Fast Nikon normal lens with natural 50mm perspective — standard focal length for portraits and available-light shooting.
Technical Details
The lens features 7 elements in 6 groups in the current AF-S version and achieves a minimum focusing distance of 45cm. The wide aperture of f/1.4 allows for low-light shooting without additional lighting and produces a shallow depth of field of approximately 8cm when focused at a distance of 2 meters. The lens weighs 280g, measures 73.5mm in diameter, and 54mm in length. The filter size is 58mm. Various versions exist: the manual AI/AI-S series (1977-2010), the AF-D version (1989), and the current AF-S variant (2008) with a Silent Wave Motor for autofocus.
History & Development
Nikon introduced the first Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 for the F-mount in 1962, based on the Double Gauss design. In 1977, the AI version with improved automatic aperture control followed, and in 1981, the AI-S variant with linear focusing for film cameras. The AF-D version from 1989 brought autofocus and distance information for exposure metering. In 2008, the AF-S version with an ultrasonic motor was released and is still in production today. In parallel, Nikon developed specialized cine versions for professional film productions.
Practical Use in Film
Cinematographers appreciate the 50mm f/1.4 for documentary shots and natural perspectives without distortion. Stanley Kubrick used modified Nikkor lenses for the candlelight scenes in "Barry Lyndon" (1975). The wide aperture allows for available-light shooting indoors without additional lighting. At its widest aperture, it creates characteristic bokeh for portrait shots. The disadvantage lies in the shallow depth of field, which requires precise focusing and becomes problematic with moving subjects.
Comparison & Alternatives
The Nikkor differs from the Canon 50mm f/1.4 through warmer color rendition and less vignetting. The Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4 offers higher sharpness but costs three times as much. Modern alternatives include the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art with better optical performance or the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 for mirrorless cameras. For film productions, cine versions like the Zeiss CP.2 50mm are often preferred, offering focus gears and uniform front diameters.