I made this video yesterday that gives my thoughts on the Nikon 50mm 1.8D vs 1.4D. The test shots were very un-scientific. All pictures were taken hand-held, one after the other and the lighting in the room did not change.
This video was shot with a Canon T3i & 28mm 1.8 and a 5D mark iii & 16-35L. Sound was recorded with Rode Videomic Pro & a Blue Yeti Microphone.
The following pictures are the shots used in the video in the order they appear.
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.8 ~ Settings: f/1.8 – 1/160th – ISO 250
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.4 ~ Settings: f/1.4 – 1/250th – ISO 250
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.8 ~ Settings: f/1.8 – 1/100th – ISO 250
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.4 ~ Settings: f/1.8 – 1/125th – ISO 250
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.8 ~ Settings: f/1.8 – 1/100th – ISO 250
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.4 ~ Settings: f/1.4 – 1/160th – ISO 250
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.8 ~ Settings: f/1.8 – 1/100th – ISO 800
Camera: Nikon D300s & 50mm 1.4 ~ Settings: f/1.4 – 1/160th – ISO 800
Thanks for stopping by, Rob
Rob Moses Photography 
This was so great, Rob. I am not there yet but I love hearing not only the what but the why behind a photographer’s decision on a particular lens. Very informative. Thanks!
Thank you Lois! I’m glad you liked the video 🙂
It’s you! Great informative video!
Thank you very much! Glad you liked it 😀
Very informative …. it’s nice to see lens comparison with photo examples, it does give a better appreciation of the real difference
Thanks! Glad you found the video helpful 🙂
you have a great combination that brings a great message!
Thank you! 🙂
Better bokeh every time! Nice review!
You bet buddy! Thanks 🙂
Hi, Rob. Nice video. Why did you use a Canon lens cap for Nikon review? ☺
Haha I’m actually a Canon shooter. I just like messing around with Nikon sometimes :). The lens cap came off the Canon 28mm 1.8 lens that was on a T3i I was shooting the video with :).
Thanks, Rob. That was a great explanation on a point I’ve been struggling with. I just bought a 50mm F1.4 AF, but I didn’t realize it won’t auto-focus on the camera body I have (Nikon D3200). I have a heck of a time getting a sharp focus (maybe every 10th shot), but I like what you say about sharpening in post. I LOVE the quality of the light and bokeh with the 1.4, and I’m just not willing to give up on it. What camera body do you use?
Hey Jennifer, glad you enjoyed the video and could take something from it. That is a shame you got the lens with an incompatible body :(. Maybe when you upgrade you’ll have more of a fun time with the lens :). I am shooting with a D300s. I’m actually a Canon shooter, but I keep some Nikon gear kicking around just for fun haha. Anyhow, I hope you can find your self another body one of these days, or the new 50mm 1.4G :).
Thanks, Rob