That's the f/1.8
And that's the f/1.4
The kicker is the f/1.8 is about half the cost of the f/1.4, which is what makes the decision so frustratingly difficult. Some argue that for the price the f/1.8 is just as good, but others say that the f/1.4 (wide open) can't be beat with it's great bokeh and speed.
FYI.. when I say "wide open" it refers to using the lens at the point where the aperture is as open as it can get.
Quick lesson on f-stops: The higher the number, the smaller the aperture, which means the less light you let into the camera, basically. AND... the smaller the lens aperture opening is, the greater the depth of field. Think of it this way: when you squint, less light goes in, allowing you to see farther, essentially "clearing up" what was previously blurry. Same thing happens with a camera. So... the smaller your f-stop number(ex: f/1.4 vs f/22) the smaller range of focus you have. (Gosh I hope I got that right or I'll be really embarrassed. If you notice an error in that explanation please correct me!)
Alright, enough photography lessons for you (and me!) today. I'm off to conquer my Friday afternoon!
4 comments:
Trust me when I say this. Get the Sigma 50 1.4. It's better than both of those!.. or switch to Canon :)
Siiiigh. And so you suggest one even more expensive than those two!
Dang it. Maybe if I start saving I could get it by Christmas.
I vote for the 1.4. Kelsey and I actually just purchased the Canon version of this lens - it hasn't arrived yet, but it'll be on it's way soon! If you get the 1.4, I'm sure you'll be glad you did once you get it... then again, if you don't have a need for shooting in dark locations or getting a really shallow depth of field, then I'm sure you'll be happy with the 1.8 and with the savings. But I still vote for the 1.4 :)
the 1.4D will give you plenty of color fringes wide open, esp. on a gen 1 nikon body (D200/70/2x), and like many primes it's way soft at it's fastest stop anyway so if you want sharpness you may as well save some cash. On a gen 2 you'll have a much higher ISO to play with as well, lessening the need. Even paying more for the newer AFS 1.4 won't make you better - I say buy the cheaper lens and show your friends its not about the gear. Check out kenrockwell.com- these are all reviewed by a guy who doesn't care what lens you shoot with.
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