Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is faster by 0.7 stops (f/1.4 vs f/1.8), letting in more light.
- Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D is lighter by 125g.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is the newer design (2008 vs 1986).
| Spec | AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D | AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 (faster) |
| Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 5 | 7 |
| Af motor | none | SWM |
| Elements | 6 | 8 |
| Weight g | 155.0 (lighter) | 280.0 |
| Filter mm | 52 | 58 |
| Length mm | 39.0 | 54.0 |
| Diameter mm | 63.5 | 73.5 |
| Min focus m | 0.45 | 0.45 |
| Blades | n/a | 9 |
| Max magnification | n/a | 0.15 |
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D
A long-running 50mm for Nikon F-mount, with screw-drive focusing that requires a body with an autofocus motor. Small and light.
Pros
- Small and light (155 g)
- f/1.8 aperture
- Works on film and older bodies
Cons
- No autofocus on bodies without a built-in motor
- Soft wide open
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G
The AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is a fast 50mm prime for Nikon F-mount with a silent-wave motor and a nine-blade rounded aperture. Faster than the f/1.8G.
Pros
- f/1.4 aperture
- Quiet AF-S autofocus
- Nine-blade aperture for smooth blur
- Compact
Cons
- Soft wide open
- No vibration reduction
- Heavier than the f/1.8G (280 g)