New Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AF-S

Quick plug first - I've relaunched my web-site for a custom blog-site. Hope you like it.

In response to a request from Azz my thoughts:

I use 50mm a lot - that and the 24-70 are pretty much the lenses I could shoot any wedding with these days and that's often the case. The older 50/1.4 is a decent lens, but not great until f2, the AF isn't super-accurate and prone to CA. It's also pretty noisy.

The new lens is a keeper for me and for the following reasons: Sharp from f1.4, less CA, silent AF, small and unobstrusive, excellent value. Smoother bokeh is also a real result.

As ever, best demonstrated with samples. I tend to buy my main kit off-season so I can be sure it'll work when called upon in anger.





















All shots today with the new Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AF-S - indoor with D3 and outdoor with D700

The shot of me was taken by Mrs C, and we won't mention the 8 preceding shots where the house was in focus :grin:

A couple of grabbed portraits:





Both D3

And my next-door neighbours close escape earlier this week. He almost lost the house:

The arrival





Bill retains a sense of humour amongst the mayhem



Jess looked the most concerned



A second unit arrives:



A good job done and the house is saved. No serious damage thankfully.



All D700 (at ISO6400) and new 50/1.4 AF-S at ISO6400

Lovely set of shots and glad your neighbours ok and his belongings.

Will be checking out your website soon.

Checked out the website, the wedding stuff excellent as usual.

Hello, where you been?

I am really pleased to read this review as this is going to be my first purchase when I buy my D300 (yes, I am buying a Nikon!) Infact the 24-70 was another I was considering

I will check out the website, though I liked the old one too

As usual great shots,I love the first one some very dramatic, gorgeous family by the way.

Great to see you back

Suzi xx

Great set of shots - and a visible review of a cracking lens.

I brought a 24-70mm today - I'd been thinking about it for a few days because of a job I have coming up. I think I will enjoy playing with it.

Great review Guy, and fantastic shots as per usual - I so want that combo (D700/50).

If you get two mins, I'd love to see some indoor shots with it on the D700... actually I'd love to hear your thoughts on the D700 full stop

Checked out the new site too, looks great! (Left a comment as well!)

Guy, you know I loved your old site, well this one is fab! I love the Blog style, it makes it more relaxed for potential clients too, they get to see some of your personality as well as your work.It really works

I have bookmarked it, so I can see what you have been up to LOL

Thanks jols

Hey Suzi, thanks very much. A Nikon at last!!!! Sure you don't want that D700 though?

I've had a really busy year with weddings and had 9 in November and December alone, so it got a bit much. I'm wedding free until March now when it starts again!

Great buy with the 24-70mm. It's a stunning lens.

Thanks Azz and for the comment.

If you see a shot with the D3 it may as well have been taken with the D700 - they're exactly the same. The D700 is a lovely camera. Whilst not 'small' it feels compact after using a pair of D3's all day and it's the camera I choose when I go out for personal work rather than weddings etc. It's an absolute bargain right now as well and Nikon are putting their prices up next week (as are Canon) so won't get any cheaper.

That's exactly the reaction I'm after. It went live last weekend and I've had 2 bookings already from people who really liked the feel and personality of it.

Thank you

Guy I would love D700, as all the pics I see from it are amazingbut if I bought one,I would have no budget left really for a lens

Fair point - it's a tough call. You might see a used one for a decent price I guess?

Go on Moon - get the same kit as me, D700 + 50mm AFS

I am soooooooo tempted to get mine now, esp now they announced a price rise!