Have you wondered what is difference between the 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4? Wondering do you need to invest the extra money in the 50mm 1.4 or would the 50mm 1.8 be a better fit?
When I first started to learn about manual mode my friend, Megan Cieloha, told me it would be really hard with my kit lens and recommended I purchase the 50mm 1.8. I remember thinking “$100 for a lens, oh my goodness, that is expensive!” Little did I know that was the most inexpensive lens I would buy.
I think the 50mm “nifty fifty” is a fantastic lens to start with. It is inexpensive compared to many of the other lenses out there, it’s a prime lens, and it’s aperture can go as wide as 1.8. The lens packs quite a punch for it’s price tag.
My 50mm lives on my camera most of the time. It really is a great everyday lens. I kept my 50mm 1.8 for 2 years before I updated this past December to the 50mm 1.4D. I was even able to buy a refurbished one from a reputable company. Personally, I love the 50mm 1.4! It is a little heavier which for some reason makes me believe it is better quality. However, once I started to upload my images I could see a difference in the color quality and sharpness.
I had big plans to get some portrait shots for you to see the 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4 in comparison but when I tried to do that this morning I dropped my camera with the 50mm 1.8 on it. Yup, that is right, I dropped my camera and broke my lens. Double check your camera is locked on your tripod prior to moving the tripod. Also, remember that post I did on insuring your equipment. This is why!
I did take these two shots a couple of days ago so sorry I don’t have more for you to see side by side.
Settings: f/2.0, ss 1/200, ISO 100 – these are SOOC (straight out of the camera)
Not all the 50mm lenses are the same. In Nikon alone there are 4 = AF 50mm 1.8, AF-S 50mm 1.8, AF 50mm 1.4D, and AF-S 50mm 1.4G. Below is some stats about Nikons 4 50mm lenses.
Nikon 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4-D version
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF
-Price – $100-130
-Weight – 5.5 oz (156g) the lightest of the lenses
-Mount – plastic
-Blades – 7 (this affects the roundness of your bokeh)
-Aperture – f/1.8-f/22
Note: This lens does not autofocus on the Nikon D40, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF
-Price – $325-350
-Weight – 8.1 oz (230g)
-Mount – Metal
-Blades – 7
-Aperture – f/1.4-f/16
Note: The D version does not support the D40, D60, D3000 and D5000
Nikon 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4-G version
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
-Price – $200-$225
-Weight – 6.6 oz (187g)
-Mount – Metal
-Blades – 7
-Aperture – f/1.8-f/16
Note: This lens will autofocus on the entry level cameras and has a silent wave motor
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
-Price – $450-500
-Weight – 9.9 oz (280g)
-Mount – Metal
-Blades – 9
-Aperture – f/1.4-f/16
Note: This lens will autofocus on the entry level cameras and has a silent wave motor
If you are a Canon owner, your choices are a little easier since there are only two to choose from the 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4
Canon 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
-Price – $100-125
-Weight – 4.6oz (130g)
-Mount – Plastic
-Blades – 5
-Aperture – f/1.8-f/22
Canon EF 50mm f1.4
-Price – $350-400
-Weight – 10.23oz (290g)
-Mount – Metal
-Blades – 8
-Aperture – f/1.4-f/22
Examples of the images from the AF Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF
f/2.2, ss 1/800, ISO 160
f/1.8, ss 1/125, ISO 1000
f/2.0, ss 1/2500, ISO 100
Examples of the images from the Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF
f/2.5, ss 1/400, ISO 100
f/1.6, ss 1/20, ISO 800
f/2.5, ss 1/200, ISO 800
If you would like to read more and see a lab comparison of the 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4 check out this post – 50mm Lens Shoot-Out: f/1.8 or f/1.4?
Read the whole series: Everything you want to know about camera lenses
Part 1: Understanding the writing on the lens
Part 2: What lens should I buy next?
Part 3: Our Favorite Lenses
Part 4: Lens on crop vs. full frame sensor
Part 5: Comparing different lenses
Part 6: 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4
Disclaimer: These are affiliate links. What does that mean? Basically, if you loved the information and decide to purchase anything through the link that the author of this post will receive a small percentage of money from the company at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance if you do decide to make a purchase 
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Courtney Slazinik
@clickitupanotch
Latest posts by Courtney Slazinik (see all)
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At Click it Up a Notch you will find tips and tricks to improve your photos one click at a time. 
Twitter: momteiedit
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Canon offers a 50mm L 1.2 ($1000-1200) and a 50mm L 1.0 (crazy $$). For the super serious consumer.
I have a 1.8 and would like to upgrade, but thinking about saving up for the L 1.2. Since I use this lens 90% of the time, I know the investment would be worth it. Now to just get that money. :/
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Hi Courtney!
