hammond

I want to get a 'nifty 50' for my Nikon D500, and have settled on the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

I'm seeing a "D" version and a "G" version.
I understand that the G version is newer, and slightly more expensive: the cost difference doesn't really matter to me, so at first glance, I figured I would get the G.

But then I checked on this site, and see the performance metrix for these two lenses indicates that the D is considerably sharper.

https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/AF-Nikkor-50mm-f-1.4D-on-Nikon-D500-versus-AF-S-Nikkor-50mm-f-1.4G-on-Nikon-D500__198_1061_199_1061

I'm thinking of buying a D850 next year, so also checked that, and I see the score is also better for the D version for the side-by-side comparison on the D810 (they don't have the D850 on their site):

https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/AF-Nikkor-50mm-f-1.4D-on-Nikon-D810-versus-AF-S-Nikkor-50mm-f-1.4G-on-Nikon-D810__198_963_199_963

... anyone have any insignt into this?

Bill_de Loc: US

The Nikkor 50mm F/1.4D was one of the three lenses I purchased with my first Nikon, an F100. That was a long time ago. I guess the best recommendation I can give it is that I still own it and use it on my D850. I never read the comparison reviews when newer models came out because I am satisfied with the lens I have. It is nice and compact and can easily slip in a pocket.

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chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Yes, my 2 cents worth for free - I shoot the 1.4D and my son shoots the 1.8D both on Nikon FF bodies. If you can live with the 2/3rds of an f stop difference, then I'd recommend the 1.8D. Smaller size, less cost and look at the respective MTF charts on the nikonusa.com website. Just sayin'.............chase

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

No insight on your specific query but I picked up a used Nikon 50 mm f 1.8 D version and it has been a sharp lens and a good performer. It has more of a film look. I also picked up a Nikon 20 mm f 2.8 D with the same look and results.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

As noted above the 1.8 D is a great lens also worthy of consideration. If it matters, which you may know, the D has a traditional aperture ring and the G does not. That may or may not matter to you. Good luck deciding.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I have both those and agree.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have had the "D" version for a number of years and still use it on my D300, D500, D810, and D850. Not a lot, but some. It is a very serviceable lens. I've looked briefly at the "G" version. It may be fine, and it would be the only choice for some of the consumer level cameras without an internal focus motor. But to me, it is not a particularly impressive lens. I'd go with the f1.4D, based on my experience with it. As I wrote in another discussion a couple of days ago (and took some heat for, by the way), it appears to me that a lot less development money and effort is going into prime lenses than zooms these days. I do not see that the newer lenses are better than older ones, with the exception of some at extreme (wide and telephoto) focal lengths.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I picked mine up in a camera store selling new and used equipment. The salesman tried to steer me to the G versions but I persisted and he pulled out the D versions :) The 20 mm was double the price of the 50 mm one but still much less than when it sold new. You are right- they are very compact lenses.

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

Other than the "D" means these lenses let the camera know the distance at which the lens is focused.) The older AF (non D) is optically the same IIRC (although some "D" models may focus faster)... Same number of elements/groups...Plus, it's even less costly...I got my 50mm F1.4 AF for $35....

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I use the 1.8D and since I learned 'stitching' it is both my walk around and wide angle lens. It gets the job done very well, is light to carry and is inexpensive.

Curve_in Loc: Virginia

Out in the field, the difference has to do with going from Auto to manual focusing. The new lens allows you to just grab the focus ring, but on the older one, you need to move the switch.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Way too funny... it's not the lens folks it is the artist's eye that makes the difference...

That said long ago I sold my AF 50mm 1.4G; 1.4D and !.8D then upgraded to an AF 60mm f/2.8D Nikkor micro which is actually twice as costly (but four times more useful) This optical gem is head and shoulders above those "normal" 50mm consumer optics...

https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-Micro-Nikkor-60mm-F28D

Sorry to bring my journey to the table here albeit experience is a brutal teacher...

Not only that you can put an HN-23 Hood on this puppy which excepts a 77mm lens cap (perfect fit!)
Additionally this jewel of a lens is the very best optic for Nikon's ES-1 Slide Copier... How fabulous is that!

Bottom Line? Dumping those 50mm consumer optics was the best move I've made in upgrading my kit!

The AF 60mm f/2.8D micro has superb edge to edge flat field... virtually no distortion or vignette
And with the HN-23 Hood it is nearly immune to flare...

Oh well, if you are focused on useless razor thin DOF then there is always the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G Nikkor which is ideal for those with deep pockets... with this puppy at f/1.4 when the eyes are sharp the nose and ears are out of focus... how cool is that... lol

enjoy

hammond

Thanks... this has been the most helpful answer so far.
I'm most curious as to why the newer one is more expensive but seemingly significantly less sharp in the tests.

To be clear, I am not interested in the 50mm f/1:1.8 model or any other 50mm lenses.
I am specifically interested in the 50m f/1.4 either the version D or G - trying to understand the difference between these two models.

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

Don’t place too much stock in the DxO results. They are bench test results and don’t correspond to real world shooting. If the best you can do is xx lines per millimeter, a lens rated higher than that isn’t going to magically improve your results.

CO

Before you buy, take a look at the Tamron 45mm f/1.8 SP VC lens. The reason is, it has stabilization. Very few prime lenses have stabilization. It helps out when you're hand holding the camera. It also has a metal lens barrel and is fully weather sealed. I've used it on my D7000, D500, and now have it on my D750.