I love that you posted this right after the anouncement! I'm wondering how this lens compares to the 1.8 in low light, and how big of a difference 1.4 really makes
Awesome video as per usual. Also, I have to say I bought some presets from your website and they became very quickly my favorites - going back for more...
Another fantastic video. I love your videos for many reasons but my favorite has to be the variety of Sydney locations you take us on. I feel like Sydney is absolutely a city that I would love.
Cool to see Nikon putting out some 1.4s that are affordable. Remember back in the good ole DSLR days when you could get a 50 1.4 for a couple hundred bucks and it was also small. Now days the standard is a 50 1.2 that is the size of a 50oz water bottle and costs $2k. So dumb. But hey, it’s “sharp.”
Nikon has always had an optical advantage over competitors because it produces its own glass from the ground up. This has previously allowed Nikon to produce better, more affordable lenses than the competition, and the trend appears to be continuing.
What a truly gorgeous model. Watching at 2K on my laptop, I find that the sharpness at 1.4 is perfectly fine on your 100% crops. I definitely like the overall IQ on this lens.
Many thanks for sharing Julia; have just started on the "50mm" journey!; purchased an older 50mm F1.8 D to use with my D780, amazing quality from such an old Lens !!!
Hello, dear Julia, thank you very much for this lens test! Your model is very pretty, that comes across very well in the pictures. Considering the price, this lens definitely has to go with my Z 6 III. I really like the image look of this lens. Thank you again for the portrait test of the Z 50 1.4!
It's definitely targeted to newbies/hobbyists who want a lower barrier of entry price, but great glass (w/quirks) overall. Also to those who dont want/need/think the "S-line" is too expensive. I get what Nikon is doing...but I don't think it's the best use of their R&D time, personally. I think they should relaunch the 50/1.2 S 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 the LED screen, which adds bulk/unnecessary components to the lens. Drop the price a bit too, itd be a top seller. Im still waiting on the Z 35/1.2 S...along w/ hopefully a 15-35/2.8 S lens somewhere down the line 🤞🏽
As I own the Z mount 50mm f/1.2, I agree about the screen. But it’s a big, heavy lens. When it makes sense, it’s incredible. But more often than not, I’ve been reaching for my 35mm f/1.8 or the 40mm f/2.0. The 50mm f/1.2 is often just too big and heavy for many situations. The 1.8 rendering might be my preference after seeing some of the quirks of this 1.4. But I’d guess this 1.4 will be a hit. A fun, everyday carry combo would be this 50mm f/1.4 and the Zf body. In a year or two that combo might be about $2000. That’s a lot of capability for an enthusiast photographer.
Hey i enjoyed watching this. Especially because some GREAT shots appear on screen. What a lovely 50mm lens with great value for money from Nikon ! f1.2 - and therefore with a usable f2 - is a great option for low light situations !
Love your review! The clarity is nice on this lens but (and again I've never used it), I don't particularly like the quality of the bokeh on this lens based on the images shared (and from watching other YT reviews).
I already have the 50 1.8 which I love. I can’t really see what I would gain with this lens. I am interested in the 35 1.4 and would jump at an 85 1.4 if Nikon should release one though.
i think that the only reasonable comparison you can make is with the 50 1.8 . I don't understand how people compare it with the 4x more expensive 50 1.2 So i'm waiting for those videos that show the details of one versus the other, because when it comes to 35 1.4 vs 1.8 i would always choose 35 1.8 - much sharper I see the details are quite good.. I hate that this isn't an S lens
Great video! Their 1.4 lens lineup is def for the hobbyists. Perfect to pair with the ZF. For me, my 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 is better for me. Still waiting for the 35 1.2 though lol
Hey Julia, would you recommend this 1.4 over the 1.8 s for mostly portraiture? I already have the 1.8 s and I'm considering switching to this 1.4 for that extra step of light, the extra control ring and better mfd. It seems it adds a nice character while loosing some sharpness especially in the corners. Shame the size and weight is basically the same. I wish they could make it more compact. It would be great if Nikon could release a new line of compact and lightweight lenses, and even more some SE heritage ones to match the ZF.