Thanks so much for this clarification. I’m still learning the different lens capabilities (I’m also a Nikon girl). I have a question about my D7000. I didn’t see it listed on the AF lens list as incompatible for autofocus so does that mean it is compatible with AF versions (of any lens) and the autofocus function does work on it?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Glad you found this post helpful Amanda! Yes, the 50mm 1.8AF will work with your D7000 and autofocus! So get shopping :O)
I’m a Canon user. First I owned the 50mm 1.8 and like it. Upgraded to the 50mm 1.4 and love it. The 1.8 seemed slow to focus and extremely noisy, not to mention feeling like a cheap toy. The 1.4 is much quiter, and in my opinion faster to focus. If I could do it over, I’d forget about the 1.8 and probably spring for a Sigma 50mm 1.4. It comes with a case, a lens hood, and is built like a tank. I also own the Sigma 30mm 1.4 and have it on my camera 100% of the time inside my house.
I went and bought my 50 mm 1.8 Canon lens for my birthday—barely 4 weeks since I got my hands on my dslr. I should have waited and just saved up for a 1.4—-the images are tack sharp! But having said that I have had lots of fun with my 1.8 only because it’s heaps better than my kit lens, which is the only other lens I own. *sniff*. The lens series has so been helpful Thanks for putting it together Courtney!
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Great comparison–I am a Nikon girl and have the 1.8. Hopefully one of these days I will be upgraded to the 1.4
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Twitter: ascottrn
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Thank you so much for doing this lens series! I have been wanting a 50mm, and almost bought the 1.8 but after reading, I think I’m gonna wait and save up for the 1.4. I’m super excited about it! I have jumped the gun before on new lenses before I really knew much about them and just sprung for the cheaper one and was totally disappointed! For example, my first zoom didn’t have a stabilizer on it! I thought the pictures were fuzzy because I was doing something wrong. Actually. . . buying a zoom without a stabilizer was the bad choice.
My photos are getting better each day because of blogs like yours! : )
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Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad your photos are getting better :O) I’m sure they are fantastic! Yes, deciding on a lens is hard and buying the wrong one is unfortunately a mistake so many of us make.
thanks so much for this group of posts. Just a question…is the difference from D to G just older vs newer versions?
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I bought the Canon 1.4 because I read EVERYWHERE that it was an awesome lens. And it is, I love it. But what I didn’t read was on a crop sensor it was going to be hard to take photo’s inside – quick candids of the kids because it is too close! (in the size of rooms in our house anyway). I am borrowing a sigma 30mm 1.4 and this focal length is way better inside. I love the 50mm outside. I can’t have both though, and I can’t decide which I would prefer!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yes, the 50mm can be tight if you do the majority of your shooting inside. Have you looked into the 35mm 1.8? I know a lot of people love that one for indoor shooting. I haven’t checked out the 30mm 1.4 yet but I bet it’s wonderful. Good luck deciding :O)
Twitter: suezeeq12
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Courtney OMG your camera!!! Is it ok??? I felt a stab of pain for you straight to the gut when I read that..
Thanks for this series – it’s a world of difference between the 1.8 and 1.4 (I’m Canon). Definitely worth saving for the 1.4 to anyone contemplating. I know it’s hard when you first buy the camera and the added cost of the lens but it makes so much difference!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yes, it’s is okay :O) Don’t worry I had a pain in my gut too :O) I’m so glad you have found this series useful!!
Great post! I love how the 1.4 images look! I have the 1.8 for Canon and really don’t like how far back I need to stand to take pictures at the 50mm focal length and the fact that wide open, the images aren’t that great. But it’s a great lens to learn with
Can’t go wrong with $100! LOL
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Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yes, definitely can’t go wrong with a $100 lens :O) Have you tried the 35mm 1.8 if you are looking for something that isn’t going to be so tight indoors? I have several friends who have that one and love it :O)
I have been considering renting the 35mm to see how I like it. Since I have a crop sensor body I think it would be awesome, but I’m not sure how it would look for portrait work?
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Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I think it would still work great for portraits but definitely rent it if you can :O)
Twitter: boilerhick
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Oh, how sad – I can’t believe you broke your lens! I would be in tears. I have the Canon 50mm 1.8, and I love it. I’m still a beginner, so it’s my only lens besides the kit lens. There is a drastic difference between it and the kit lens, for sure. I try to use that lens whenever I can, but end up having to switch a lot, because I can’t always move myself back far enough to get everything I need to in the picture (especially when taking group photos inside).
