Nikon Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D Lens
The Nikon 50mm f/1.4D is a 50mm f/1.4 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $173.4 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D Lens
Used Nikon 50mm f/1.4D Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
Key Features — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
50mm f/1.4 Aperture: The wide maximum aperture allows shooting in low ambient light and provides strong subject-background separation through shallow depth of field.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with a wide range of Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras, including both film and digital bodies.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame sensors, delivering the classic 50mm field of view that closely matches natural human vision.
Autofocus with Manual Override: Supports both auto and manual focus operation, giving photographers flexibility across different shooting situations.
Lightweight Build: Weighing just 230g, this lens adds minimal bulk to a camera kit, making it practical for all-day carry.
D-Type Lens: Transmits subject distance information to compatible Nikon bodies, improving exposure accuracy with 3D Matrix Metering and flash output.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel, Night |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
The Nikon Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D is a prime lens designed for the Nikon F mount, offering full-frame coverage across a broad range of Nikon DSLR bodies. Its 50mm focal length places it in the standard range, a versatile choice for portraits, documentary work, street photography, and everyday shooting. The headline specification is the f/1.4 maximum aperture, which opens up creative possibilities in terms of both low-light performance and depth-of-field control — allowing photographers to isolate subjects with a shallower focus plane when the situation calls for it.
Focusing is handled through either autofocus or manual focus, providing flexibility across a variety of shooting styles and conditions. At 230g, the lens is genuinely compact and easy to carry, fitting neatly into most camera bags without adding noticeable weight. The 52mm filter thread accommodates a wide range of commonly available filter accessories.
It is worth noting that this lens has no image stabilization, so handheld technique remains important in challenging lighting scenarios.
Pros — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
- ✓Wide f/1.4 maximum aperture enables strong subject-background separation and low-light shooting flexibility
- ✓Lightweight at just 230g, making it highly portable for all-day use
- ✓50mm focal length covers the standard range, well-suited to portraits, street, and general photography
Cons — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
- ✗No image stabilization, which can limit handheld performance in very low light at slower shutter speeds
- ✗Fixed 50mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, requiring the photographer to reframe by moving physically
- ✗Nikon F mount limits compatibility to Nikon DSLR systems without the use of an adapter
Reviews — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
Videos — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF D lens Review - A bargain AF lens for the beginner looking to get into low light — Vahagraphy
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 50mm f/1.4D
What cameras is this lens compatible with?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount and is designed for Nikon DSLR cameras. It is built to cover a full-frame image circle, so it is suitable for use on both full-frame and APS-C Nikon F-mount bodies.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, this lens does not include image stabilization. Photographers should be mindful of shutter speed when shooting handheld, particularly in low-light situations.
Can I use manual focus with this lens?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation, giving you the option to switch between the two depending on your shooting needs.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 52mm filter thread, which is a common size with a wide selection of compatible filters available from many accessory manufacturers.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 230g, making it one of the lighter f/1.4 prime options available for the Nikon F mount system.