I am working on my 50mm comparison video where you will be able to see some side by side photos of these 2 lenses. I would say the 1.8S has a bit better performance overall than the 1.4. But the character of a lens is very personal, and this lens has a very unique look to it
Julia are you planning to review Nikon Z6iii that you used with the 50 f1.4? It is interesting if the camera fits your requirements as a portrait photographer. Thanks!
@JuliaTrotti You said nonagon again! That's so delightful. 😀 You has mentioned that this lens seems to occupy an unusual place in the market. That seems to be happening quite a bit lately! Sigma and Tamon, especially, have been coming up with very unusual focal lengths. It's interesting to see it from Nikon and Sony now too. Maybe it's a necessity with so many competing lenses available these days. How do you feel about the unusual focal lengths? Would you rather stick with traditional focal lengths, or use something that trades off range for weight? (or sharpness? or bokeh?) I feel like it is hard for me to justify buying those lenses because they overlap so heavily with lenses I already have. But if I were just starting out, some of them might make a lot more sense.
Julia can you share your thoughts between the Nikon z6iii and the lumix s5ii. Im a photographer first wanting to get into video. I probably wont get the z6iii more like the z6ii. which files look better straight out of camera in your opinion Nikons or Lumix?
This new lens line up from Nikon is a system seller for hobbyists. The f1.2 lenses are way too chunky, and this offers f1.4 with nice character at a good price and size. Sure other lenses are sharper, but nobody wants to carry 800g lenses around traveling or hiking when this has 90% of the image quality and even better character. Usually the decision was small, light and 1.8 or big, heavy and 1.4, now Nikon added asymmetry to provide more options for different needs and I love that.
Very true! I was a little confused at the pricing for this one in Aus though as it’s the same $ as the 1.8S on release. But down the line, this will be a very good option for people looking for an affordable set up
Thanks for a great video!...Just wish Nikon will make a new version of Z 50mm 1.2, the current one is so big and heavy when compare to Sony FE 50mm 1.2...I'm thinking of buying a Sony 50mm 1.2 and use an ETZ adapter.
Thanks for watching! That’s why I thought this lens would be more along the lines of the f1.2S in terms of quality, but in a smaller build. I agree it would be nice to have a physically smaller but high IQ 50mm lens option from Nikon eventually
I wonder has I use Lightroom and Lightroom blur . I don’t own a 50 mm lens . I use the z40 f2 on the z 8 it preforms above its price range. I found your focus issue really interesting ( it is real world stuff ) . However I found the z7 Ii auto focus works Better on eyes than the z8. My advice for wanna be professionals beginners . Is invest in top glass . Simply put the lower price lenses will always need up grades. The selling on to up grade may be part of the growing your business at first ! I have the z 8 and z7ii these in time I will replace , that said I have lenses I go to that will out live the camera bodies. Glass is very important and learning how to get the image that defines your work ? Glass more than body . Technical ability and creativity we learn and improve quicker than the camera company bring out their latest and greatest new stuff . Your blur or Bokker understanding ? Lightroom blur tool could you please try it out and see if Lightroom blur is a game changer ? I am thinking of a z 50 mm but have the 85 z and 105 z the 70-200 z and my favourite is the Samyang 135 FE I love it. So I say thanks for the update , I may get a 50 mm but I am a birdie so don’t do loads of portraits . But when I do I am more 35 mm and 85 mm . You have a great eye lady .
Hello all. I am a beginning photographer trying to up my video making game. Quick question, how do you get that active recording of your camera while you shoot. The one that she usually displays as b roll on top of the active video. Almost looks like we are inside the screen. How is that captured? Cheers.
