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50mm f/1.8 or 1.4?

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I have both (just upgraded to the 1.4) and if you want performance wide-open, get the 1.4. By f/2.8, they are both VERY GOOD. The 1.4 is noticeably sharper than the 1.8 when used wide open.

The 50mm f/1.8 has got to be one of the best values out there for Nikkors.

-Jason

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Jason P. Odell, Ph.D.
Author, 'The Photographer's Guide to Capture NX'
http://www.luminescentphoto.com/capturenx.html

Co-host, 'The Image Doctors' at Nikonians Podcasts
http://podcasts.nikonians.org
 
I just went through this decision and opted for the 1.8.

If money doesn't matter obviously the 1.4 is better. It is sharper at the lowest end but most users agree that either lens isn't optimally sharp until they are stopped down 1 stop or so...

If you haven't done so I would recommend looking at some of the results over at http://www.slrgear.com .

I'll let you know in a week or so if I think I made the right choice :)
--
Dave Sutton
http://dlsutton.zenfolio.com
 
I am kind of a newbie, and have a D80 with the 50mm 1.8. I got it because my 18-200VR was on backorder, and the hundred bucks seemed like a good deal.

I am loving the lens.

I'd say that IF you can spring for the extra money, the 1.4 is the one. I like to shoot in low light and the 1.8 seems terrific. The 1.4 must be that and more. You could even try the 1.8 and if that doesn't do it for you, simply sell it and get the other one. There will always be a market for them. You wouldn't lose very much on the deal.

--
Larold
 
I have had both , but have settled with the 1.4, the 1.8 is a superb lens for the price , but the 1.4 give an extra bit when it comes to low light and sharpness in tricky conditions , thats just my opinion of course .
in my view the only reason for not getting the 1.4 has to be cost .
 
Acutally If I were to spring for anything in the 1.4 price range I would opt for a 20mm or 24mm being that 50mm on a dslr is pretty limited range for indoor shooting or just general walk around.
geeby said:
I have had both , but have settled with the 1.4, the 1.8 is a
superb lens for the price , but the 1.4 give an extra bit when it
comes to low light and sharpness in tricky conditions , thats just
my opinion of course .
in my view the only reason for not getting the 1.4 has to be cost .
Click to expand...
 
50mm on my D50 is the perfect walk around lens for me. Maybe it's not for everyone, but let them decide.

I walked around the Badger/Penn State game and did just fine with the lens. I didn't feel I missed any shot, though I created many. Check my flickr link, it's loaded with 50 1.8 images.

--
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You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
  • Mark Twain
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/scoobs/

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Edge767 said:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1030&message=20610362

Sincerely, I mean no offense. I'm just trying to give you the
benefit of this previous conversation on the exact topic you asked
a question about.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link. I always search first and give other a hard time for not. Lol. I don't know how I missed that one.

Scoobs,

Great pictures. and thanks, you just made my decision more difficult.

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalnikonman/
 
I beleive this one is a f1.4 shot. i personally like the bokeh but that's just me.
gk



--
'I'm not as smart today as I will be tomorrow.'
 
If you are debating now, odds are you will end up with a 1.4 eventually after a year or so even you decide to buy 1.8 now, unless of course you can afford 85 or 28 f/1.4.
 
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