Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

soydios

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Mar 12, 2006
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http://press.nikonusa.com/2008...ates_the_75th_anni.php
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0...kkor_50mm_1_4glens.asp
http://imaging.nikon.com/produ...-s_50mmf_14g/index.htm

So, we've got the AF-S 50mm f/1.4. Now we need it with kit AF-S (no full-time manual override) in an f/1.8 flavor, along with an AF-S 85mm f/1.4G, AF-S 85mm f/1.8G, and AF-S 24mm/28mm f/1.4G. VR in the 85mm primes wouldn't be a bad thing either.

I'm curious how this stacks up against the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM.

EDIT: For comparison, here's the page from Nikon Imaging Global on the AF 50mm f/1.4D: http://imaging.nikon.com/produ...af_50mmf_14d/index.htm
The optical formula looks the same between the two lenses, like any other 50mm prime for the past century. The MTF graph looks slightly better; note that Nikon does their MTF graphs at wide-open aperture (f/1.4 in this case).

EDIT2: Noes! It uses 58mm filters instead of the longtime 52mm Nikon filter size. At least that's standard for Canon, but it's different than the rest of the Nikkors that are already in pros' bags.
 

996GT2

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Jun 23, 2005
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This is going to be at least $500...probably more like $600 since it's a first party lens.
 

Sid59

Lifer
Sep 2, 2002
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Originally posted by: 996GT2
This is going to be at least $500...probably more like $600 since it's a first party lens.

pretty close. on the Nikon press release ..

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning December 2008 at an estimated selling price of $439.95.*
 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
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If you don't need AF-S, it's a great time to buy used ;)
 

996GT2

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Jun 23, 2005
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I actually think the AF f/1.4 is a better choice for people with a camera body that has a built in AF motor. Not only is it much cheaper (and prices will keep dropping after this AF-S release), but it's got an aperture ring that lets you use it on older bodies and use it with non-CPU extension tubes and accessories.
 

randomlinh

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Oct 9, 1999
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canon needs a 50/1.4 mkII dammit. the sigma had so much potential, but seems plagued w/ the normal sigma issues moreso at the moment.

How much does the current nikon 1.4 go for in the used market?
 

ElFenix

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well it's not the same optical formula as the old lens, though i suspect it isn't quite up to the sigma in edge to edge performance on 135 bodies.
 

Sid59

Lifer
Sep 2, 2002
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not that it should affect quality but this lens is not VR, ED, or nano coating.
 

ElFenix

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Originally posted by: Sid59
not that it should affect quality but this lens is not VR, ED, or nano coating.

you don't need ED for what is likely a very pedestrian lens design.

iirc, the nano coating mostly is worthwhile for wide angle lenses.
 

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: ElFenix
Originally posted by: Sid59
not that it should affect quality but this lens is not VR, ED, or nano coating.

you don't need ED for what is likely a very pedestrian lens design.

iirc, the nano coating mostly is worthwhile for wide angle lenses.

VR also isn't that necessary on a f/1.4 lens at a very moderate focal length.

The older f/1.4 D is still a much better deal though if prices drop into the $200 range after this AF-S release and image quality is similar (which they should be)

Where's Nikon's answer to the EF 50mm f/1.2L?
 

Kelvrick

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Feb 14, 2001
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Originally posted by: randomlinh
canon needs a 50/1.4 mkII dammit. the sigma had so much potential, but seems plagued w/ the normal sigma issues moreso at the moment. How much does the current 1.4 go for in the used market?

Current canon 50/1.4 goes for ~300. I had one and sold it (still sad). Thinking of picking up the sigma 30/1.4 for my 20d though.
 

randomlinh

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Originally posted by: randomlinh
canon needs a 50/1.4 mkII dammit. the sigma had so much potential, but seems plagued w/ the normal sigma issues moreso at the moment. How much does the current 1.4 go for in the used market?

Current canon 50/1.4 goes for ~300. I had one and sold it (still sad). Thinking of picking up the sigma 30/1.4 for my 20d though.

err.. I meant the nikon, heh.. sorry, i mushed the two thoughts together.

but I love my sigma 30mm on my 20D/40D :)