Its not about the body always. The biggest problem with Nikon today is lense choices. I wish Nikon makes a S line 1.4 series for hybrid shooters. 1.4 S line can be a optimum balance of quality, charecter, weight n price . Unfortunately nikon dosent have amazing support like sony from Zeiss or sigma.
nikon has great strategy here: best IQ pro f1.8 and f1.2, and casual budget f1.4; im not buying this lens. already got z 35/1.8s. I WILL BUY Z 50MM F1.8S lol. but i think ill get the z 85/1.4
They just want to eke out very minor improvements to claim how much better their new lenses are, size and weight be damned. Of course in the real world no one notices these micro improvements unless they know what to look for, read: obsessive gear whores.
@@nickorafael3887This new Nikon 50mm F1.4 is already the smallest and lightest F1.4 lens among the Full Frame mirrorless lenses, Sony and Canon included.
@@dubenickthey mostly come with old DSLR af motors that are loud and clicks. It’s nice to have the option with older less corrected and sharp style with modern af motors. Plus you need to deal with adapters
Nikon finally understood the need to diversify its lenses offer, but too late in my opinion. As of today, I strongly believe that Nikon proposal is professional oriented only (and it does it well, great cameras and lenses). For amateurs like me who want performing but light and not so heavy gear, there’s sadly not a lot to see. That’s why I decided to switch to Sony. Lighter cameras and much more lenses to choose
Great video! But this lens doesn't seem to be for me. I don't care about critical corner sharpness, but I do want a nice and round bokeh. However, as you said, this lens has a vintage bokeh (of the less good vintage lenses) that I don't like. So I'm still waiting for a 50mm Nikon Z lens that I really like. The 50mm f1.2 is optically great, but (unnecessarily) huge and heavy. The 50mm f2.8 is too slow for me. I don't like the bokeh of this 50mm f1.4. So I'll probably keep my 50mm f1.8 S for now (although it could be a bit faster for my taste).
Yeah, I've said for years I wish Nikon would relaunch the Z 50/1.2 S lens WITHOUT the LED screen...that they seemed super fond of at launch, but then quickly phased out of the rest of their Z lenses 😆! It's unnecessary, it adds components/bulk to the lens that it doesn't need. If they could remodel it & relaunch at a slightly lower price point, it'd be a seller.
The 50/1.4 isn't S-line at all, that'd be the main/biggest difference. Great cost-effective glass, but not "superior" as you'd find in the S-line lenses.
@@karyleianawildernesscapes Hi.. Thanks for the reply... So S Line is still far way more better in quality? I'm thinking of buying a 50mm Lens.. Then this comes out.
@jayraldbalai4577 For the highest sharpness - get Z50 f1.8S which is crazy sharp. If you need f1.2 or you are a pro - get even better Z50mm f1.2, also S lens. F1.2 in Nikon line up replaces old premium f1.4 lenses. This line of lenses Z f1.4 are not S lenses, they are thought of as a complimentary line of lenses that will not rival f1.2 or f1.8 S lenses. The idea here is to produce lenses that are fast, light, affordable, not as excellent optically, but with a character, with nice bokeh and nice rendering.
Julia, you most definitely have a bad copy of the 50 1.8S, I would get another one. I own the 1.2 and the 1.8 and the 1.8 is sharper wide open. In fact, it s the sharpest lens i ve ever had, and i also have the 24 70 2.8S which is stupid sharp
Sony's lenses and focusing technology receive a lot of praise. Especially their autofocus systems are highly advanced in terms of speed and precision. Sony's Alpha series cameras and compatible lenses offer a significant advantage, particularly for photographers looking to capture moving subjects. Additionally, Sony's G Master series lenses are highly appreciated for both their sharpness and bokeh performance. These features make Sony a standout choice for many professional and amateur photographers.
Simple rule: The nearer the background is to your subject the less bokeh and background blur you get. Those shots are not my gusto. There are other videos showing better pictures. Also the white balance isn't set correctly on the models face. This are usually beginner mistakes in photography.
this video could have been cut to 1 minute and just said "wait till nikon makes a real lens thats 1.4" and "whats the point of buying a z6(3) $2500 camera if ur gonna buy a blurry lens" ..."thanks for watching, bye" .... what a disappointment this lens is ....
