Lens Comparison
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D vs. 50mm f/1.4G

By Michael Myers

Nikon f/1.4 G and D side by side

The G is quite a bit larger.

Iris diaphragm comparison

The iris diaphragm on the G has smoother edges.

Camera used: Nikon D80. All shots taken in aperture priority with single-area autofocus, aiming the focus point at the same spot throughout. Occasionally the G exposed 1/3 stop longer. In all comparison photos, G is on the left and D is on the right.

Bokeh & Sharpness

f/1.4
Bokeh comparison at f/1.4

Not much difference in bokeh at f/1.4, but the resolution of the D seems better.


~f/4
Comparison at f/4

Closing the aperture a bit, the D seems better saturated. You can also see the advantage of the G's iris diaphragm in the out-of-focus highlights.


f/8
Comparison at f/8

Pretty much even at f/8.

Chromatic Aberration

f/1.4
Chromatic aberration at f/1.4

Inset shows some purple fringing at f/1.4 on the D.


f/2.8
Chromatic aberration at f/2.8

Purple fringing is gone by f/2.8 on the D, but the G is picking up some red fringing.


f/4
Chromatic aberration at f/4

More severe red fringing on the G at f/4; none on the D.


f/1.4 — 100% crop
100% crop chromatic aberration at f/1.4

More chromatic aberration at f/1.4 on both lenses, but different colors.


f/4 — 100% crop
100% crop at f/4

Gone by f/4 on the D; not so on the G.


f/8 — 100% crop
100% crop at f/8

Gone on both lenses by f/8.