Comments on: Nikon brings better optics to new 50mm lens

The new f/1.4 lens has better optical performance, but it'll cost more. Also: Nikon says it built 5 million lenses in the last year and 45 million over its history.

[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.