f1.4 or f1.8 that is the question? Gosh it gets so confusing - the more you read and research the worse the headache gets. I am currently looking for a 50mm prime for my D5200 and...

lemontart Loc: uk

Gosh it gets so confusing - the more you read and research the worse the headache gets.

I am currently looking for a 50mm prime for my D5200 and cannot decide let between these too (so far)

Nikon 50mm f1.8 afs

or
]Nikon f1.4 g 50mm af-s

mainly for portrait work and of course depth of feild I am also interested to know if anyone has used either of the above with a reversing ring for macro shots

GinaP

I shoot Canon, with 50mm 1.8, the 1.4 was not in my budget at the time of purchase. I love the 1.8, but I would rather have the 1.4!

EstherP

I think I would look at the price difference, and also ask myself how often I would have need to use the lens wide open.
I am not familiar with these lenses, but one of the first things I would do, is to go to dpreview.com and do a side-by-side comparison of these two lenses
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_50_1p8_g&products=nikon_50_1p4_g

EstherP

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

If money is the main consideration, then go with the 1.8. There's probably not enough difference between the two photographically. I say probably because I shoot Canon.
But, I think if I where concentrating on portraits, I might look a little longer, such as 85, even on a crop. You want a little more compression than the 50 can give.
If its the inexpensive 1.8, to get you by till you can get a proper portrait lens, then the 50 will be fine. But if that's the case, don't get the 1.4, unless you've got other uses for it.
If it wasn't about money, I'm sure the decision would an easy one. SS

wolfman

Check this one out (85mm). I have this lens and it is very sharp. Would be much better for portraits.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838798-REG/Nikon_2201_AF_S_NIKKOR_85mm_f_1_8G.html

snappyandfun Loc: port coquitlam bc

Go for the 85mm 1.8 lens :thumbup:

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Go for the f1.8. Ken Rockwell lists the D version as one of the top 10 Nikon lenses of all time. Remember, f1.8 to 1.4 is only one stop. You can find that (stop) somewhere else.

Also, since you have a crop lens camera, you might consider the 35mm instead. The 35mm will give you close to the same field of view as a 50mm on a 35mm film camera, or ff digital camera. In other words, don't expect to be able to fit in the Thanksgiving table with all of the guests using the 50mm.

chaser48 Loc: Texas

lemontart wrote:

Gosh it gets so confusing - the more you read and research the worse the headache gets.

I am currently looking for a 50mm prime for my D5200 and cannot decide let between these too (so far)

Nikon 50mm f1.8 afs

or
]Nikon f1.4 g 50mm af-s

mainly for portrait work and of course depth of feild I am also interested to know if anyone has used either of the above with a reversing ring for macro shots

Currently have a 50 F 1.8D lens. Would not recommend for portrait work but it is still a very fast lens. We used it to shoot Parade of Lights at an area lake one night. Boats looked great and pictures were sold to just about all boat owners besides the original client. Suggest an 85 or 135 lens for portrait work. A 135 was my standard lens for models composite work. :-) Just a suggestion.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Remember, f1.8 to 1.4 is only one stop. You can find that (stop) somewhere else.
Make that 1/2 stop you go to a f/1.2 for a full stop. the other thing to consider is that the f/1.8 is sharper than the f/1.4. You will get a little less depth of field with F/1.4 but then if you have the eyes in focus the nose or ears will be out. Like others have said the 50 mm on a crop camera is just long enough for portraits. I think you would like the 80mm for portraits. On the other hand the 80 is a little long for a lot of indoor pictures. You just can't get back far enough. - Dave

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I have the F/1.8D on my D90. I love it. It is built like a tank compared to the plastic Canon 50mm lenses.
I have a Canon F/1.4 on my Canon 5D2. I love it.
I honestly don't think there is a wrong choice here.

shagbat Loc: London

lemontart wrote:

Gosh it gets so confusing - the more you read and research the worse the headache gets.

I am currently looking for a 50mm prime for my D5200 and cannot decide let between these too (so far)

Nikon 50mm f1.8 afs

or
]Nikon f1.4 g 50mm af-s

mainly for portrait work and of course depth of feild I am also interested to know if anyone has used either of the above with a reversing ring for macro shots

From tests I've read the 1.8 is sharper than the 1.4 at f1.8.
Exposure difference is just 1/2 a stop. Unless you very rich I suggest the 1.8, hope this helps.

shagbat Loc: London

wilsondl2 wrote:

Remember, f1.8 to 1.4 is only one stop. You can fi... (show quote)

on a d5100 that is a 75 anyway and it's only 1/2 a stop.
Sorry to be critical, but we must get it right for each other.

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

lemontart wrote:

Gosh it gets so confusing - the more you read and research the worse the headache gets.

I am currently looking for a 50mm prime for my D5200 and cannot decide let between these too (so far)

Nikon 50mm f1.8 afs

or
]Nikon f1.4 g 50mm af-s

mainly for portrait work and of course depth of feild I am also interested to know if anyone has used either of the above with a reversing ring for macro shots

I have the 50 F/1.4 and do not use it when portrait shooting. The 85 F/1.4 is an excellent portrait lens - good compression and easy to create that bokeh I assume you are chasing. However, the best Nikon portrait lens, IMHO is the 70x200 F/2.8 - awesome compression - plenty of room to create the bokeh - a most flattering lens. But you throw the Macro dealie in there - check out the 105 F/2.8 Macro lens. This has VR making it easy to shoot macro handheld. It is uses 62 mm filters.

shagbat Loc: London

nikonshooter wrote:

I have the 50 F/1.4 and do not use it when portrait shooting. The 85 F/1.4 is an excellent portrait lens - good compression and easy to create that bokeh I assume you are chasing. However, the best Nikon portrait lens, IMHO is the 70x200 F/2.8 - awesome compression - plenty of room to create the bokeh - a most flattering lens. But you throw the Macro dealie in there - check out the 105 F/2.8 Macro lens. This has VR making it easy to shoot macro handheld. It is uses 62 mm filters.

Both these fabulous and very expensive lenses lose another full stop. Also on a D5200 the70-200 becomes 105-300 and the 105 is the equivalent of a 152 1/2 mm, a bit long for portraits.
I would get the newer APS 50mm F1.8, the older (cheaper model, will not autofocus with your camera)

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

A 50mm (35mm equiv. 75mm) lens would be ok for 3/4 length to full length portraits, but a little short for close ups of face and might give some distortion.