Nikon 50mm f/1.4G vs f/1.8G: Why the f/1.4G Lens Reigns Supreme

There are a number of factors that contribute to the superiority of the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens over the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G. This article delves into the details of why the f/1.4G lens is often considered a better choice despite the sharpest nature of the f/1.8G lens.

The f/1.4G Lens: Low Light Sensitivity and Depth of Field

One of the primary advantages of the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is its improved low light performance, offering two-thirds of an f-stop over the f/1.8G lens. While this might seem like a big deal during film era, the modern high ISO capable camera sensors have largely made this feature a non-issue in contemporary photography.

Another key advantage is the thinner depth of field when the lens is fully open. This can be particularly beneficial for photographers who utilize large apertures for specialized types of photography, such as portrait and macro photography. However, it's worth noting that the f/1.4G lens becomes increasingly soft at larger apertures up to f/2.8, making this feature less relevant compared to more specialized lenses from third-party manufacturers.

Aperture Blades and Bokeh

The Nikon 50mm f/1.4G features 9 rounded aperture blades compared to 7 in the f/1.8G lens. This results in a more creamy and desirable bokeh quality, often preferred in portrait photography. My personal experience with the f/1.8 lens has yielded decent bokeh, too, but the f/1.4G provides a noticeably smoother and more visually pleasing bokeh.

Sharpness and Aperture Control

The Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is slightly sharper than the f/1.8G lens at f/5.6 and above. This is a significant advantage as it offers better sharpness at these aperture settings, especially in terms of focal length. For instance, between f/5.6 and f/11, the f/1.4G lens produces images that are sharper than my other zoom lenses at comparable settings.

Speed and Performance

The f/1.8G lens, on the other hand, excels in terms of sharpness up to f/5.6 and focuses faster. Additionally, it controls distortion ghosting, flares, and chromatic aberrations better than the f/1.4G lens. However, when it comes to overall value and performance, the f/1.8G lens is considerably cheaper, making it an attractive option for many photographers.

Conclusion and Recommendation

While the f/1.8G lens is certainly sharper, the f/1.4G lens offers a range of other advantages that make it a more versatile choice for many photographers. If budget is not a concern and you need a lens that excels in low light conditions with a creamier bokeh, the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is the clear winner. It is an awe-inspiring lens that should be in every serious Nikon enthusiast's camera bag.