Nikon has announced a new 50mm lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G. The new 50mm lens features the Nikon Silent Wave Motor and a fast f/1.4 aperture. The new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G will be available in December for about $440. Check availability at trusted online retailer Adorama.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Press Release
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2008) – Nikon Inc. celebrates 75 years of defining optical excellence with the release of the newly engineered AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 prime lens that is considered by many photographers to be an essential tool with a focal length that closely replicates the visual perspective of the human eye when used with an FX-format D-SLR. Nikon’s optical expertise and modern technological advances, such as the Silent Wave Motor, help to deliver outstanding operation that is critical for Nikon FX and DX-format photographers who demand the pinnacle of photographic performance.
Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4 lens combines a superb optical formula with an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, making it destined to become an instant classic in this digital age. This compact lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 1.5 feet for added versatility. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet operation.
“The traditional 50mm lens has been a mainstay of photography for generations and deserves a place in every enthusiast and professional’s camera system. Experienced photographers have always appreciated the incredible image fidelity and low-light ability that a precisely engineered 50mm lens can deliver,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “In addition, seasoned shooters often prefer the photographic discipline imposed by the use of prime lenses. Now, a new generation of photographers is discovering the freedom of capturing images that would be impossible with anything but an ultra-fast-aperture lens. Our 75 years of high-performance optical experience and stringent quality standards have won the hearts of photographers around the world, as Nikon is also celebrating 45 million NIKKOR lenses produced. In fact, five million of these lenses were produced in the last year alone, further reinforcing our contemporary leadership in the digital SLR market.”
Thanks to the maximum aperture of f/1.4 and newly refined optical performance, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G teams perfectly with the low noise at high ISO sensitivity performance of Nikon D-SLRs such as the D3 and new D700 cameras. When used on a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G provides an ideal portrait picture angle, approximating that of a 75mm lens in use on a FX-format D-SLR or 35mm SLR camera.
A newly developed optical formula effectively corrects sagittal coma flare and coma aberration, delivering astonishing image quality and allowing more users to realize their creative vision with vivid clarity. Instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are further suppressed through the use of Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance. The rounded diaphragm opening combined with the nine-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements.
The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning December 2008 at an estimated selling price of $439.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
YAY!!!! :D Hopefully this won’t be the last thing we see this week.
-peter
(aka “That crazy Nikon Guy!”)
I’d really like to get this lens but my one concern is that on a D40 it takes photos that are more like the ones you’d get with a 75mm lens on a film camera. The sigma AF-S prime isn’t as good on optical quality but it’s 30mm which takes photos that are more like 50mm with a film camera.
What do people find more versatile or effective with a DX frame: the 50mm or the 30mm lenses?
Looks like a great lens.
Always good to have improved background blur. :)
The more aperture blades the better! haha
Harper, I’d have to say that I believe you would be better off with the Sigma 30 on a DX camera for a standard lens.
-peter
Hey harper im in the place as you atm. im thikn about the 30mm sigma f1.4 but also the 50mm nikon f1.4 af-s and i also have a d40 with a 18-135 dx lense. After doing hours of research and fundraising i have desided to get the nikon 50mm f1.4. because ive tryed the sigma and it’s really nothing specail and it’s not a portrait lense or a really wide angle lense and i think the 50mm will be a better focal lenth so you can use it for portraits and marco and low light stuff too. well im looking forward to getting this lense! plus they are about the same price too!
Cheers
Tom
I would love to get the Nikkor 50mm Af-s. I must say though, I will wait a while, the lens costs as much as the camera. All other nikon 50 mm are much less expensive. I bought the D40x because of cost, why would I pay as much for a lens. Like I said, I would love to have it.