What is the best Nikon 50mm f/1.4 autofocus (af) lens?

As far as I know Nikon has made three different 50mm f/1.4 af

lenses. There's their original 50 1.4 af made from 1986-91 with the

small plastic focusing ring. Then there's the 50 1.4 "N" made from

1991-95 and finally the 50 1.4 D which is their current model. I've

heard that the newest D lens does not have very high production

quality. People have mentioned a "cheap plastic feel" to it. I was

wondering if this is true and if the previous versions have the same

problems. Also how does the autofocusing of the oldest af lens

compare to the newer models?

The best is the 1.8

Acutally the AF-D has two versions. The ones made in Japan, and the newer ones made in china - you can see a different colouring in the coatings if you look at them side by side. Since I used them for a stero setup I can't say that there was any different in rendition.

 

All the 50s are good - stop worrying about it and just buy one / take some pictures. If you really want the best, the new AF-D F1.8 is the best.

John, I will join in with not answering your question and say that the new 1.8 is very good. It feels strong enough to me. 1.8 is fast enough and it can produce beautifully sharp pictures. On a side note, I have just enter the world of 50mm fixed (from the zany land of zooms) and I must say that it is a wonderful place here. Just get one and enjoy! Imagine my surprise at having to WALK nearer and further from the subject to get the composition right! Strangely, this fixed lens makes me take side steps too, walking around the subject to get a better shot. Anyway, way off topic, so bye.