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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4GNikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2008June 2011
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groupsSeven elements in six groups
Special elements–One aspherical element
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coating, confirmed by Digital Camera WorldSuper Integrated Coating
Aperture detail–f/1.8–16; no aperture ring
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 46°; Nikon's launch announcement gives a 75 mm equivalent field of view on DXFX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount; FX and DX cameras. Built-in motor supports autofocus on Nikon DSLRs without a body focus motor; Digital Camera World confirms use with Z cameras through FTZ or FTZ IINikon F mount; full-frame/FX coverage, also usable on DX cameras. Built-in autofocus motor supports Nikon DSLRs without an in-body focus motor, as Photography Blog confirms
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modesSilent Wave Motor with manual focus override
Focus distance detailMinimum focus distance 0.45 m; Nikon confirms the focus ring does not rotate during autofocusMinimum 0.45 m; Photography Blog confirms the outer barrel's length stays unchanged and the filter thread does not rotate during focusing, while noting this is not a true internal-focus lens
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.15×Maximum 0.15×; not a life-size macro lens
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by both reviewsNo lens optical VR
Design
Filter diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter73.5 mm72 mm
Length54 mm52.5 mm
Weight280 g185 g
ControlsFocus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; no aperture ringManual focus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance window; Photography Blog notes depth-of-field markings for f/16 only and no focus limiter
Filter detail58 mm screw-in filters58 mm screw-in filters
Weather resistanceCamera Labs identifies a rubber mount gasket but no further weather sealing. No general weather rating is assignedBoth reviews confirm a rubber seal at the metal mount. Broader barrel sealing is not established, so no general weather-resistance rating is assigned
Dimensions detailApproximately 73.5 mm diameter × 54 mm length from the mountApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 280 gApproximately 185 g according to Nikon; Photography Blog reports 187 g, which is not substituted for the maker figure
Lens hoodHB-47 bayonet hood includedHB-47 included
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-47 hood and CL-1013 flexible pouch, as listed by Nikon UKLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-47 bayonet hood and CL-1013 pouch
Release detailNikon's September 2008 announcement specifies December 2008 availability; an exact first on-sale day is not establishedNikon USA's April 2011 announcement states 16 June availability. Earliest exact global and first UK day unconfirmed, so June precision retained. Photography Blog's URL includes DX and its image captions refer to 24mm, but the actual review tests this FX 50mm f/1.8G

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