What is the difference between Nikon 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8 & 1.4 and 85mm 1.8?

cambsno

cambsno

Messages
21,040
Name
Simon
Edit My Images
Yes
Aside from the bleeding obvious that is!!!!

So apart from the length (and the fact that some are AFS) is there any difference between the sharpness and quality of these lenses? I have a 50mm 1.8 and have to admit it is great value for money. Is the 35mm better, or just the same? Same for the 1.8/1.4 50mm - aside from the 1.4/1.8 bit any difference here?
 
The 50mm on a crop sensor works out to be around the 80mm mark in practice.

The 35mm on a D300 will give the Fov that a 50mm does on a full frame sensor.

The f1.4's are usually better built,have better optics are sharper stopped down and generally have nicer bokeh.
 
cambsno said:
is there any difference between the sharpness and quality of these lenses? ?
Click to expand...

Easy answer not really, looking at your lens collection, if it is a prime you crave I would recommend the 35mm f2, rather than the f1.8 which is a DX lens, the f2 will work should you ever move to full frame.
 
I'd like to know this too, more out of interest though

I have the 35mm f1.8 already but that's cos it works well with my d40 and is good value
 
Only used the 50 & the 35 1.8s both cracking lenses, I would say from reviews and other peoples opinions which im sure in time will be added to this thread the 50mm 1.4 would be the sharpest and the 85 would be best for portrait shots.
 
how does the 50mm 1.8 compare to say tamron 18-50 f2.8?

would you prefer the lower stop of f1.8 or the flexibility of zoom?
 
I just bought the 50mm 1.4 today :)
I asked the guy in the camera shop what the differences were beween the 1.4 and 1.8 (apart from the obvious!). The 1.8 is plastic and the 1.4 is metal and more rugged. I had a play with both lenses, and liked the sharpness and DOF of the 1.4 over the 1.8.
 
be interesting to see same picture but one at 1.4 and other 1.8
 
I will add, the 35mm f1.8 DOES work on FX bodies with only a tiny bit of vignetting. Bloody stunning lens for the money.
 
It is not just the optical performance that you should consider there is the build quality of the lens. The 85 1.4 is a very solid bit of kit and does give great pictures with a smooth bokeh - and that combination makes it a very, very good lens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top