Nikon 50mm f1.4 vs f1.8

[PKMax]

I'm really torn between these two lenses

They both are apparently really sharp, just as sharp as each other. the obvious difference is the f1.4-16 vs f1.8-22

the Price difference is my main problem lol. I can get the f1.8 for about £80 or the f1.4 for £200

I've had a play in the camera shop with the 1.4 and it's really nice, just wondered if anyone else has either of these lenses, and what they thought of them.. I can just about scrape up enough to get the £80 one lol, or save longer to get that £200 heh.

does that 1.4 make that much difference?

ie, is that 1 or 2 stops of light difference?

and how much more of a shallow DOF will 1.4 give you over a 1.8?

[Travis]

Are you aware that Nikon has also just release an update 50mm 1.4 with AFS and improved optical design??

The question of value between the 1.4 and 1.8 is really up to you...

is the 50mm 1.8 a great, sharp lens? .... yes...

is the 50mm 1.4 a great, sharp lens? .....yes...

with the extra price you get a wider aperture, professional build quality, I think it's a little sharper wide open and the bokeh is slightly better...

if you are a pro making money.... or a hobbyist with money to burn... then get the 1.4 ... if not, then get the plastic fantastic.. it's a great lens...

a note for build quality... this lens is so small it's pretty hard to destroy....

i have the 1.8 and often keep it in my coat pocket.... it's the only lens i generally treat with disrespect... I often use it in danger areas that I don't want to expose my real lenses too.... like if i'm canoeing down a river... or standing underneath a water fall... or at a drinking parties with my old mates from the neighborhood... cheap to replace and hard to damage...

[morgan]

i can't comment on the nikon lenses, but i did a similar search on the canon 1.8 v 1.4. i thought the extra stop was the only difference, but now i know there is more to look at. the 1.4 has more diaphram blades so when the aperature isn't wide open, you get a more circular look from the spots of light. my 1.8 gives me a distinct heptagon.

here is the review i was looking at for the canon
http://photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/

maybe you can find a similar review for the nikon

[tirediron]

The biggest reason to go for the 1.4 is the metal lens mount. If you're going to be putting this on and removing it from your body frequently, get the 1.4 soley because the lens mount won't get chewed away.

[Marko]

Are you aware that Nikon has also just release an update 50mm 1.4 with AFS and improved optical design??

The question of value between the 1.4 and 1.8 is really up to you...

is the 50mm 1.8 a great, sharp lens? .... yes...

is the 50mm 1.4 a great, sharp lens? .....yes...

with the extra price you get a wider aperture, professional build quality, I think it's a little sharper wide open and the bokeh is slightly better...

if you are a pro making money.... or a hobbyist with money to burn... then get the 1.4 ... if not, then get the plastic fantastic.. it's a great lens...

a note for build quality... this lens is so small it's pretty hard to destroy....

i have the 1.8 and often keep it in my coat pocket.... it's the only lens i generally treat with disrespect... I often use it in danger areas that I don't want to expose my real lenses too.... like if i'm canoeing down a river... or standing underneath a water fall... or at a drinking parties with my old mates from the neighborhood... cheap to replace and hard to damage...

agree 100%.

Since nobody mentioned it the difference between the 2 in terms of speed is 2/3 of a stop.

[fangelico]

My 2 cents.. I have the 1.4.. love it - its great for inside, low light shots when you dont want to use a flash... I think the 2/3 stop diff will make a diff is some situations.. only neg is I don't use it as much as I thought i would.... at least at the moment..