50mm 1.4 or 1.8 - DPChallenge Forums

08/12/2006 12:50:10 PM · #1

I recently acquired a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AF. I know that some photographers really like them and some don't. For those of you that use them, what are your favorite uses? Where do you feel they do the best job? I'm just looking for a little insight.

08/12/2006 01:09:37 PM · #2

bump

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/12/2006 01:21:02 PM · #3

Originally posted by bmartuch:

Cutter

Nikon D700

08/12/2006 01:24:31 PM · #4

portrait and stuidio work is the most popular I have the 1.8 and am more than pleased. But it can also be used in low light evening work or just as a lightweight walkaround lens, very standard.

Here is one example of the clarity I have found with that lens....

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

08/12/2006 01:25:11 PM · #5

Yeah, I just got a 1.8 and I'd kind of like to know the same. I bought mine to use with portraits and indoor concerts that I can be on stage but other than that...What do you use yours for?

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

08/12/2006 01:27:09 PM · #6

Would it be good to use at weddings?

MAK

Leica CL

08/12/2006 01:35:47 PM · #7

I think you might want a zoom for weddings but if you are able to move around the church at will and get close to the groom n bride it would do a great job.. it is mainly a portrait lens on a digital body. For weddings you might like to try out the 28-70 Sigma f2.8 or the more expensive 70-200 f2.8 for longer work.

The 50mm f1.8 is a fantastic bit of glass and one of my personal favs, I found the f1.4 version to be a bit too soft but that is down to preference i believe.. good luck

rubienne

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

08/12/2006 01:49:25 PM · #8

I have the 1.4 and just love it. Great for lowlight flashless shots. I also use it for all my pet portraits. I've never used the 1.8 so can't compare but I wouldn't change my 1.4 for the world.

ergo

08/12/2006 02:01:51 PM · #9

well, you can set the 1.4 on 1.8 aperture, yes? so i suppose if money was no object, then 1.4?

jmlelii

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

08/12/2006 02:07:17 PM · #10

I know the difference in the canon versions are: Price, and you get a metal mount instead of plastic on the 1.4 But, its also 200ish more... for the same glass.... GIMME PLASTIC

DjFenzl

08/12/2006 02:08:27 PM · #11

I just bought the 1.4 off ebay a few weeks ago for $200 and love it :)

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

08/12/2006 02:27:45 PM · #12

I've used them both, and they both have their advantages & disadvantages. The 1.4's corners go a little soft when focused close, especially with extension tubes. However, the build construction there is no comparison. The 1.4 uses a much better grade of plastic and it feels much more solid. And of course there is no substitute for speed.

The 1.8 is as sharp as most macros in close focusing, and is an excellent all around performer. However, in the last 15 years I've probably gone through 7 or 8 AF 50 1.8s. They just can't survive a hit. My current one (my 1st D version) hasn't been dropped, but it sure complains loudly if I try to use AF. So the low cost is not a huge advantage in the long run.

paddles

Pentax K10D

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

08/12/2006 08:52:25 PM · #13

Other uses for a 50mm f/1.4 (or 1.7 or 1.8)...

- Indoor natural light photogaphy, including candids
- Street photography - smaller lens draws less attention

Nuno

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/12/2006 09:30:37 PM · #14

Well let me just add some of my experience...

The Nikkor 50mm f1.8 is a great lens for low light. Somehone above talked about the 70-200mm for weddings. If it's a f2.8 withought VR it woun't be close as usefull as the 50mm f1.8

For candids the 50mm is very hard withought getting noticed because you will be 1 meter from the person to photograph. So 50mm it's very short for this.

If you are planning to use it on stage for gig photos it can be too much long because you will not be able to back up to get everything you want in the photo.

My advice:

If money is no problem, with the money of the nikkor 50mm f1.4 you can buy:

- Nikkor 50mm f1.8
- Sigma 30mm f1.4 ( a great lens with great bild qualaty and sharpness)

When you get used to this appertures you will never go the other way. You can only take advantage of a f2.8 lens if it's a very good lens. If you can not use it wide open you are putting your money in to the trash. I returned a sigma 24-70mm f2.8 because of this, and I'm a big fan of Sigma. And this two lenses above you can use it wide open with excellent results. But you have to be pin point correct with the focus because at f1.4, even with the 30mm and a not very close subject you've got only a few milimiters in focus. But is worth it. These are my two best lenses for wedding photos inside the church.

