BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Camera Lenses

Difference Between 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.4 Lenses

Can some one tell me the difference between 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.4 Nikkor lenses. I read in one of the reviews that 50mm lenses are ideal for people starting with SLR photography. Can someone also elucidate as to how 50mm lenses are better suited for starters than the default lens (28-80) provided with the kit?

Thanks

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April 29, 2002

(a) it closely matches the field of view of normal eyesite, so it is easier to compose,

(b) as a prime lens with simple optics it is very sharp, much sharper than the $100 28-80 zoom lenses.

(c) it's wide maximum aperture is great for low/existing light photography so that you don't have the distracting shadows and red-eye effect of flash, and better illustrates for students the shallow depth of focus of wider apertures than does the f/4-5.6 maximum aperture of cheap zooms,

(d) the f/1.8 is too cheap to pass up.

The f/1.4 is more expensive because of the wider aperture and it has more rugged construction for pro use.

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April 29, 2002

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May 01, 2002