Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4 G (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 4.8.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/80s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Exposure 1/8000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.5
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.5
Exposure 1/4000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/60s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Exposure 1/8000s

Verdict

Normal primes have a long standing reputation of high quality for an affordable price and the Nikkor AF-S 50 is no exception in this regard. The lens is able to deliver very sharp images, at least slightly stopped down.
However it's not without flaws. Wide open, it lacks a bit sharpness and most of all contrast, vignetting is very high wide open, but that is to be expected on a full frame camera with a moderately priced fast prime. The bokeh is smooth from f/2 to f/2.8 onwards, but a bit nervous wide open, where the lens also shows considerable amount of LoCAs
However, on a full frame camera depth of field with this lens wide open is so thin that it's hard to find a suitable subject to shoot at its fastest setting. So, usually you'll likely use the lens slightly stopped down anyway, where it performs excellently.
For most applications the silent wave AF drive is fast enough. Combined with the high build quality this results in an attractive package that might not necessarily tempt those who already own an older Nikkor 50 mm AF lens, but probably all others looking for a fast standard prime.

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


Disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Google Adsense.