Nikon 50mm f/1.4 Arms-On: Filling a A lot-Wanted Hole

A Quick 50mm That Was Sorely Wanted

Nikon only in the near past launched an reasonably priced 35mm f/1.4 prime which brings first rate picture high quality to the desk and lots of gentle gathering potential. Now they’re following it up with a 50mm model and I obtained my fingers on an early pre-production mannequin to check out. It’s not a reviewable copy but however I can a minimum of collect some ideas and ideas about how this lens will carry out upon its official launch.

The lens appears and feels fairly just like the 35mm model with a 62mm filter thread on the entrance and a easy plastic lens hood. Weighing solely 14.8 ounces (420 grams) the 50mm is fairly sparse so far as controls go. There’s a handbook focus ring and a customizable management ring however that’s it. The selection is smart given the reasonably priced worth. We aren’t going to get — or want — superior linear motors to autofocus a lens like this and I discovered the focusing to be loads fast sufficient to deal with any scenario.

The Picture High quality Appears to be like Promising

Prior to now, f/1.4 lenses have given the shallow depth of discipline look and talent to make use of quicker shutter speeds in low-light however they tended to endure some optical compromises. In consequence, I’m curious to see how this lens will deal with flare and sharpness however I could make some observations about it from the samples I shot.

Bokeh appears very spectacular which is essential relating to quick glass. Specular highlights look clear and freed from onion rings or any soap-bubble impact. There’s a nice cat’s eye take a look at f/1.4 and this cleans as much as a reasonably spherical wanting circle when stopped down. I discovered the transitions between in focus to out of focus areas to be fairly nice.

I endeavored to shoot a good quantity of my photographs at f/1.4 to get an thought of the way it performs and located that the extent of element appears good. I’m going to order closing judgement till I can put a reviewable copy towards some check charts however there appears to be loads of element when taking pictures large open and it solely will get higher when stopped down. I’m assured this lens might be very usable at f/1.4 and I’m keen to check additional.

I’m left desirous to see what else this lens can do however that could be a testomony to the design of this newest Nikon prime. I believe each this and the 35mm will lastly fill a niche in Nikon’s lineup and achieve this with aplomb.

It additionally makes me marvel about another attainable additions sooner or later. How nice would it not be to see a brand new 24mm f/1.4 or 85mm f/1.4? If Nikon retains the pricing affordable like they’ve carried out on the 35mm and 50mm, we might have a highly regarded line of prime lenses within the close to future.