Nikon Nikkor Ais 50mm f1.4 Review and Specifications
In this article, I have reviewed Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AiS lens from Ai-s series, which is known all over the world for its quality. Reviews about the Nikon Nikkor 50mm ais f1.8 lens, which has the potential to create wonders with its sharpness and color, are also very positive. As usual, I start my writing with technical information. The table is ready: that is nikon 50mm f1.4…
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Ais Specifications
| Lens Name | Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.4 ai-s |
| Building materials | Metal |
| Weight | 255g |
| Length | 3.5 cm |
| Optical Element | 7 optics in 6 groups |
| Minimum focus distance | 45 cm |
| Number of diaphragm leaves | 7 leaves |
| Anti-shake | no |
| Max- min aperture | f: 1,4 –f: 16 |
| Filter diameter | 52mm |
| Made in | Japanese |
Physical Properties of Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AiS
Nikon 50mm f1.4 ais lens was produced between 1977 and 1981. It is the production of Japanese Nikon firm. Made for manual analog cameras. In order to provide diaphragm passages in Nikon machines of the period, there is an apparatus with a small double screw mounted on the diaphragm ring and with a protrusion-recess. This apparatus provides diaphragm passages in the analog machine to which it is connected. But in today’s dslr or mirrorless machines it has no significance and can be removed.
It has a physically fitting structure. Grip strength compared to today’s modern 50mm lenses. The biggest reason for this will be that it is built on a metallic skeleton, not plastic. Only the focus ring is plastic. The diaphragm ring is made of hardened plastic. Plastic is preferred for better adhesion to the hand.
Nikon 50mm f1.4 AiS Bokeh
Its 7-leaf diaphragm gives circular bokeh in f1.4. You can simply review the bokeh test photos above. As you can see, as the diaphragm narrows, hepatic bokeh begins to emerge. The diaphragm transitions are so immense that the lens in my hand. It is neither too hard nor too soft. Aperture values are expressed on the lens in colored numbers. This was not something that could happen frequently before. However, it was repeated with a slightly smaller and white color below these numbers. It is very successful to grip the diaphragm ring. The serrated surface is pretty good in concept. But there are 2 situations in the diaphragm ring that I can criticize. One is that the ring is quite narrow, and the other is that the diaphragm passages stop only at the main stops. Unfortunately, it does not stop at half stops.
f.1.4 has full circular bokeh in the center. Cat-like bokeh is formed at the edges. Since F2.8, heptagon bokeh can be selected directly in the center and on the edges. Bokehs do not smell characters, but good quality.
I can say that the sharpness ring is the softest of the lenses I have ever used. Even the Nikon AF 50mm f1.8 lenses were not that comfortable. It has a rotation angle of approximately 150 degrees. You can focus without having to turn too little or too much. Handling is also pretty good.
Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AiS te CA and Vignette
Unfortunately, chromatic aberrations (CA) that I often encounter with Nikon lenses are also observed in this lens. Especially at f1.4, the most open diaphragm. F2 also continues the CA. When we get to F2.8, even though most of the CA is removed, it is not possible to completely disappear. Although F5.6 is very low, the CA does not disappear completely when viewed carefully. But I must say that it is better than many nikon lenses today.
Vignette, which is one of the biggest handicaps of full frame lenses, can be easily selected in our lens in a full frame machine, especially in the most open aperture. It is felt less on Crop machines. Vignetting decreases as the diaphragm is reduced in full faram. Although there is a significant decrease in F2.8, it will reach its lowest level at f5.6.
The front element of the 50mm f1.4 lens does not rotate during focusing. So there is no problem for using cpl filter. In addition, approximately 8 mm of front optics are elongated during focusing. Like modern prime lenses, the focus doesn’t stop inside the lens.
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AiS Sharpness
Let’s get to the sharpness. One of the most famous factors that makes Nikkor 50mm f1.4 ais lens is its sharpness. Even F1.4 has acceptable center acuity. The difference can be felt with the presence of 7 elements in 6 groups and the quality of these lenses being Nikkor. While the sharpness is in a very good condition in F2, you should only be living in that moment to tell after f4. Below you can examine the samples taken at different diaphragm values. (Please consider the quality loss during installation)
Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Ais Color and Contrast
Color and contrast are satisfactory in f1.4. It has a consistency at F2.8 and it looks great until f11. It can be observed that there is a little bit of decrease in contrast with sharpness in F16.
When it comes to the backlight, ghost can be observed in open diaphragms. Such ghosts can often be observed in analog period lenses. It’s not tiring.
Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Ais Price
Nikon’s site is still being sold and costs $ 470. As a second hand, it finds buyers abroad at an average price of $ 150.
Nikon ais 50mm f1.4 ais is a special lens. I think it is better quality than today’s Nikon 50mm lenses. It is also different among F1.4s. Optical quality is really great. The most important is the Takumar 50mm f1.4’s leading competitors. I recommend you find the cleaner and add it to the collection.