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Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Have you thought about getting the 35mm 1.8? I know a lot of my friends with crop cameras love that one for indoor shots since it gives them some more space to back up. Plus it’s aperture can go to f/1.8 which is a plus :O)
Hi Courtney.
I am a new blogger. My strengths are not in technology or photography. And the comment section from the Pinterest challenge are closed. I just wanted to tell you that I refer back to your Pinterest articles from the challenge all the time. They are so helpful. Thank you.
Laura recently posted..3 ways to bless a friend going through divorce
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Laura!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Pinterest Challenge and found some useful information there! Welcome to blogging as well!! Please let me know if you have any questions along your journey, in photography or blogging :O)
Great article. Thank you so much.
I am new to photography and your information has helped a lot.I bought the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S from your link. Now to practice(: Thanks so much.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks so much for purchasing the lens through the link! I truly appreciate your support!!! Can’t wait to see what you can capture with this lens!!!
This is the post that brought me to your blog!! love the series and everything on your blog, thanks for sharing so much knowledge!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Awesome!! I’m so glad to hear that you liked this series!
I’m saving up for a 50mm, and am debating saving a little bit longer so I can get the 1.4– was googling the difference between the two and found your post– I should have known to start here first!
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Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m glad you found it
You should know better he he
Your website is extremely helpful! I’m trying to learn how to use my camera quickly and you really have the basics without a lot of extra information. Thank you! I see that you are recommending the 35mm 1.8 because your friends like it. Is there a certain brand they have? Do you have any reviews on the 35 mm lenses? Thank you so much!
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Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Kelley,
As far as the brand goes that is up to you. What brand of camera do you have? For primes I often get the brand of my camera, Nikon. However, I also have some Tamron lenses which are great as well! I have this post on different lenses which talks about the 35mm – http://clickitupanotch.com/2011/01/comparing-at-20mm-35mm-and-a-50mm-on-a-crop-sensor-camera/
Courtney,
I have a Nikon D5100. Right now I only have kit lenses so I’d love to upgrade and I want something that will take good photos of my 1 1/2 yr old and create quality bokeh. I have heard some recommend a 30 mm but they seem a lot less common. Thank you for linking me to your post about the 35mm!
Kelley recently posted..Groovebook: Free Photobook App
I have the 1.8 lens but my pictures never seem to come out quite as clear as yours! Any tips?!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Mmm…it may be your settings and not your lens. Have you seen this post – http://clickitupanotch.com/2011/02/how-to-take-a-sharp-photo/
Twitter: diymaria
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Twins. I had my 50mm 1.8 on my backup body that I took w/ me on a date night with my husband. I put it in my purse and forgot. Needless to say, my two year old pulled it from the console table this morning and broke my nifty fifty. I would have cried if it was my 1.4.
Maria @ Craft Crazy Mom recently posted..What To Wear For Family Pictures
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Ha ha glad to hear I’m not the only one! I would have cried it was my 50mm 1.4 too!!
Hi Courtney. I have just discovered your blog. Thank you so much for all of the information. I am about to purchase my first DSLR and lens and I’m researching like crazy. The information you provide is so easy to understand, thanks. I hope you can clarify this for me though please: I am wanting to be able to take close up shots in limited light (usually indoors) having control over background blur (I love background blur!). I was going to invest in a macro lens but have since decided that a 50mm is more within my budget to start but after reading the above comments I’m now concerned about indoor shots. I’d also love to be able to take decent shots outdoors of the flowers fields/gardens etc., I haven’t made up my mind about Canon/Nikon – thinking a canon eos7d or a nikon d300s or d7000.
It’s all so confusing!!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Kate!
Congrats on getting a new lens and camera
I definitely recommend getting a 50mm as a starting lens. A macro is a fun lens too but a bit more of a challenge for your everyday shots, plus it would be really tight when you are in doors. See if you can go to a camera store and play with those cameras and that lens to see if you like the way it feels 
Courtney,
I just got the 50mm 1.4D and to my surprice the lens does not auto focus with my Nikon D3100. I’m having issues finding the focus point manually and I was wondering if you have any tips? What metering is the best to use for these types of lenses?
Love your site! very helpful!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is odd that it is not auto focusing with your d3100. It should be. Do you have the lens set to “AF” or “MF”? You want it on AF for autofocus. As for the focal points, if you are using manual focus than you don’t need to worry about the focal points. You just turn the focal ring to get what you want in focus. What do you mean by what metering is best for this lens? I use spot metering but that doesn’t change for my lens choice. It depends on what I want to capture. Hope this helps
Thanks for the reply. This lense don’t give me an option for AF or M. And when I have this lense on my camera does not allow me to change the focus settings.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is strange. You may want to call the lens company to see if you got a faulty lens.