Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4D review

The AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4D is Nikon's current version of their fast 'standard' prime lens, and while this specific model was introduced in 1995, the basic optical design dates back to the manual focus 50mm 1:1.4 AI of 1977. It features a traditional layout of 7 elements in 6 groups utilizing spherical surfaces only, which Nikon claims will deliver distortion-free images with superb resolution and colour accuracy, plus high contrast even at maximum aperture. The 50mm focal length classes it as a 'standard' lens on the FX format, with none of the 'perspective distortion' characteristic of wideangle or telephoto lenses, whilst on the vastly more popular and widespread DX format it behaves like a short telephoto, ideal for portraiture.

The 50mm 1:1.4 is one of the older lenses in Nikon's lineup, and this is reflected in several aspects of its design. The lens features a traditional aperture ring, which will no doubt be appreciated by photographers who grew up with mechanical manual-focus 35mm SLRs such as the FM range (although the only DSLRs on which it can actually be used are the high-end D1-D3 and D100-D700 bodies); however autofocus is 'screw-drive' from the camera body, and therefore won't work on the entry-level D40, D40x and D60.

Like the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM which we've recently reviewed, the Nikon 50mm 1:1.4D commands a hefty price premium over its little brother in the range, the AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D. It's also up against stiff competition in the shape of the impressive new Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 T*, although both of these lenses are considerably more expensive, and the Zeiss is manual focus only. So what does the Nikkor have to offer in this day and age?

Andy Westlake

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