Nikon 50mm 1.4 D and G - huge difference in image quality?

[Odot]

I had the G a few years back for my digital stuff and it was a great lens but the D is cheaper so i wonder how much of a difference it even makes when shooting film?

Thanks you guys!

 

[locutus]

imho, the AF-S one is nicer in every way then the AF-D. Sharper, better bokeh, quiet and faster autofocus, instant over ride manual focus.

As for if it matters on film? I dont see why not.

 

[zanxion72]

By rule these two lenses with exactly the same optical formula perform exactly the same. I bought the cheaper AF-D after my AF-S (G) stopped auto focusing and its output is the same in every way.
One plus besides the aperture ring on the AF-D is the focusing scale with an IR mark. If you plan using it for IR photography, that is a big plus.

 

[Odot]

By rule these two lenses with exactly the same optical formula perform exactly the same. I bought the cheaper AF-D after my AF-S (G) stopped auto focusing and its output is the same in every way.
One plus besides the aperture ring on the AF-D is the focusing scale with an IR mark. If you plan using it for IR photography, that is a big plus.

There has to be more to it. The difference (amount) of aperture blades provide a different bokeh. Then theres the difference from lenses in groups - wouldnt that also make any difference in terms of image?

 

[zanxion72]

Sadly, the only thing that the AF-G will get you is just more distortion. No sharper images, no better bokeh, just plain more distortion.
Isn't that sad for a lens with one more lens element, and an aperture rounded and with two more blades?
It is that point that Nikon turned to cheaper, lower quality stuff...
(http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f14-afs.htm#perf , I know Ken over-reacts/over-hypes in certain cases, but he is spot on on this. Try before you buy to see for yourself).

 

[locutus]

Take a look at actual results...:

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/631-nikkorafs5018ff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/623-nikkorafd5018ff?start=1

far less CA and better middle/corner performance. i would GREATLY prefer the AF-S one for shooting at large apertures.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

imho, the AF-S one is nicer in every way then the AF-D. Sharper, better bokeh, quiet and faster autofocus, instant over ride manual focus.

As for if it matters on film? I dont see why not.

I have both and find them to be equally good

 

[Odot]

Take a look at actual results...:

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/631-nikkorafs5018ff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/623-nikkorafd5018ff?start=1

far less CA and better middle/corner performance. i would GREATLY prefer the AF-S one for shooting at large apertures.

Thanks but were talking about the 1.4

 

[locutus]

in that case, shoot me! :-D

Although referencing the values given by Photozone for the AF-S/AF-D 1.4's the same conslusions generally hold. Distortion is about the same but general mid/border resolution is far better from wide open on.

 

[zanxion72]

in that case, shoot me! :-D

Although referencing the values given by Photozone for the AF-S/AF-D 1.4's the same conslusions generally hold. Distortion is about the same but general mid/border resolution is far better from wide open on.

The 1.4 is completely different compared to the low budget 1.8 lens. Do not expect them to par the same way as the 1.8 lenses.
This might convince you if the AF-S is really worth the extra:
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Comp...-Nikon-on-Nikon-D800__198_792_199_792_202_792

 

[carlostaiwan]

If you are going to use it for work, I would go for the G. If you are just a hobbyist with limited budget a D. For me a chose the D because I can use it in my FM, F100 and D800. From f2.8 there is no much difference. I also prefer the heptagonal bokeh, it really matches with all my other lenses (all D).

 

[Odot]

The 1.4 is completely different compared to the low budget 1.8 lens. Do not expect them to par the same way as the 1.8 lenses.
This might convince you if the AF-S is really worth the extra:
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Comp...-Nikon-on-Nikon-D800__198_792_199_792_202_792

ok but how does this apply in terms of shooting film? DXO is an amazing source but its for digital use. I just want to know whats the best 50 for analog (besides that heavy ass Sigma ART of course

 

[Nodda Duma]

I'm guessing the design change to the G was to reoptimize one (or more, maybe) of the original elements for a lower cost and/or lead-free glass type. That would have required splitting the element in question and some other adjustments, hence the new 8 elements in 7 groups. Slight change in design symmetry would have slightly changed distortion.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

...I also prefer the heptagonal bokeh ...

As do I - especially highlights. I grew up seeing it in magazines, so for me it's "normal".

Still, I did buy a 135/2 DC lens (defocus control) for truly soft bokeh control.

 

[MultiFormat Shooter]

I just want to know whats the best 50 for analog

The Zeiss Otus 55mm F/1.4, manual focus only, though. Sorry couldn't resist!

 

[darkosaric]

Best 50mm nikkor that I ever used is nikkor-HC f2, and I had a lot of 50mm nikkors (like 15-20 different lenses), only ones that are not sold are nikkor-HC and micro nikkor 55mm f3.5. All f1.4 and f1.8 I have sold.
Difference is not big, but for sure is on the side of nikkor-HC (and other nikkor 50mm f2 Ai/Ais that are practically the same). Friend of mine had nikkor Ai f2 manual focus version, he has full frame digital - so he got himself AF G f1.4 ... and guess what - he says f2 is better not only in sharpness, but also in distortion, bokeh, build quality ...

If you really need to have AF then 50mm AF-D f1.8 is a way to go. Save money and buy some film and paper.

This confirms my claim as well:
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_norm.html

 

[Odot]

Best 50mm nikkor that I ever used is nikkor-HC f2, and I had a lot of 50mm nikkors (like 15-20 different lenses), only ones that are not sold are nikkor-HC and micro nikkor 55mm f3.5. All f1.4 and f1.8 I have sold.
Difference is not big, but for sure is on the side of nikkor-HC (and other nikkor 50mm f2 Ai/Ais that are practically the same). Friend of mine had nikkor Ai f2 manual focus version, he has full frame digital - so he got himself AF G f1.4 ... and guess what - he says f2 is better not only in sharpness, but also in distortion, bokeh, build quality ...

If you really need to have AF then 50mm AF-D f1.8 is a way to go. Save money and buy some film and paper.

This confirms my claim as well:
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_norm.html

Uzeo sam D - fala ti!