastic lens that can take great pics! :)
 
fraggle101 said:
... Iv been looking at getting a 50mm 1.4 ... Ken Rockwell ... says that the new version, the G is too slow to focus and suffers with very bad barrel distortion! where the older D version doesn't!
Click to expand...
Have another look at KenR's review; as regards the AF-S f/1.4G I read:
  • 'AF is fast and sure' and not too slow
  • [it] 'has relatively strong and visible barrel (bulging) distortion' (ie more than the AF f/1.4D that 'has the typical mild to moderate barrel distortion')
So I rather think your choice should depend upon your application. If swift focusing (my f/1.4D is not quick) and the ability to manual focus without faffing about are what you want, then the AF-S is the one for you. Else, if you can take your time. the AF-D lens is a better choice and you will save money too!

You had me worried with your reading that 'the G is too slow to focus' as I am looking to buy one because it should focus more rapidly than my present D version. Hence my post - and its length!
 
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