Which 50mm Lens For Nikon?

Reader Todd B writes:

Looking for a 50mm. My choices are as follows. Nikon 50 1.2 MF(new version), 50 1.4G, 50 1.8G (new version) or the Sigma 50 1.4 which I have heard great things.

DIGLLOYD: actually, there are a lot more choices, such as the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar (superb), or the Zeiss 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar (also superb and supremely versatile). But those two lenses are manual focus only, so I’ll focus on the autofocus options.

As with the Zeiss 50mm options, the Nikon 50/1.2 AI-S is an unusual lens with tons of spherical aberration— not recommended for general use, but it is lovely for certain applications where a classic look is desired.

The Sigma 50/1.4 offers offers very pleasing imagery and in that regard it’s an outstanding candidate (see review in DAP) . However, I have concerns about build quality for the longer term, as compared to Nikon build quality. I base this on what I’ve heard about reliability in rental situations.

Since the new Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is not yet available (I’ll be reviewing it in DAP), the 50/1.8G is an open question versus the 50/1.4G, but there is a very good chance that it will offer lower distortion, a flatter field and image quality equal to the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G (see review of the 50/1.4G in DAP). And at less than half the price.

The Nikon 50/1.4G is 2/3 stop faster than the 50/1.8G, but odds are that the 50/1.8G will focus more reliably, based on my experience with all of the Nikon f/1.4G lenses, because the autofocus system has consistency trouble with f/1.4 lenses— see my research on that in Making Sharp Images using the 35/1.4G. However, the D700 seems to behave very well in that respect, more so than the D3s/D3x.

My thanks to readers for using the links on this site to buy at B&H Photo.