NEW - Ken Gilbert

LENS TEST By Julia Silber
PRIMETime 2.15
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
Nikkor AF-S
The newest version of Nikon’s
storied 50mm f/1.4 boasts a redesigned
Ray Flash: THE RING FLASH ADAPTER
www.expoimaging.net
optical formula for more effective fl are
prevention. A 75mm equivalent on Nikon
smaller-sensor DX bodies, this $500
(street) full-framer also has a circularbladed
aperture for smoother defocusing.
Model Minyoung Cheong shot by David Maynard with a Ray Flash, © 2008 D. Maynard Photography.
in.
50MM
HANDS ON: Solid and ruggedly built,
this handsome lens has an amply sized
manual-focusing ring that turns smoothly
and evenly, yet stiffl y. (You can use it even in
AF mode.) Its broader, nonrotating barrel
takes 58mm fi lters (up from 52mm on the
previous model). It’s also slightly longer and
slightly heavier—likely due to the SWM AF
motor, which focuses almost soundlessly.
IN THE LAB: Its superior sharpness and
contrast produced Excellent SQF numbers
on our optical bench. DxO Analyzer 3.0.1
tests found barrel distortion in the high end
of Slight (0.25%)—typical at such speeds—
with light falloff gone from the corners by
f/2.8 (also par for this course). The biggest
difference between this new lens and its
ancestors: Its maximum magnifi cation of
1:5.89 at 16.87 inches is the highest of any
50mm we’ve tested in recent years.
CONCLUSIONS: Great for low-light
and action shots, as well as scenes with
strongly defocused areas, this 50mm makes
a nice half-length portrait lens on DX Nikons.
Its compact size suits it both to travel and
everyday use, and its bright fi nder image is a
pleasure. Is it worth $220 more than its
predecessor? Depends on how much its
ruggedness, silent AF, higher magnifi cation,
and other improvements mean to you. p
80
0.39 in.
2.87 in.
50mm (51.68mm
tested), f/1.4 (f/1.47 tested), 8 elements in 7
groups. Focusing turns 180 degrees clockwise.
■ Diagonal view angle: 46 degrees.
■ Weight: 0.64 lb. ■ Filter size: 58mm.
■ Mounts: Nikon AF. ■ Included: Lenshood,
softcase. ■ Street price: $500.