Why is the f1.4 G so much more expensive than the "D" ???

ndwgolf

ndwgolf

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Neil Williams
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Why is the f1.4 G so much more expensive than the "D" ???

The reason for the question is I want to buy a new
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50 mm f/1.4 G Lens & Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G AF-S VR Micro but I am being told that I should go for the cheaper D model......... but too many times I have bought cheaper models of this or that and a week later gone out and bought the more expensive one that I really should have bought the first time around (and now have two of them).
Anyway I won’t be back home in KL until the 8th June so I have time to think some more but I am leaning towards getting the f1.4 G unless someone can convince me not to.
Thanks
 
Nothing wrong with the D, but the G is newer. Think they are both similar opitcally. The G is slightly bigger and not as well built as the D.

You certainly wouldnt wish you had gone with the G, if you bought the G I wouldnt think. Its been around for many years and has served many photographers very well.
The G is simply an update to include AF-S for those with the lower end cameras.
 
TCR4x4 said:
The G is simply an update to include AF-S for those with the lower end cameras.
Click to expand...

The G has a different optical design (8 elements, 7 groups - the AF-D is 7 in 6). The aperture blades of the G are rounded and there are 9 of them, as opposed to 7 straight blades on the D. Thom Hogan (who I consider a reasonably reliable source on all things Nikon) also is of the view that the G is sharper than the D at f/1.4, although obviously DOF is razor thin.

But please don't make assumptions. It's not just an inclusion/update to AF-S.

You will still have AF. If you buy the AF-D, the camera will do the autofocusing. If you buy the AF-S, the lens' motor will do the autofocusing.
 
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ndwgolf said:
Thats what I am going to do, if it's newer then thats the one for me
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Neil, whilst the G does have the latest and the greatest, it's certainly not without it's flaws (most people tend to be reporting disappointing AF performance, for instance). And just because it is the latest and greatest doesn't mean the D wouldn't fit your needs - let's put it this way, it must be good enough that Nikon still feels the need to continually produce it alongside the newer G.

The D is probably the best way, on a budget, to get a standard prime with a super fast aperture (aside from the 3rd party options obviously). Don't write it off based purely on that stuff - for your shooting needs, it's performance may be good enough, and you always have to take reviews with a pinch of salt, because at the end of the day they are looking for any faults (almost neurotically), rather than what people using the lens would be doing, finding the best out of it.

I'm not sure what your current set-up is, or what you shoot, but have you considered the 50mm f/1.8 first? It's nearly as fast, the AF-D is probably the cheapest weapon in the Nikon arsenal, and generations of photographers have used it with excellent results.
 
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I have the G.
It is has never missed focus in low light.
It is whisper quite when focusing
As mentioned updated optics.
 
Farno said:
I have the G.
It is has never missed focus in low light.
It is whisper quite when focusing
As mentioned updated optics.
Click to expand...
Thanks
My set up is D7000 with a 18/200 AFS lens, I want the 50mm for taking portrait pictures inside and outside of the home. I have heard people saying I should go with the 85mm f1.4 or a 35 f1.4 or this and that but I have kind of set my heart on the 50mm f1.4G (it is within my budget and like so many other people have said the G is the latest)
I play golf, I first had the R7 then the R9 and now guess what I have the R11............ it’s the latest and greatest, and if that’s the case then it’s for me.
Thanks for all the input, when I get it i will post up some hopefully great pictures:):):):)
 
I have a D90 and too many lenses. The one that spends most time on the camera is the 50mm 1.4 D - mostly family/baby shots. Great for indoors!

I got it as a second hand bargain and I think it is absolutely superb in every aspect of it's operation.

And, of course, Uncle Ken likes it too!;)
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/5014af.htm
 
Farno said:
I have the G.
It is has never missed focus in low light.
It is whisper quite when focusing
As mentioned updated optics.
Click to expand...

yep - compared to the old 'D' the focusing is fantastic. I know its slower, but it doesn't miss or hunt like the 'D' did. Optics are loads better especially in challenging conditions
 
I use mine for shooting the children indoors. I bought it after the f1. 8 and have never regretted it. As they are getting bigger i have thought about a 35mm.
Why not look at the focal length your shooting with on your zoom indoors and let that help you with the choice. I would avoid the 85mm for indoors but that's just my choice
 
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