With the launch of its new full-frame NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens, Nikon has done it again. Following closely on the heels of the recently announced Z-mount 35mm f/1.4, this latest addition to the lineup complements a growing list of fast, compact, lightweight and affordable options for legions of Nikon Z system afficionados across the globe.
The beauty of a 50mm standard prime is, of course, its ability to replicate the field of view typical of a human eye and, therefore, lends itself to a wide range of photographic applications. It’s the go-to focal length for many street photographers, for one, and perfectly suited to everything from portraits to landscapes as well.
And with its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is bound to perform well in challenging low-light situations. It will also give images a nice three-dimensional effect with naturally soft backgrounds, further enhanced by a nine-blade diaphragm to produce pleasant-looking circular bokeh in the out-of-focus areas.
For those shooting video, rest assured: the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is designed to suppress focus breathing and maintain a consistent angle of view when pulling focus or tracking a moving subject. The click-less control ring and near silent lens drive are also going to be a boon to videographers. Its lightweight and balanced handling give it additional stability when used with a gimbal or cage
Like the 35mm f/1.4, however, this lens lacks the S Line designation that you get with Nikon’s more premium NIKKOR offerings, including the 50mm f/1.2 and 35mm f/1.8 Z-mount primes, but it’s a minor sacrifice when you factor the more affordable price point into the equation. It’s still a nicely designed, well-crafted and highly versatile full-frame lens with a lot going for it, and one that will make a great new addition to your kit.
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