22 September 2008
Nikon Announces New 50mm F/1.4 Lens - TWIP
Posted by
Scott under:
News
Photokina announcements are starting to pour in.
We received Nikon’s latest news release announcing the launch of the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens…
Cologne, Photokina 2008 – Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of a new wide aperture fixed-focal length NIKKOR lens, the 50-mm AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G. This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 respectively for a bright viewfinder experience, beautiful background blur with shallow depth of field.
It also incorporates Nikon’s ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ring-type for silent, fast and accurate focusing and enables autofocus in cameras without a built-in motor such as the Nikon D40 and Nikon D60.
The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is a fast, fixed focal-length lens with normal picture angle when used with Nikon’s FX-format D-SLR cameras. Its newly developed optical system delivers high performance, as it efficiently corrects sagittal coma flare and chromatic aberration.
The SWM ring type offers smooth and quiet AF operation. Although all lens groups shift during focusing, the front element and filter mount does not rotate and the barrel length does not change, ideal for close-up photography or when using SB-R200 Wireless Remote Speedlight units.
The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G has two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus). With its rounded nine-blade diaphragm, out-of-focus elements appear more natural. When mounted on a DX-format SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of about 75mm in 35mm format.
List Price • $439 (US)
• £280 (UK)
• €383 (EUR)
Maximum aperture F1.4
Minimum aperture F16
Filter thread
• 58 mm
• Front and rear caps
• HB-47 Bayonet Hood
• CL-1013 Lens Pouch
Weight 290g (10.2 oz)
17 Comments so far...
Michael Says:
22 September 2008 at 6:53 pm.
I think this will be a nice update…. a little modern optical design + SWM focusing will certainly be welcome additions. I’d like to see the rest of Nikon’s fast prime lineup get the same treatment.
Rick Huizinga Says:
22 September 2008 at 7:42 pm.
Wow, this sounds much better (& cheaper!) than the equivalent Sigma lens.
Bob Says:
22 September 2008 at 9:31 pm.
I’ve been debating what to replace my damaged 50 1.4 with, and holding off on buying the sigma 50mm since I was really hoping Nikon would debut a new one this year at Photokina 
I can’t wait to see someone test the new lens, will reviewers get to take a look at the lens before December?
Gregg Says:
22 September 2008 at 10:43 pm.
I have been waiting for such a lens for my D60! I happened to notice this today on Adorama, and was wondering if it was a misprint or not.
Now I need to decide between this and one of the macro focusing 60mm or 105mm lenses. I can’t get both right now!
Kevin Says:
22 September 2008 at 10:54 pm.
I *really* wish they would announce a 24mm version of this - I’d buy that in a heartbeat.
Allen Says:
22 September 2008 at 11:02 pm.
i’m rocking the old 50 1.4 and LOVE it…
there’s no reason for me to update (D200) but it’s still cool they updated that lens
I use the Sigma 30 1.4 and really like that one too
Dennis Cadorniga Says:
22 September 2008 at 11:48 pm.
I would like to see the build quality to compare it to my Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 D AF lens. You can pickup a mint AF-D version for much less than the new AF-S lens. But it does look tempting. Maybe I need them both.
John T. Hoffoss Says:
23 September 2008 at 4:50 am.
@Rick Huizinga: The Sigma equivalent [for a DX-sensor] would actually be the Sigma 30mm AF-S which is similarly priced to this lens. The Sigma 50mm AF-S is around $500, but I expect that will drop right quick-like when the Nikon 50mm becomes available. So while this is a great move for Nikon, especially because the D700 is full-frame, I still would go with my Sigma 30mm if I had it to do over. That said, a 50mm (80mm on DX-sensor) would still make a great addition to my bag, and if price is similar, I’d go Nikon over third-party.
AF-S on the smaller/consumer bodies seems to be a great way for Nikon to sell new versions of lenses with motor built-in. That’s one purchase I would have made differently had I realized earlier that old lenses would be manual-focus only…
kurt Says:
23 September 2008 at 5:45 am.
I love, love. The Sigma 30. I think, at least for smaller glass in that price-point, Sigmas are better field-grade (i.e. durable & more forgiving).
JeffDM Says:
23 September 2008 at 8:43 am.
Doesn’t this AF-S designation mean that it’s not going to use the whole frame on an FX sensor? Maybe this is a sign that Nikon isn’t going to quit the APS-C format any time soon, but that doesn’t help me if I’m looking to move up to an FX sensor eventually.
Kent Goldings Says:
23 September 2008 at 9:36 am.
This is the lens that D40, D40x and D60 owners have been waiting for. I’m looking for on bargains for the Nikon 50mm F1.4D.
John Hall Says:
23 September 2008 at 10:25 am.
Now where is the cheaper AF-S 50mm 1.8 for all those who don’t want to drop the same on the lens as the D40 costs but would still like a autofocusing 50mm.
Josh Says:
23 September 2008 at 12:25 pm.
of course! I just bought a Nikkor 50 1.4 in August…great timing as usual 
KSS Says:
23 September 2008 at 5:34 pm.
@JeffDM
AF-S means built in silent wave motor. If it had the designation “DX” then it would mean that it is for cropped (APS-C) sensor.
http://www.digitaldingus.com/d100lounge/lensnomenclature.php
Kent Goldings Says:
23 September 2008 at 7:50 pm.
@Josh, I feel your pain. I bought a Nikon D80 in July.
Don Says:
23 September 2008 at 8:55 pm.
Wow, so this is what happens when DP Review reviews a lens and find a third party lens better…
JeffDM Says:
28 September 2008 at 1:48 pm.
KSS, OK, you’re right. It looks like I skipped over the line about use on FX-based cameras too. I guess I keep getting the terminology confused.
