Nikon fanboys - how much diff between 50mm f1.4 and f1.8?

[Kaido]

I want to pick up a prime for our D70s. Is there really that much difference between the f1.4 and f1.8 models?

 

[0]

difference of about $400

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: 0
difference of about $400

lol I know that, is it worth it?

 

[aphex]

unless your a pro, no.

 

[pkme2]

For available light photography, it has it advantages, but I would rather spend the extra bucks on a good zoom portrait lense.

 

[Kaido]

My wife has a couple of weddings lined up and currently has an 18-70mm. What else would be good for portraits?

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: aphex
unless your a pro, no.

QFT. 1.4 doesn't sound like much over 1.8, but it is a full stop (I think), so you'll definitely see a difference in low light situations. But if you're just a hobbyist, the price premium over the 1.8 isn't worth it IMO.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: blurredvision

Originally posted by: aphex
unless your a pro, no.

QFT. 1.4 doesn't sound like much over 1.8, but it is a full stop (I think), so you'll definitely see a difference in low light situations. But if you're just a hobbyist, the price premium over the 1.8 isn't worth it IMO.

Wonderful, saved me about $150

 

[CptObvious]

Unrelated question...I have the 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm f1.8...anything else that's an inexpensive 'must buy'?

 

[JulesMaximus]

I don't know anything about the Nikon lenses but the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and the f/1.4 have fairly minor differences. The 1.8 has a 5 blade aperature where the 1.4 has a 8 blade aperature. The f/1.4 can be had for about $300 while the nifty fifty can be had for about $70. The 1.4 has a USM motor and better build quality and of course the extra stop but you can take really nice shots with either lens. Both tend to be a tad soft wide open.

That said, I own the Canon 50mm f/1.4 and have no regrets.

 

[Anubis]

the 50 1.8 is sharper at 1.8 then the 1.4 is at 1.4

 

[foghorn67]

Buy an 85mm portrait lens.
Let me re-word this.
From a Canon perspective. If you bought the 50 1.4, be happy. If you bought a 50 1.8 and are wondering about upgrading, don't. The 1.4's have their advantages, but they don't justify the cost for the upgrade path. Unless you use it 99.9% of the time.

50mm on crop bodies is limiting. I hardly use my 50mm as much as I love it. I would love to have a fast 30mm or 35mm instead. I could use that as a walkaround. But the 50mm seems akward to me.