nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4g

£449/$447

Refreshingly compact and lightweight

Compared with the Sigma and Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 lenses on test, the Nikon is only half the length and about a third of the weight. It’s simpler than the Sigma, with eight rather than 13 optical elements, and rather less robust than the Zeiss with the latter’s metal barrel. A further sign of the downsizing is that the Nikon only has a 58mm filter thread, which is actually no larger than in the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens.

The straightforward optical path doesn’t contain an aspherical element (like the Nikon 50mm f/1.8), there are no ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and no Nano Crystal Coat. It’s a very traditional lens that’s now 20 years old.

Performance

Autofocus accuracy is more critical in wide-aperture lenses and the Nikon does well here. Centre-sharpness is impressive even at f/1.4, although it loses out to the Sigma and Zeiss lenses towards the edges of the frame. The nine-blade diaphragm helps to maintain smooth bokeh when stopping down a little, compared with the other two Nikon lenses on test.

Sharpness

Stop down to f/1.8 and this lens is sharper than both of the Nikon f/1.8 lenses here.

Fringing

Chromatic aberrations are minimal but ‘bokeh fringing’ can be noticed.

Distortion

The lab score for distortion is worse than for any other lens in the group.

Verdict

Features Build/handling Performance Value for money

Overall

It works well as a lightweight standard prime to slip into your gadget bag.