Nikon Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Nikon Inc. AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

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Nikon Inc. AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, with superb optical formula and an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture.

Average Customer Rating:
4.635 out of 5
4.6
 out of 
5
(85 Reviews) 85
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot 85 reviews
5 stars
62
4 stars
18
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
1
82 out of 85(96%)customers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Review 1 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Compact and Sharp

PostedApril 6, 2013
Hindsight2011
Location Canonsburg, PA, USA
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
This lens is very clear and very sharp on my D800 firing at 36mp. Focus is fast (fast enough for most of us anyway) even in low light and there is almost no distortion. Dollar for dollar, in the context of fast lenses, this 50mm 1.4G provides a great value to the consumer.
This is one to consider for an everyday walk around lens or a compact/light carry in your pocket lens for when evening sets in. It is fast becoming the lens I leave on my D800 most of the time.
+2points
Review 2 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Great Go-To Lens

PostedFebruary 20, 2013
JMM Shutterbug
Location Colorado, USA
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience Less than a month
Role Semi-professional photographer
Just received this lens and I am thrilled with it. Great in low light and for portraits. I find it to be fast and the bokeh is nice and smooth. The lens is substantial on my DX Camera.
+6points
Review 3 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

A very fast prime lens perfect to start your Nikon adventure

PostedFebruary 2, 2013
Artborghi
Location Zurich, Switzerland
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
There is no situation where this lens cannot win over many others. It is very fast, very sharp, very light and with a good price. Stop it at f/2 if you crop huge pictures to maintain picture perfection. Full open it gives some vignetting and softness at the corners which are just as expected. A lens to always have, mounted or in your pocket.
 
My product recommendations
D800
4.4 out of 5(171)
 
 
 
 
 
+8points
Review 4 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Sharp, Nice Contrast & Affordable

PostedJanuary 13, 2013
Vic
Location Midwest, USA
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Professional photographer
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
A wonderful lightweight lens rendering sharp, brillant images consistent throughout its aperture range. Careful focus when shooting wide-open will be rewarded by sharp images. The bokeh from this lens I've found to be quite nice. AF is smooth, quiet and fast enough for my needs plus the feel of the focus ring when manually focusing is perfect. This lens has been a great addition to my camera bag. Thanks Nikon!
+7points
Review 5 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

My goto lens for D800

PostedDecember 21, 2012
RWJVan
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 6-12 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Used this lens for my last photo class exclusively, get optics and so sharp from edge to edge. I would recommend this lens on a full frame or a DX format camera as I have used this lens both on my D90 and D800 and and extremely happy and impressed in it's low light ability. Best bag for the money it's nice owning a lens that is able to goto 1.4 stop.
+2points
Review 6 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Clear & Bright

PostedAugust 14, 2012
Vedauwoo
Location Cheyenne, WY, USA
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
This review is about the 50mm 1.4G, catalog 2180.
I decided to buy the lens for low-light situations, such as indoor ceremonies. I was not disappointed; the lens is admirable. Keeping the settings of my D5100 camera the same, I tried other lenses and found that this lens gave consistently brighter, colorful indoor shots. As can be expected, the field of focus gets short when the aperture is opened. A couple of cropped pictures are attached to illustrate the lens:
One photo shows a meteor trail from the recent Perseid meteor shower. I used a manual setting at 1.4 and a 1.3 second time exposure. No one beats Nikon for photography in low light.
The other shows a bee visiting the blossoms of a Russian Sage. Bees are constantly moving; so I believe they provide a convenient, conclusive “field test” of the ability of a camera’s computer to quickly appraise the situation and order the focus and aperture of the lens. In other words, the camera and the lens worked well together to get a difficult photograph. The D5100 was set on full automatic – point and shoot. The picture illustrates the narrow depth of field and how out-of-focus objects are displayed. The foreground and background bokeh are consistent.
Best features:
Image brightness and color are superior.
Compact size.
At 50/75 mm the lens gives a “natural” perspective.
Value for price.
Nice match with D5100.
Worse features:
Careful focus is required, or thoughtful selection of the camera’s focus mechanisms.
Accessories:
A neutral or UV filter to protect the lens.
+8points
Review 7 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Quiet & Quick

PostedJuly 1, 2012
NewtoNikon
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
I am very new to the Nikon dslrs, I purchased my camera 1 year ago today(d5100) I just purchased this lense today and absolutly love it! The focal distance is just right and it is awesome for portraits! I would definintly recommend this lense, when using the 1.4 apeture the pictures are stunning. It also takes great stop motion even in the 1.4 apeture. Worth the money!
+10points
Review 8 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Sharp, fast

PostedMarch 30, 2012
HVA
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
I bought this lens about 2 years ago for my D300, it's fast and sharp.
+3points
Review 9 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

An Exceptional Lens

PostedJanuary 8, 2012
nikonsigma
Location England, UK
Age Under 18
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Semi-professional photographer
I have used this lens for a few months now, and I am still impressed with the quality of the images it produces. Sharp as you like from f/2.8 onwards, and nearly as sharp wide open. Focus is quick and quiet, and more importantly, accurate. The images have plenty of contrast, and despite the lack of Nano Crystal Coat, flare is very well controlled.
This lens is perfect as a general use lens on FX, and a short portrait lens on DX. I would highly recommend this lens to any Nikon SLR user.
+18points
Review 10 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Great Lens - opened box two hours ago!!!!