08/21/2006 10:28:28 AM · #15

Can anyone shed light on the focus speed and closest focus distance of the 1.4 vs 1.8?
I find the focus to be rather slow and also am disappointed with how far I have to be from my subject to get focus with my 1.8.

08/21/2006 11:45:23 AM · #16

The 50/1.4 is sharper wide open than the 50/1.8; above f/5.6 - there is no difference. I used the 50/1.8 at a friend's wedding, and the pictures came out a bit soft. I was blaming my technique until I read some comparisons, and the general consensus is that the 50/1.8 is sharp at aperture f/5.6 and smaller, while the 50/1.4 is sharp at f/2 and smaller. I have recently upgraded my 50/1.8 to the 50/1.4 and think that I did the right thing.

I have the 35-70/2.8 for most of my work, and that lens is very sharp wide open. So, I need the 50mm for the situations were the f/2.8 is not fast enough (f/1.4 offers and advantage of 2 stops over f/2.8). This is why, for me, the 50/1.4 is a better choice than the 50/1.4.

08/21/2006 11:51:27 AM · #17

Originally posted by rswank:

I believe that the 50/1.4 is worse than the 50/1.8 in this department. The 50/1.4 focuses to up to 1.8', while the 50/1.8 - to 1.5'. Furethermore, the 50/1.4 can only be stopped down to f/16, while the 50/1.8 - to f/22.

They are not macro lenses. However, many people are reversing their 50mm for some interesting close-up work.

08/21/2006 03:03:12 PM · #18

Thanks for the comments on the 1.8 vs 1.4
I use mine primarily wide open for available light indoor shots and besides an extra half stop (or whatever it is) was also hoping for better low light auto focus.
That really sucks about the focusing distance being further than the 1.8, I guess I need the 85 1.4 !!!

So.... any thoughts on 85 1.4 vs. 1.8?
Would the amount of light needed for wide open 85 1.4 be about the same as wide open 50 1.8?
Anyone know of a good calculator for DOF, amount of light etc for focal length, ISO, f-stop?

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

08/21/2006 03:31:52 PM · #19

1.8 should be the same no matter what the focal length in terms of exposures.

same goes for 1.4, 2.8 all aperture values.

Message edited by author 2006-08-21 15:32:21.

Prof_Fate

08/21/2006 03:38:31 PM · #20

there might be a 50 1.2 coming next month....FYI.

08/21/2006 04:16:53 PM · #21

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

there might be a 50 1.2 coming next month....FYI.

What (other) rumors have you heard professor?
Should be announced at Photokina ya think?

thx

08/21/2006 05:58:57 PM · #22

Originally posted by rswank:

With the 50/1.4 you are giving the camera's AF system 2/3 stops more light than with the 50/1.8, so AF ability should be improved.

Originally posted by rswank:

That really sucks about the focusing distance being further than the 1.8, I guess I need the 85 1.4 !!!

I think that you are a bit confused. Both 85/1.4 and 85/1.8 have minimum focusing distance of 3 feet. You may want to have a dedicated macro lens for up-close shots.

Originally posted by rswank:

So.... any thoughts on 85 1.4 vs. 1.8?
Would the amount of light needed for wide open 85 1.4 be about the same as wide open 50 1.8?

The 85/1.4 is one of the highest rated portrait lenses Nikon has produced to date. It's very sharp wide open, and has superb bokeh characteristics. Costs quite a bit, though.

As for the amount of light, that's characterised by the F-number. The 85/1.4 will have a proportionally bigger opening to let the light in, compared to the 50/1.4. In the result, both lenses will let in the same amount of light. So, you can just compare the F numbers, no matter what focal length.

Originally posted by rswank:

Anyone know of a good calculator for DOF, amount of light etc for focal length, ISO, f-stop?

Try these:
//www.dofmaster.com/doftable.html
//www.johnhendry.com/gadget/dof.php

08/21/2006 06:01:11 PM · #23

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

there might be a 50 1.2 coming next month....FYI.

For Canon, though. This thread compares Nikon's 50/1.8 and 50/1.4. There are nice manual focus Nikkor 50/1.2, 55/1.2 and 58/1.2 for those who want it.