Friday, March 23, 2012

50mm f/1.4G AF-S

             The Nikon AF-S Nikon 50mm f/1.4G Lens is a standard lens with an ultra-bright f/1.4 aperture, which allows for fast, accurate shooting with available light. It is also the excellent choice for when a shallow depth of field is desired. The equivalent focal length when used on a DX-format camera is 75mm, which makes it ideal as a short portrait lens with desirable shallow depth of field. 
       The optical design of this lens minimizes flare and chromatic aberration. The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) feature ensures fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds. An ideal prime lens, perfect for full-length portraits, travel photography or any type of available-light shooting. 

Note: The AF-S feature is not supported by certain older camera models, in which case it would have to be focused manually. Check your manual for compatibility.
Specifications
Mount Type  Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length  50mm
Maximum Aperture  f/1.4
Minimum Aperture  f/16
Format  FX/35mm
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)  31°30'
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)  46°
Maximum Reproduction Ratio  0.15x
Lens Elements  8
Lens Groups  7
Compatible Format(s)  FX
DX
FX in DX Crop Mode
35mm Film
Diaphragm Blades  9
Distance Information  Yes
Super Integrated Coating  Yes
Autofocus  Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)  Yes
Minimum Focus Distance  1.5 ft. (0.45m)
Focus Mode  Auto
Manual
Auto/Manual
G-type  Yes
Filter Size  58mm
Accepts Filter Type  Screw-on
Dimensions  (Approx.) 2.9x2.1 in. (Diameter x Length)
73.5x54.2mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight  (Approx.) 9.9 oz. (280g)
Supplied Accessories  HB-47 Bayonet Lens Hood
LC-58 Snap-On Front Lens Cap
LF-1 Rear Lens Cap
CL-1013 Soft Case
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
Here are the summary of pros and cons for this Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S lens:
Pros:
  1. AF-S AF-S AF-S (very fast focus, internal focus, and very silent)
  2. M/A mode (manual focus override available on autofocus mode)
  3. Very fast lens (f/1.4)
  4. Very sharp pictures
  5. Great for sport/action photography
  6. Great for indoor and low light situation
  7. Great for portrait
  8. Perfect for wedding photography (or low light with no-flash event). However, also check out the following lens for wedding photography (17-35mm f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 17-55mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8 or the other two 50mm nikon prime lenses)
  9. 75mm equivalent which can be considered a short tele lens (If you need more zoom, you can get the Nikon 85mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.4 or the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR). If you have full frame DSLR(like the D3 or D700), then this #9 pros is not applicable.
  10. Did I mention very fast and very silent focus?
Cons:
  1. Being prime lens, you need to move your feet a lot to adjust/compose
  2. Being a G lens (no aperture ring available), this lens will not work on manual focus camera where you need to set the aperture from the lens)
  3. Price is a bit on the high range for a prime lens
  4. No VR. As VR will be useful for taking handheld shots on low light (especially if the object is somewhat static or if the photographer doesn't have steady hands when taking photograph)
  5. 75mm equivalent with 1.5x multiplier on non full frame DSLR (many people find this is an odd range for normal lens). If you have full frame DSLR(like the D3 or D700), then this #5 cons is not applicable.
Bottom line: This lens is so versatile that I think everyone should own this lens (or at least one of the other 50mm lenses) in addition to all the lenses that they already have. Being a very fast lens, it will allow people to take action shot in low light that otherwise wouldn't be able to be do. And now, with AF-S, there is nothing to dislike about this lens (though in my opinion, this lens might attract even more interest if it has a VR feature).

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