price difference of f/1.4 Vs. f/1.8 ?
Nov 13, 2011 11:44:43 #
I am new, but amazed at the price difference I see for a Nikkor 50mm prime between the f/1.4 and f/1.8 models. Will someone please explain how that .4 stop manifests so dramatically in real world use?
thanks
thanks
Nov 13, 2011 16:10:18 #
I am not familiar with the Nikkor 50 mm lens but the Canon 50 mm 1.8 is much cheaper than the 1.4 because the casing is almost all plastic. It is a great lens however, and it fits my budget:)
Nov 14, 2011 06:47:35 #
Florida Shooter
Loc: Lake Worth, FL
I have the F1.8 and it is a wonderful lens. Probably the best bargain Nikon ever put on the market. I paid $139. I could not justify paying over $400 for the 1.4.
Nov 14, 2011 07:09:03 #
pfdragstrem wrote:
I am not familiar with the Nikkor 50 mm lens but the Canon 50 mm 1.8 is much cheaper than the 1.4 because the casing is almost all plastic. It is a great lens however, and it fits my budget:)
it isn't (just) because it is plastic.
From what I learned reading all over the internet it is because of the mechanics involved getting to that itty bitty f# and the glass is a bit better BUT not as good as the "L"- look at that price!
I have a 1.4 and a 1.8 50mm... I say- buy the 1.8.
Nov 14, 2011 07:31:46 #
Although it doesn't seem like a lot, there's almost twice as much light getting to the sensor with the 1.4 as opposed to the 1.8. There is a difference in build quality between the entry level 50mm and the faster 50mm lenses. The more expensive lens *may* also have better AF motor which could lead to faster or more accurate AF, and will also show a brighter image in the viewfinder (since you're looking through it wide open).
Finally, look at sample photos and examine the bokeh, you may find that the faster lens has smoother, more pleasing OOF areas than the 1.8 (I'm talking at same aperture, not because larger aperture is available).
All in all, the price difference is usually justified, BUT not all folks will feel this way. In particular, if you rarely shoot wide open, there's less reason to buy the faster version.
Personally, I like the ability to just reach up and tweek the focus on a composition, even if I'm using auto-focus. The f/1.4 lens allows this, while the f/1.8 doesn't.
Finally, look at sample photos and examine the bokeh, you may find that the faster lens has smoother, more pleasing OOF areas than the 1.8 (I'm talking at same aperture, not because larger aperture is available).
All in all, the price difference is usually justified, BUT not all folks will feel this way. In particular, if you rarely shoot wide open, there's less reason to buy the faster version.
Personally, I like the ability to just reach up and tweek the focus on a composition, even if I'm using auto-focus. The f/1.4 lens allows this, while the f/1.8 doesn't.
Nov 14, 2011 10:07:16 #
Nov 14, 2011 11:47:18 #
The 1.4 is 2/3 of a stop better than the 1.8. It lets in approximately 67% more light.
If you shoot the 1.4 at 1.8 it will be or should be sharper.
The 1.4 will, when shot at 1.4 give you a shallower depth of field and better bokah.
I don't own Nikon equipment but would imagine that the build is better on the 1.4 as it is on Canon equipment of that ilk.
If you shoot the 1.4 at 1.8 it will be or should be sharper.
The 1.4 will, when shot at 1.4 give you a shallower depth of field and better bokah.
I don't own Nikon equipment but would imagine that the build is better on the 1.4 as it is on Canon equipment of that ilk.
Nov 14, 2011 11:58:56 #
Hey when you have an f1.4 on your camera it looks so much cooler than af/1.8. Everyone will look on with envy. IN film days the 2/3 stop menat something when you were shoot panatomic film (for less grain) with a film speed of 32 if I remember right. Now with the ISO of Digital cameras you can shoot in very little light. The f/1.4 may be built better and if you are a pro that uses your camera every day it may be a better choice. For most of us you will not need the more expensive glass. - Dave
Nov 14, 2011 12:08:59 #
Fascinating discussion! Can someone please explain how it works if both the 1.4 and the 1.8 lenses are set at an identical aperture (1.8 for example), the depth of field with the 1.4 is shallower, resulting in better bokah? It seems logical that the DOF with the 1.4 lens set wide open at 1.4, is shallower (better bokah) than the 1.8 lens wide open at 1.8. But if both lenses are set at 1.8? Why is the 1.4 lens still superior?
Nov 14, 2011 12:12:43 #
jfromla
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
If u-all really want a hot 50mm there is 1.2L for $1610.00. I have the 85mm 1.2 and talk about Bokah. These are are very unique lens mostly used for portrait work.
Nov 14, 2011 12:55:18 #
Depending on what you shoot, and how large you print, you may not be able to see a difference. If you can, than go for the more expensive lens. If you need lens on your camera so people think you look cool, you don't need a lens, you need a life
Nov 14, 2011 13:26:43 #
jfromla wrote:
If u-all really want a hot 50mm there is 1.2L for $1610.00. I have the 85mm 1.2 and talk about Bokah. These are are very unique lens mostly used for portrait work.
How about a couple of photos with that 85 1.2 I would LOVE to see them-- I have been contemplating a new lens
Nov 14, 2011 14:23:09 #
Dria wrote:
How about a couple of photos with that 85 1.2 I would LOVE to see them-- I have been contemplating a new lens
jfromla wrote:
If u-all really want a hot 50mm there is 1.2L for $1610.00. I have the 85mm 1.2 and talk about Bokah. These are are very unique lens mostly used for portrait work.
How about a couple of photos with that 85 1.2 I would LOVE to see them-- I have been contemplating a new lens
I want to see a picture with the 1.2L also.
Nov 14, 2011 16:41:44 #
jfromla
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
let me see what I have. I have not used it much, my daughter who is a professional in the Bay area gave it to me a short while ago. I will try to put something up soon. Maybe my dog.
Nov 14, 2011 22:36:01 #
jfromla wrote:
let me see what I have. I have not used it much, my daughter who is a professional in the Bay area gave it to me a short while ago. I will try to put something up soon. Maybe my dog.
Nice gift, nice daughter....
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