Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon · NIKKOR

AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Released December 2008

A 280 g full-frame F-mount standard prime with an f/1.4 maximum aperture, Silent Wave Motor and nine-blade diaphragm.

Mount
Nikon F mount
Focal length
50 mm
Max aperture
f/1.4
Stabilisation
No
Weight
280 g

What reviewers say

Both find it compact and good value, with useful image detail and stronger performance when stopped down. Digital Camera World praises smooth background blur and central sharpness, while noting weaker wide-open corners and barrel distortion. Camera Labs is more critical of wide-aperture colour fringing, coma and busy backgrounds, but appreciates its reliable autofocus and resistance to flare.

From digitalcameraworld.com, cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com and cameralabs.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
50 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.4
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Eight elements in seven groups
Coatings
Super Integrated Coating, confirmed by Digital Camera World
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
FX 46°; Nikon's launch announcement gives a 75 mm equivalent field of view on DX

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon F mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Nikon 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 II

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.45 m
Maximum magnification
0.15×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Silent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modes
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus distance 0.45 m; Nikon confirms the focus ring does not rotate during autofocus
Magnification detail
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.15×
Stabilisation detail
No optical VR, confirmed by both reviews

Design

Filter diameter
58 mm
Maximum diameter
73.5 mm
Length
54 mm
Weight
280 g
Controls
Focus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; no aperture ring
Filter detail
58 mm screw-in filters
Weather resistance
Camera Labs identifies a rubber mount gasket but no further weather sealing. No general weather rating is assigned
Dimensions detail
Approximately 73.5 mm diameter × 54 mm length from the mount
Weight detail
Approximately 280 g
Lens hood
HB-47 bayonet hood included
In the box
LC-58 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-47 hood and CL-1013 flexible pouch, as listed by Nikon UK
Release detail
Nikon's September 2008 announcement specifies December 2008 availability; an exact first on-sale day is not established

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.4 maximum aperture
  • 280 g weight
  • Manual focus override during autofocus

Cons

  • No optical vibration reduction
  • No aperture ring
  • Maximum magnification is 0.15×

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon F mount50 mmf/1.8No185 gJun 2011
Nikon F mount35 mmf/1.4No600 gNov 2010
Nikon F mount85 mmf/1.4No595 gSept 2010

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/dslr/af-s-nikkor-50mm-f1.4g
  2. jp.nikon.com/company/news/2008/0922_afs50_01
  3. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/fmount/af-s_nikkor_50mm_f14g
  4. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-af-s-50mm-f14g-ed-review
  5. cameralabs.com/Nikon_Nikkor_AF-S_50mm_f1-4G
  6. cameralabs.com/nikon_nikkor_af-s_50mm_f1-4g/2
  7. cameralabs.com/nikon_nikkor_af-s_50mm_f1-4g/3

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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