A very sharp lens which is very sharp and creates great bokeh if you use it as a portrait lens or other places where bokeh is important. But you should consider buying the 50mm 1.8g which is cheaper, but has almost the same picture quality.

very sharp; great bokeh

could have better autofocus speed

This is an in-depth review of one of my favorite prime lenses – the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G, which was announced back in September of 2008. For many years the focal length of 50mm lenses was considered a "standard" or "normal" focal length, because it closely resembles the perspective of the human eye.

Overall, I think that the new 50mm f/1.4 AF-S is a great little lens, and I'm glad to see that the old AF-D model has finally been replaced. There's a lot to like about the new and improved lens – better image quality all around and lots of small improvements in the overall design.

Superb image

Nothing

Nikon was responsible for the first 50mm f/1.4 back in 1950, and has continued to produce amazing updates ever since... This version is no exception, with fantastic sharpness at the widest f/1.4 aperture, and the build quality, while mostly plastic, feels solid due to its compact size and weight...

It's a great lens one of Nikon best.

An ideal portrait lens when used on a Nikon DX-format digital SLR, approximating the angle of view similar to that of a 75mm lens on a Nikon FX-format digital SLR or a 35mm film camera

The G-series lens, however, wins hands-down when it comes to AF speed and quietness, but very occasionally it recorded real-world images that were very slightly less sharp than the others on test here. This is not a serious problem but it was detected on isolated occasions.

Quick and quiet AF

Poor retro compatibility

Having started with Nikon, then moving to Canon (full frame 5D) for a few years, and now back to Nikon again (D700), I have found the Nikon 50 1.4G AFS a nice change from the incredibly expensive L primes. I've owned the Canon 50 1.4 and the Canon 50 1.2 and I prefer this lens to those two.

Sharp wide open; Not overly expensive

Some lateral CA; May require AF adjustment

The Nikon 50mm ƒ/1.4G AF-S tested well in our labs, marred only by soft results with significant corner shading when set to its widest aperture. Set to ƒ/2 it makes a nice portrait lens - sharp center, soft corners - and by ƒ/2.8 it's a decently sharp lens across the image.