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Nikon Announces AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G lens

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Posted by Patrick on Sep 22, 2008 in 2008 Photokina, Lenses

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Nikon has announced a new prime lens today, the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G. It boasts a new lens design with 8 elements in 7 groups, and a circular aperture diaphragm for improved bokeh. Also of note, the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G has the Silent Wave Motor built in, a boon for those shooting with entry level DSLR models of Nikon. This looks to be fine lens for FX and DX Nikon shooters:

Thanks to the maximum aperture of f/1.4 and newly refined optical performance, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G teams perfectly with the low noise at high ISO sensitivity performance of Nikon D-SLRs such as the D3 and new D700 cameras. When used on a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G provides an ideal portrait picture angle, approximating that of a 75mm lens in use on a FX-format D-SLR or 35mm SLR camera.

-Nikon

The AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G will be available in December for est. $439.95.

Hopefully they won’t stop the redesigns with just the 50mm…

Press Release

Nikon celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Nikkor Optical Excellence with an all-new 50mm F/1.4 Prime Lens

75 Years Later and 45 Million Lenses Produced, the NIKKOR Pedigree Continues to Thrive with the Introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2008) – Nikon Inc. celebrates 75 years of defining optical excellence with the release of the newly engineered AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 prime lens that is considered by many photographers to be an essential tool with a focal length that closely replicates the visual perspective of the human eye when used with an FX-format D-SLR. Nikon’s optical expertise and modern technological advances, such as the Silent Wave Motor, help to deliver outstanding operation that is critical for Nikon FX and DX-format photographers who demand the pinnacle of photographic performance.

Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4 lens combines a superb optical formula with an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, making it destined to become an instant classic in this digital age. This compact lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 1.5 feet for added versatility. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet operation.

“The traditional 50mm lens has been a mainstay of photography for generations and deserves a place in every enthusiast and professional’s camera system. Experienced photographers have always appreciated the incredible image fidelity and low-light ability that a precisely engineered 50mm lens can deliver,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “In addition, seasoned shooters often prefer the photographic discipline imposed by the use of prime lenses. Now, a new generation of photographers is discovering the freedom of capturing images that would be impossible with anything but an ultra-fast-aperture lens. Our 75 years of high-performance optical experience and stringent quality standards have won the hearts of photographers around the world, as Nikon is also celebrating 45 million NIKKOR lenses produced. In fact, five million of these lenses were produced in the last year alone, further reinforcing our contemporary leadership in the digital SLR market.”

Thanks to the maximum aperture of f/1.4 and newly refined optical performance, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G teams perfectly with the low noise at high ISO sensitivity performance of Nikon D-SLRs such as the D3 and new D700 cameras. When used on a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G provides an ideal portrait picture angle, approximating that of a 75mm lens in use on a FX-format D-SLR or 35mm SLR camera.

A newly developed optical formula effectively corrects sagittal coma flare and coma aberration, delivering astonishing image quality and allowing more users to realize their creative vision with vivid clarity. Instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are further suppressed through the use of Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance. The rounded diaphragm opening combined with the nine-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements.

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning December 2008 at an estimated selling price of $439.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Specifications

Image Circle: 35mm
Type Standard: Prime
Focal Length: 50mm
APS Equivalent: 75mm
Max Aperture: f/1.4
Min Aperture: f/16
Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded)
Lens Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups
Diagonal Angle of View: (Based on image circle) 46 degrees
Focus Details Silent Wave Motor: (SWM), M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus)
Front Element Rotation: No
Zoom System: n/a
Closest Focus: 0.45m / 1.5 ft.
Magnification Ratio: 0.15x / 1:6.8
Filter Size: 58mm
Dimensions
(Length x Diameter): 54mm x 73.5mm / 2.1 in. x 2.9 in.
Weight: 280g / 9.9 oz.
Notes:
Included Accessories: Bayonet hood HB-47, Flexible lens pouch CL-1013
M.S.R.P. US$440 (Available Dec. 2008)

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