authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

I had mentioned in an earlier topic I bought a brand new Nikon 50mm 1.4G lens. Lens seems to work well. I had returned to the camera shop for another item and the gentlemen who sold me the lens had just got in a mint condition Nikon 50mm 1.4D lens. Well to make a long story short, after I mounted this "D" version on my Nikon D300 and played with it in the store for 30 minutes I returned the "G" version, bought the "D" and got a nice cash refund to boot. The "D" focus is noticeably faster since it is being driven by the camera and while I have not tested it extensively yet, from what I have seen the IQ is no worse. The build also seems more durable and there is an aperture ring. All in all I am very happy now. Had the "D" been available I would have bought it in the first place. Another plus is the reason I was not offered the "D" lens in the first place is the salesman, who also teaches photography classes, had been using it himself for almost a month so I know it works. :-D :thumbup:

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

If you like that one maybe have a look at the 85 1.8D....super sharp lens.

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

While I certainly have not been able to purchase and use all Nikkor D lenses, I have owned a few. Personally, I like having an aperture ring on a lens, since I still use a couple bodies that require them. I do own a couple of G's, too. And I agree that the build on the D's seems more robust than on the G's.

Just one more opinion from one with 60+ years in photography.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I have the 50mm 1.8D and the 85mm 1.4D I prefer the D lenses over any of the G's that I own. They seem to be built a little better and work fine on my D7000. The 85mm is a phenomenal lens, and while it's pretty expensive, It's worth every penny.

dtparker Loc: Small Town, NC

Me too. If you look in my sig , you'll see my collection of D lenses. not looking to let any of them go, for sure.

Dave

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Want to save even more money ?.... In almost all cases, the older non "D" versions of Nikkor lenses have the same optical formula (number of elements/groups) as their "D" brethren. Main difference is the "D" lens transmits distance info to the camera for flash metering purposes. Some "D" lenses may have a different coating on them, but you would be hard pressed to see any image differences in real world shooting & the effects of the coatings can be compensated for in post if need be...I have both "D" & non'"D" AF lenses. I only have a select few "G" type lenses

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

Wonder why Nikon--and I suspect Canon, etc--doesn't have aperture rings on their top end, professional lenses. Wouldn't seem to be a matter of cost since we're talking about the very "best" gear designed for "elite" or "near-elite" photographers. When I came back to my hobby and bought my first DSLR, I was surprised by the gelded lenses, but thought "that's the way it is." But I'm beginning to realize I may need to take a step back and rethink some assumptions. That's a good thing.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I miss the old mechanical cameras. With cameras now a days, the failure of a battery means the camera is useless, can't take an image. Older cameras that had batteries only for the meters, were still able to capture an image, you just had to determine the correct exposure (Sunny 16 rule). I just wish that digital (& AF before it) hadn't made the cameras so battery/electronics dependent... Progress isn't always better in all respects.

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Nikon 50mm 1.4D is SOFT until F4. After thank is is great! I sold it as I got a better deal. I will say it holds it value. Sold it for what I paid for it.