PostedNovember 1, 2011
tsaddik
Location Riverside, CA
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I just received this lens for my birthday (71), and haven't taken that many shots, but it seems terrific! The images are much sharper than I expected them to be, The lens is lightweight, but obviously sturdy. The few images I took at full aperture show me that this will be a perfect lens for portrait photos of my family and friends. This was one wonderful gift!
+15points
Review 11 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

must have lense

PostedOctober 10, 2011
azizi
Location egypt
Age 18-24
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
this is a must have lense,ive been using it for 1 month without switching to other lenses,its perfect for portraits and excellent for low light condition. it is remarkably sharp and stunning colors.it also have fast focusing motor,besides lens built quality is great.
+8points
Review 12 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Super Awesome Lens

PostedSeptember 5, 2011
NikonFan
Location Tullahoma, TN
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
This lens has yet to let me down. I love this lens.
I would absolutly recommend this to anyone looking for a dependable 50MM.
+10points
Review 13 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Great lens for a great price

PostedAugust 25, 2011
Crazy wedding photographer
Location Chicago
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I use this lens a lot on the dance floor with available light. There isn't a better lens out there to capture the action in low light. I also use it for portraits, food and some action.
+10points
Review 14 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

AMAZING

PostedAugust 20, 2011
Madeleine
Age Under 18
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Occasional user, memory keeper
First, let me say I had the 35mm f/1.8 before and the 50mm f/1.8 so I've seen what the competing lenses can do. This lens cannot be compared to. Apart from the vivid depth of field, the pictures it produces are so sharp and full of contrast. It captures all colors perfectly, I don't find myself having to edit the pictures what-so-ever. If you have the money, I would DEFINITELY recommend shelling out for this lens.
+12points
Review 15 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Great depth of field and super fast focusing.

PostedMay 31, 2011
Dreamcatcher
Location Maylene,al.
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Professional photographer
i was debating on either buying the 50mm 1.8G or the 50mm 1.4G.
Either way I wouldn't go wrong. But I really like the 1.4G for low situations.
The way the depth of field looks is phenomenal.
I love it and I know I made the right decicion
+7points
Review 16 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Does what it is supposed to

PostedMay 30, 2011
Spyglass Hill
Location San Francisco Bay Area
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Lightweight, great depth of field, very sharp .. The perfect lens to just leave on the camera .. My 50mm f/1.4G has found a home on my D300s ...
+3points
Review 17 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Great Lens!

PostedApril 27, 2011
TPD
Location Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Professional photographer
I purchased this for weddings and senior portraits. It is a great portrait lens! The focus is a bit slow, don't expect to get good results if you are going for an action shot. It works great with very little light and you can get away with not using a flash indoors. I am very pleased with the results I am getting from this lens!
+10points
Review 18 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

Awesome lens!

PostedApril 25, 2011
Rotorbug
Location Durban, South Africa
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
I have owned two of these lenses.
Both are sharp, has excellent color and contrast, focuses quick, and is small.
Don't expect super sharp results at F1.4, but this is to be expected from any lens wide open at F1.4
My second one with the D7000 needed calibration, but think the body to blame and not the lens itself.
To get different results, you need lenses that do something different to your kit lens. The 50mm 1.4 won't disappoint with that smooth creamy background.
+16points
Review 19 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

A great all-purpose lens

PostedApril 15, 2011
Starry
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
A very, very good lens. I use it for everything; from human portraits, to landscapes, to documentation. It is great for both high and low light, and is very versatile. The lens shouldn't be specifically used for low light, as it isn't best (but it also definitely isn't the worst), and sometimes you have to fiddle with the settings to get a good color. Even though it cannot zoom, I think it is better than most lens, especially considering the price.
Overall, I love my 50mm, even more than some pro lens I've tried. I recommend it to anyone who wants a good all-purpose lens, but doesn't care that it doesn't have a zoom.
+9points
Review 20 for AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5

A fantastic standard lens

PostedApril 15, 2011
mclarke99
Location Dallas, TX
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is a fantastic little lens. For the price, I consider it one of the "must-buy" focal lengths on full-frame camera bodies. There are other 50mm lenses on the market, but what makes this "G" lens stand out is it's ability to lock focus on the intended target. When paired with the Nikon D3, focus is extremely accurate. This is true even in low light situations. After having used this lens in tricky situations, I have learned to trust its ability to engage and lock.
Image quality is also excellent. Although it does get better when stopped down a bit. Nonetheless, this lens is sharp when shot wide open. There is a touch of vignetting in the corners when shot at f/1.4, but it is not at all objectionable. Yet, you will notice the difference on a FX camera when compared to other lenses. I also use this lens quite a bit on DX cameras as well. In this configuration, the darkness of the corners is nearly absent. With most RAW image editing tools, the vignetting and slight distortion is easily corrected in post-processing. (For the vast majority of my images, I usually ADD a vignette in post-production.)
This is a sharp lens, with great color and contrast. At f/1.4 it has its own look and I consider the image quality to be excellent. This 50mm is light weight, simple and relatively inexpensive.
+27points
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