Nikon brings better optics to new 50mm lens

Nikon's new f/1.4 lens should cost about $440 when it goes on sale in December.

(Credit: Nikon)

Nikon announced an update to its 50mm f/1.4 lens on Monday, a relatively high-speed mainstay set to go on sale for $440 in December.

The new lens, called the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G, has less chromatic aberration and internal flare than its predecessor, Nikon said. It's also got a silent wave motor for quiet, speedy autofocus, a close-focus distance of about 18 inches, and nine rounded aperture blades for a smoother look, called bokeh, in out-of-focus regions.

Lenses with a fixed 50mm focal length are very common, though not as much as during the era before zoom lenses became standard for entry-level SLR cameras. Nikon's current AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D costs about $300.

"Experienced photographers have always appreciated the incredible image fidelity and low-light ability that a precisely engineered 50mm lens can deliver," Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing for Nikon's SLR systems products, said in a statement. "In addition, seasoned shooters often prefer the photographic discipline imposed by the use of prime lenses."

The company, which has been gaining market share on market leader Canon, announced the new lens in conjunction with the Photokina show in Germany. Nikon also said it's produced 45 million SLR lenses over its history--notably, 5 million of them in the last year.

[bradleyguyle]

It must be targeted at D3 and D700 users as that's the only way it's a true 50mm.

With the high quality of today's zoom lenses - or "multi-focal length" lenses as I like to think of them - it's very hard to justify laying out close to 500 bucks with tax for a prime lens. As well, I've been photographing for 30 years - owning several F2s and Fs with full compliment of prime lenses - and think the idea of "photographic discipline imposed by the use of prime lenses" a quaint relic of the past.

[terminalblue]

you seriously sound clueless. if you think that a multi element zoom lenses is even close to a simple efficient fixed. Saying that being disciplined in photography is a relic is like saying that everyone has gun you shouldn't learn how to defend yourself...just buy a gun .

there will always be a place for prime lenses. if you want to spend 500 for an image stabilizing zoom lens then go right ahead. i'd spend that much on a 50mm any day.

[Shankland]

I shoot with zooms most of the time but use a 50mm f1.4 because it works in low-light conditions so much better. I'm not a huge fan of photographic discipline for discipline's sake either, but it can be fun to see what you come up with when you're constrained with a fixed focal length. It's like writing limericks or haiku instead of free verse: nobody is making you do it, but the format rules can be paradoxically liberating.

[kelmon]

I'm rather intrigued to know how this is going to compare to the Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM that finally started hitting shops in Europe this month since I was planning to buy one next month.

[aj37viggen]

On the contrary, a fast 50mm lens is a tremendously useful "short tele" on DX-format cameras (the ones with an APS-C-sized sensor.) A 50mm is my most-often used lens on my D300. In fact, I was planning to buy the new Sigma 50/1.4 until I read about this lens... now I'll have to postpone my decision.

While the quality of today's zoom lenses is very high, none of the good ones have a maximum aperture wider than f/2.8. That just doesn't get the job done for jobs such as throwing the background out of focus on an informal portrait, or handling close-range indoor action such as stage/theater shots. In fact, I was hoping Nikon might bring out something a bit faster to compete with Canon's 50/1.2.

[Travis Ernst]

Very good Point AJ. I was looking to see how it compared to Canon's 50 series. Their 1.2 and 1.4 mid model both are outstanding. For some reason todays newcomers don't like prime lenses. I grabbed the 50 so I could still use it (the canon) in low light without needing the flash mounted. Having the L series 28-105 doesn't allow enough light in with "house level light"

It just takes time to adapt to using it. I like the 50 in some conditions. I hope it works out for the Nikon Family of shutterbugs.

[gigo1000]

I'm a fan of primes. I like the larger apertures and smaller lens sizes.

However, I think the push for higher sensor noise control suggests that manufacturers are betting on the convenience of zooms.

I'm glad to see Nikon updating its classics.