Nikon 50mm f/1.4G Professional Lens

The newest version of Nikon’s 50mm f/1.4 prime lens shows off a redesigned optical formula for more effective flare prevention. A 75mm equivalent on Nikon smaller-sensor DX bodies, this $500 (street price) full-frame lens also has a circular-bladed aperture for smoother defocusing.

Solid and ruggedly built, this handsome lens has an amply sized manual-focusing ring that turns smoothly and evenly, yet stiffly. (You can even use it in AF mode.) Its broader, non-rotating barrel takes 58mm filters (up from 52mm on the previous model). It’s also slightly longer and slightly heavier—most likely due to the SWM AF motor, which focuses almost soundlessly. Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, with superb optical formula with an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture. 50mm is a terrific focal length for basic portraits, it's slightly telephoto on most cropped DSLR cameras.

f/1.4 lenses aren't used for their optical perfection, but because they are f/1.4.

An f/1.4 lens is not usually as efficient as the same manufacture's f/1.8 or f/2 lenses, even when both are stopped down to f/5.6. the lens with the wider aperture is heaver and more expensive, so don't choose it as your standard unless you are planning a great deal of photography poor light conditions. There' plenty of reasons for using a wide aperture, but avoid buying a lens with an aperture wider than you need.

Because it's G lens it will not function on a camera that's manual where the aperture ring needs to be set from the lens, because it has no aperture ring The price is somewhat expensive for a prime. There's no VR which is handy for capturing handheld photos in low light, particularly when the subject is is stationary or trembling hands of the photographer. A 75mm equivalent on a DX DSLR kind of a strange focal length for a standard lens. If your camera is full frame DSR such as a Nikon D3 or Nikon D700 then the focal length remains at 50mm.

May 12, 2011

• Fast f/1.4 prime NIKKOR lens - Perfect for low-light conditions, portrait and travel photography

• AF-S Autofocus lens featuring a Silent wave, coreless, integrated, focus motor (unwrapped in 1996). Basically an updated AF-I Autofocus-Silent sporting a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic) to focus near silently and fast.

• DX - NIKKOR - Compact and lightweight Nikon DX lenses feature a lesser image circle and are specifically created and optimized for the Nikon D-series, digital SLR camera bodies. An ideal option for photographers and enthusiasts who require shooting of expansive landscapes with Nikon DX DSLR

• FX-format
The leading factor setting the Nikon FX apart from other sensors is the large size of the pixels, which allows for more light collection.

• G - labeled after the f-number. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D. G-lenses contains no aperture ring, therefore aperture may only be electronically controlled by the camera and only autofocus camera bodies featuring function dials have the capacity to control G lenses

• M/A mode
AF-S Nikon lenses include the exclusive Nikon M/A focus function, that permits switching from auto to manual focus virtually without time lag - even while the AF servo is in operation regardless of the AF mode in play.

• RD- Rounded 9 Blade Diaphragm
Soft-focus images of point light resources create accepted polygonal shapes that mirror the form of the cavity produced by the diaphragm blades.

• SIC - Nikon Super Integrated Coating
Nikon uses an elite multilayer lens coating to augment the operation of its lens elements which also helps diminish ghosting and flare to minute levels. Nikon Super Integrated Coat also accomplishes several purposes,

• SWM- Silent Wave Motor
Nikon AF-S engineering is yet one more rationale why professional photographers like Nikon telephoto optical lenses.

• Close focusing to 1.5 feet - For extended versatility

• HB-47 Bayonet Lens Hood
• LC-58 Snap-On Front Lens Cap
• LF-1 Rear Lens Cap
• CL-1013 Soft Case