![[Lens Review] Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.jerfareza.camera%2Ffeatured-images%2F10459-nikon-50mm-f1.4-ai.jpg&w=3840&q=80)
Table of Contents
As mentioned in a past article, 50mm is probably my favorite focal length. This particular 50mm lens from Nikon is undoubtedly the most used lens at my disposal (so far). I’ve gone on dozens of trips and taken approximately a thousand photos with this lens attached to my Nikon FM or digital Nikon bodies. Here’s my (hopefully unbiased) review of the lens.
Build and Handling
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 255 grams
- Filter size: 52 mm
- Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m
- Aperture: 7 blades, stopping down to f16
Like all other Nikon lenses of the same period, Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI is entirely metal except for the focus ring which is made from plastic. It feels great to hold and to play around.
The long throw of the focus ring is my favorite feature of the lens, enabling a precise focus in all situations. Although it may hinder you from nailing the focus in a situation that requires you to change focus quickly such as the photo below.
Image Quality
Make no mistake, Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI is sharp and punches above its weight. It might not be the sharpest lens of its generation but it’s more than enough for my style of photography. In my opinion, it’s slightly sharper than the 50mm AF-D version that I own.
There is slight vignetting at the corners when the lens is wide open but it’s nothing a post-processing lens profiling can not fix. It does look noticeable when you’re shooting at the skies. Luckily the coating gives ample control against bright light flares. I like how the flares look as shown below.
As this is an old lens, you may find color fringes when using the lens against bright sunlight or other light sources. This is even more evident when using larger apertures. This too can be controlled with correction in post-processing.
Given the large maximum aperture of f1.4, this lens is super useful at night or in low-light situations, especially for film photography where you can’t easily raise ISO to compensate for the dim lighting. Though, you have to be content with the amount of grain if you are not doing long exposure.
Last but not least, I want to talk about bokeh produced by this lens. I have to admit it’s by no means a beautiful rendering. The bokeh looks busy and it could be non-circular and uneven if you are not shooting at the largest aperture. Still, you get a great object separation to make your images pop.
The Verdict
Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI easily scores a 9/10 in my book.
Given its fair price point (starting from ¥ $15,000 or $100, depending on the conditions at the time this article is written), great quality for its age, and handsome retro looks, it’s an attractive companion for any F-mount Nikon camera, film or digital.
I had the most fun shooting with this lens. I made a lot of creative shots in the daytime or night, in rain or snow, just with this lens. It’s well-suited for everyday use for any style of photography.
If you have the means to get this vintage Nikon lens, I think you should get it. You’ll love it!
Sample Photos
Digital
Film
