Camera Labs

My next purchase will probably be a 50mm prime. However, Nikon offers 3 such lenses at
f/1.2 ($590)
f/1.4($300)
f/1.8($115)
(price at Calumet)
I don’t think I can afford or justify the f/1.2, but I can consider the f/1.4. The f/1.8 is such a bargain that I am leery of its quality, but I see many people here own it. Please offer some insight into these lenses – I’d even consider the F/1.2 if it was that much better.

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

I don't own a 50mm. Word on the street, however, is that the 50mm f/1.8 will keep you happy, and that the quality is the same as that of the f/1.4. You just have to settle for a slower aperture - and for paying substantially less.

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

That sounds really good Luis, because that's a big price difference for the slight increase in speed. Thanks. Except for speed are there any drawbacks with the f/1.8?

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

Judging from test at photozone.de the 1.8 has more centre- but less border-sharpness while the 1.4 has not the peak-sharpness at the centre but sharpness is more evenly distributed and at the end a little higher at the borders.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Thanks Thomas, I looked at that but didn't know how to interpret it properly. There seems to be more of a trade off, than any particular advantage with these lenses. Since the f/1.4 is already very sharp, I can see that less distortion at the edges would be an advantage, but I doubt it justifies the extra cost (unless you have extra money). OR DOES IT?

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

You should be very happy with the f1.8, indeed!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Thanks Thomas, I sure don't have any extra money these days -- maybe around Christmas time... mmmm

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

The F/1.8 quality is great I would of paid twice as much for it lol.

http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1178848532&size=l

That photos a good example of the quality at F/1.8 I would think.

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Nikon D80 | 18-135mm Kit Lens | 50mm f/1.8 | 4GB 150x Card | SB-600
http://flickr.com/photos/antmanisfubar

Nice shot antman! I've been looking at consumer reviews at Amazon.com and they agree with you, the f/1.8 is the lens to buy (and there was some disappointment over the f/1.4, especially since it cost so much more). Thanks

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

Another 1.8D owner here. I have to agree that the quality is fantastic for the stupidly low price you're paying. I think you'll be more than happy with it.

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My Flickr

Thanks TelexStar. At Amazon, they were saying the 1.4 was quite soft, even veiled looking, and the 1.8 had much better contrast. Thanks for the first hand info TelexStar, at $110 I may be able to get mine sooner than I expected.

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8

also remeber to buy through the cameralabs links as I did!

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Assistant News Photojournalist
Nikon and Canon Systems
A variety of f/2.8 lenses from 10.5 to 400mm
Support Cameralabs!

You know that I have a set of pics from my 50mm/f1.4 here which I used for my review over there.
Many of them are at f1.4. So you can judge for yourself whether the veiling is bad or good. I love it!
There is also a very thorough test from Ken (Rockwell that is) here on all Nikon 50mm lenses.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

As Thomas says, I think the 1.4 is a good lens too but I haven't tried it myself. Like I said, I think that for the money, the 1.8 is better in terms of price/quality ratio in my opinion.

Here's a shot I took with the 1.8D


I don't know why the EXIF info is missing - I'll have to re-upload. From memory though, this was taken at f2 I think.

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My Flickr

Beautiful roses TelexStar! Thanks.

Fearless leader, I agree with you in principle but I'm not sure which links your referring to. If you mean advertisers on Camera Labs, then certainly! Oh wait, you're probablly referring to Price Grabber that directs you to affiliate sellers.

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BrianS
D50, 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8