Nikon 50mm f1.4g or f1.8g - help me choose

JJ!

JJ!

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I currently have a D7000 with a 18-200 as my walk about set up, but now looking for a 50mm prime.

It's defiantly a 50 that I want so it's between the 1.4 and 1.8.

Taking the price out of the equation, what one would you recommend?

Some reviews have the f1.8 down and quicker, some the f1.4 sharper.

So with price not coming in to it, which one do you recommend?
 
if price is not a problem i personally would get the f1.4 version. I got the nifty 50mm f1.8 AFD and it serves me well and the lens is very sharp for under £100
 
I'd get the 1.8 personally, it can be found very cheap right now and I think its a much better performer for the money. I see no reason to pay extra for the 1.4 unless you really need the extra light, its slower focusing and softer. Bokeh is about the same between the two.
 
Unless you need 1.4 go for the 1.8g. Very sharp wide open and even better stopped down.I owned both but preferred the 1.8.
 
I would prefer Nikon, so it does seem the 1.8 is a more popular lens.

I can get both for around same price at the moment (although the f1.4) would be 2nd hand - all be it as new though.

Need to decide by tomorrow!
 
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I have had both and sold the 1.8. The 1.8 is quicker to focus but the 1.4 is just superb.
 
Thanks for the info people! How much slower is the f1.4 to focus? Pretty sure this will not be an issue as not using it for anything fast moving.
 
JJ! said:
Thanks for the info people! How much slower is the f1.4 to focus? Pretty sure this will not be an issue as not using it for anything fast moving.
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It's quite slow compared to most modern lenses but it's not so slow that it causes any problems. IQ is excellent. Never tried the 1.8 but it does seem to be getting some glowing reviews.
 
This lens choosing lark is damn tricky sometimes!
 
I wouldn't bother with the Nikon 1.4 unless you go and try out the actual lens you are going to buy for sharpness first... my copy was rubbish even with fine tuning! And went back to Nikon 3 times with no improvement, so I got a refund and replaced it with a sigma 50mm 1.4.

if you can afford it and are swaying towards the 1.4, check out the sigma as the bokeh is smoother and softer then I ever got with the Nikon

(and I've got the D7000 too)

hope this helps! :)
 
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Now that was interesting to have a brief flick through. 1.8 comes out on top on most occasions.
 
Soda Farl said:
I have had both and sold the 1.8. The 1.8 is quicker to focus but the 1.4 is just superb.
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no son you had the 1.8D (different optical design altogether)

In relation to the two lenses the newer G model has better contrast and sharpness. however having the dreamy 1.4 is a big advantage for shallow DOF etc
 
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Also both the G models are about the same if not the exact same for focusing.
 
TonyNI said:
Also both the G models are about the same if not the exact same for focusing.
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Not sure about that. Nearly all the reviews I've read put the 1.8 noticeably ahead in terms of focussing speed. Whether it matters is another question.
 
gad-westy said:
Not sure about that. Nearly all the reviews I've read put the 1.8 noticeably ahead in terms of focussing speed. Whether it matters is another question.
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Never really checked that but I know the 1.8G is better for sharpness and contrast. May even consider swapping my 1.4G for a 1.8G
 
Guess I could start with the 1.4 and if not good enough trade it for the 1.8.

If I do it the other way round I would end up losing money, but as I can get the 1.4 at a great price I couk give it a go first.

Thanks for everyone's advice though, will sleep on it and make my decision by morning.
 
Thanks for the comments. I have the same choice issues, but most of the comments reiterated my own thoughts, so i'm thinking of getting the 1.8 version of the lenses, unless i find a cheap sale of the 1.4 as well. I want to use it on a D90
 
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