Is the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G worth it compared to the f/1.8G?

The f/1.4G offers a brighter aperture for low light and shallower depth of field, but it is softer wide open and costs more. The f/1.8G is sharper wide open and lighter on the wallet.

Does this lens work on Nikon Z cameras?

Yes, with the FTZ mount adapter. Autofocus and most features work, but the lens is designed for F-mount DSLRs.

Is the autofocus fast enough for sports?

It is quick for a prime, but not as fast as pro telephoto lenses. It suits portraits and events better than fast action.

What is the minimum focus distance?

The minimum focus distance is about 1.5 feet (0.45 meters), so it is not ideal for extreme close-ups.

Is the lens weather-sealed?

No, it lacks weather sealing, so protect it from dust and moisture.

Where is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens cheapest?

At Best Buy, for $396.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2,600 ratings.

Where can I buy the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens?

5 stores we checked sell it, including Adorama, Best Buy, bhphotovideo.com, Nikon USA, Newegg.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

Best price now

$396.95at Best BuyChecked 11 h ago

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Best Buy

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

Best price now

$396.95at Best BuyChecked 11 h ago

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Best Buy

Ask our agent about this product

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Price facts

Last seen at $396.95 at Best Buy on Nov 10.
Checked at 4 stores.

Our take on the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G is a fast prime lens for Nikon F-mount DSLRs. It offers a bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and shallow depth of field, and its Silent Wave Motor provides quick, quiet autofocus. Owners praise its sharpness and bokeh, though some note softness wide open and chromatic aberration. It suits photographers wanting a lightweight, versatile standard lens for portraits, events, and everyday shooting.

Best forLow-light photographyPortrait and event shootersEveryday walkaround lensNikon DSLR users

Pros

Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light
Fast and quiet autofocus
Lightweight and compact
Pleasing bokeh and subject isolation
Solid build quality

Cons

Soft wide open at f/1.4
Noticeable chromatic aberration
No image stabilization
Focus breathing and minor hunting in low light

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens prices at every store

AdoramaNew
In stock
$396.95Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
Visit Adorama
Best BuyNew
In stock
$396.95Checked 11 h ago
Visit Best Buy
bhphotovideo.comNew
In stock
$396.95Checked 11 h ago
Visit bhphotovideo.com
Nikon USANew
In stock
$599.95Checked 11 h ago
Visit Nikon USA

Also available at

NeweggCheck price at Newegg

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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens price history

Lowest price we've seen: $384.99 on Nov 11 at Newegg. Tracked across 5 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

4.8 / 52,600 ratings

Reviewers and owners rate the lens highly for its speed, sharpness, and bokeh, but some mention softness wide open and chromatic aberration.

What people mention

SharpnessMixedSharp when stopped down, but soft wide open at f/1.4.
BokehPraisedSmooth, pleasing background blur for portraits.
AutofocusMixedFast and quiet in good light, but can hunt in low light.
Chromatic aberrationCriticisedVisible color fringing in high-contrast situations.
BuildPraisedSolid construction and lightweight for its class.

About the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G is a standard prime lens with a fixed 50 mm focal length. It uses the Nikon F mount and has a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and a minimum of f/16.

The lens has an ultrasonic motor for autofocus. Its optical construction is 8 elements in 7 groups. It does not have image stabilization. The minimum focusing distance is 1.476 feet.

Mount: Nikon F
Focal length: 50 mm, fixed
Aperture: f/1.4 to f/16
Lens type: Standard prime
Autofocus: Yes, ultrasonic motor
Stabilization: No
Elements/groups: 8 elements in 7 groups
Min focus: 1.476 ft
Filter size: 2.283 in
Size and weight: 2.9 in diameter, 2.1 in long, 9.877 oz

Specifications

Mount: Nikon F
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
Ultrasonic Motor: Yes
Specialty Type: Telephoto
Fixed Focal Length: 50 mm
Color: Black
Type: Fixed
Aperture (max)

Questions and answers

Is the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G worth it compared to the f/1.8G?: The f/1.4G offers a brighter aperture for low light and shallower depth of field, but it is softer wide open and costs more. The f/1.8G is sharper wide open and lighter on the wallet.
Does this lens work on Nikon Z cameras?: Yes, with the FTZ mount adapter. Autofocus and most features work, but the lens is designed for F-mount DSLRs.
Is the autofocus fast enough for sports?: It is quick for a prime, but not as fast as pro telephoto lenses. It suits portraits and events better than fast action.
What is the minimum focus distance?: The minimum focus distance is about 1.5 feet (0.45 meters), so it is not ideal for extreme close-ups.
Is the lens weather-sealed?: No, it lacks weather sealing, so protect it from dust and moisture.
Where is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens cheapest?: At Best Buy, for $396.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens?: Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2,600 ratings.
Where can I buy the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens?: 5 stores we checked sell it, including Adorama, Best Buy, bhphotovideo.com, Nikon USA, Newegg.