Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 95
 Look like a pro for $300 August 6, 2010
Word Hack (Washington DC)
I recently closed up a swim season of 3k pictures. Going back through all the shots (since I didn't really have time to look at them during the season) I keep coming back to the 50mm shots. The 50mm stands out in a way the 18-200 and 10-24 don't (and those are great lenses). The color, even during a cloudy, drizzly day is astounding, and I was able to keep my shutter speed up so I could get action shots. Sure you shoot differently when you're carrying a 50mm instead of 200mm zoom, but you can compensate for that. You can't make a cloudy day sunny (unless you're a forecaster).
Some people have mentioned a white haze at f1.4 & f1.8, and I'll agree that it's there when you're in direct sun. It seems to go away once the sun starts to set. Also, be aware that the DOF below 2.8 is paper thin; at 1.4 it doesn't even go as far as the back of someone's head. If you're shooting multiple people in a shot, make absolutely sure their faces are all at the same distance. If you're used to kit lenses that don't go below f3.5 this takes some adjustment.
Buy the 1.4! It's light, it's versatile and it makes you look like a genius. What else can do that for $300?
My Eyes' View July 31, 2010
September
This is a great prime lens. Remember, as another reviewer stated, you have to move with a prime lens, as it does not move. The 50mm F/1.4D captures sharp pictures. The 50mm means it captures how you see with your naked eye.
Compatibility July 7, 2010
Booger
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
You stated in your description of this product that it is compatible with ALL Nikon digital SLRs. This is only partially true. The autofocus feature DOES NOT work on Camera bodies such as the Nikon D5000 which do not have an internal autofocus motor. I feel that I was misrepresented on this item. I kept the lens because it was a little cheaper and I've owned camera's that I had to focus manually but I'm not altogether happy with it.
You need to let people know that this lens is not 100% compatible.
Deciding Between the 1.4 and 1.8 50mm June 28, 2010
J. Walton (Portland, OR)
After purchasing a Nikon D90 with two kit lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm) this 50mm 1.4D lens was the first piece of glass I purchased after I realized that photography was something I cared deeply about and wanted to have the tools that matched that passion. The 50mm 1.4 lens does exactly that. However, the difference in price between the 1.4 and 1.8 is almost $300 so it's worth a little thought to decide which lens would be better. Here's some perspective gained after 6 months of shooting with the 1.4. Please keep in mind I haven't shot with the 1.8, but this is what I know about the 1.4
* The construction quality and general 'feel' of the 1.4 lens is remarkable. Compared to the kit lenses and other 50mm 1.8s, it's in another class.
* The picture quality of the 1.4 is exceptional. As with all 'fast' lenses, images don't get tack sharp until the 2.8 or 3.5 range, but the bokeh at the open apertures is stunning.
* The lens essentially sees in the dark. Open wide to 1.4 and matched with the decent noise reduction of the D90, I've captured ambient light images that would otherwise be impossible.
There's another non-tangible element involved in purchasing the 1.4, and that's the feeling you get from owning a professional-grade piece of glass. The extra money is well, well spent if you can A) afford it and B) keep from gloating around your friends who are shooting 1.8s
great lens. June 25, 2010
abby
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This lens is amazing. If you use it for your Nikon D90, you need to realize that the outside controls really don't work. You use the internal camera FStops when programing it. The lens has to be locked on 16 for it to work. But once I figured it out, I've used this lens regularly and highly recommend it. It's great for making "bokeh" shots, too!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 95
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