50mm f/1.4 AF-D Question(s)

[aaron_yeo]

<p>I've searched, and searched, and Googled, even Yahoo!ed, but there are some little points evading me right now.<br>

<br /> I'm looking at a decent deal and buying a used 50 1.4 AF-D from someone, and I don't have the balls to meet up with him if I'm going to pixel peep and ultimately not buy it (unless there's a major defect/problem). If it was from a store, I'd go and try it out, but unfortunately that's not a likely option.</p>

<p>So what I'd like to know, from all you 50mm 1.4 AF-D (not S/G) owners out there, is how well it performs, when it comes to immeasurable qualities such as how it handles coma, CA, flare, contrast, and any other issues you may have. Not just real-world application, but extremes. You know, shooting into the sun kind of stuff. Comparisons to the 1.8 are welcome, but my 1.8 is a little faulty.</p>

<p>Anyone care to share anecdotal experience?</p>

[acbeddoe]

<p>Very sharp, even crisp, images. The color cast is slightly cool, the bokeh quite smooth. Not particularly prone to flare. Excellent lens.</p>

[aaron_yeo]

<p>What about CA and coma? I always get lots with the 50 and the 85 1.8, since I do like to shoot as wide open as possible.</p>

[acbeddoe]

<p>I've not seen those issues with mine.</p>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>Why not order from a reputable establishment that has a return policy? Adorama is great with this. Use the Store link at the upper right of this page. They have used 50 1.4D's pretty often.</p>

<p>have you looked at Bjorn's reviews? The best out there imho. http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html</p>

[michael_bradtke]

<p>Its soft wide open. It has some CA wide open. Use the right hood and it is not to bad with flare. Like most all super speed lenses it has some loss of contrast wide open.<br>

If you need the speed it a good lens. BTW I find the OOF backgrounds to be a little on the harsh side. I find the 50 f/1.2 or 50 f/2.0 to be better in that respect.<br>

Peter is right check out Bjorn's site and buy it from some place that you can send it back if you do not like it.</p>

[tom_boston1]

<p>If going the used route, you might also want to confirm that it isn't a gray market lens in case you ever want it serviced at a Nikon facility.</p>

<p>Personally, gray market wouldn't bother me if it's a good deal for a working lens since a simple lens like that can be serviced almost anywhere. Even more complex lenses are readily serviced at facilities like Authorized Photo Service in Morton Grove, IL, among others.</p>