I haven't been on the forums in a while, but I was happy to see that my profile was still alive. I need some advice on whether I should buy the 50mm f1.4 lens or the 50mm 1.8. The f1.4 seemed to be the obvious choice, but after a discussion with some guys at work, who seem to think the f1.8 is a lot sharper when shooting at F8, I don't know which to buy. I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks!!

I'm going to say that you can't go wrong with either, but if you don't need the extra 2/3 of a stop with the f1.4 then I'd recommend the f1.8. It's very inexpensive and sharp, and the out of focus areas seem just a little better than the f1.4 that I have (last two points based on what I've seen, I've never shot with the f1.8). Some people don't like the build quality of this $100 lens, but has anybody actually worn one out?

If you do shoot a lot in low light, sometimes 2/3 of a stop is a huge difference and much more imortant than any of my other points. I used to do that a lot, so that's why I bought the f1.4...

I've about decided to invest in a the 50mm f1.8. I keep seeing all these wonderful images with this lens and for the price how can you go wrong. I figure that if for some reason I'm not satisfied I can always go back and get the f1.4 and still not be hurt much.

The 1.8 is fantastic but the 1.4 is supposed to be sharper at wider apertures.
I guess it depends on what your primary focus is going to be- if you want to use it most in lower light, the 1.4 will be a better bet. The 1.8 would be sharper at f/8 in most cases, so if that's what you want to shoot at most of the time, then the 1.8 would be better.

I like the 1.8 optically, but buildwise you get what you pay for. It's not as solid as more expensive primes like the 1.4, plus its focus ring is of a style I'm not keen on, but that's just nitpicking.

*smile* It seems like this was a tougher question than I thought. Thanks for the advice though! I think I will purchase the 1.8 right now and if I am unhappy with it, I'll pick up the 1.4 later. Neither lens is too expensive, so this seems like a good way to go.

I have the 1.8, and I like it a lot. Have not used the 1.4, so I can't compare. I bought my 1.8 used from my local camera shop, and it is engraved with the local news paper name and phone #. It has signs of heavy use, but it still works great. Very sharp, and to my eye the bokeh is very nice as well. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong with the 1.8.

Paul

What you are going to use the lens for.

I opted for the f1.4 over the f1.8 version, because I'm into astronomy and astrophotography. It has been nice to have the extra light when shooting indoors/low light events like weddings as well. I usually went with the old "step down one or two stops for a sharper image" axiom. And at that, I can usually shoot indoors using available light at f2.0 and still get 1/30th second in most situations (using ISO400).

Ironically, I didn't shoot people with this lens until I got my D200. Now I'm finding that for some situations, I like opening it up all the way to f1.4. I don't know that the bokeh is that much, if any, better than the f1.8, nor do I think the diffence at f8 is going to be great between the two.

I do know that in the five years I've been on PR, I have yet to hear anyone say they didn't like their 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 lens!

I have the 1.8, and I like it a lot. Have not used the 1.4, so I can't compare. I bought my 1.8 used from my local camera shop, and it is engraved with the local news paper name and phone #. It has signs of heavy use, but it still works great. Very sharp, and to my eye the bokeh is very nice as well. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong with the 1.8.

Paul
Nikon Rocks !! :thumbsup:

Yes it does!

:-D