BevanW's reviews
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Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor
10 out of 10 points and recommendedExceptionally Sharp, Cheap, Smokin Fast, lightNoneI picked up a non-d version of this lens at a local shop for $75 and love it. It is lightweight, very fast and ubelievably sharp. At f1.8 this lens is almost as sharp as my much more expensive 85mm f1.8. Makes a great portrait lens on a DSLR...Highly recommend.
reviewed March 10th, 2007 (purchased for $75)
BTW...sort of surprised by the reviews of this lens (blur index). Based on test shots I have take my sample is tack sharp in the center wide open. The corners are softer, but this is desired for portraits. Stopped down a bit the corners catch up and this lens is sharp corner to corner. Hmmm...guess I just got a great sample. -
Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor
9 out of 10 points and recommendedNice build quality...very sharp105mm is probably better for macroI really question why they posted this review. Obviously they received a bad sample. Dropped? This is generally considered one of the sharpest lens Nikon makes. I would ignore the results above. Don't take my word for it though...check out the following links.
reviewed November 22nd, 2007
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/nikkor_60_28/index.htm
http://www.photodo.com/product_42_p4.html
Clearly the review at photozone and the MTF curves and photodo show this lens sharp wide open. Regarding the lens. The build quality is quite nice. This lens is great for macro and can be used for portraits. Although it is not as fast as the 50 f1.8. -
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor
10 out of 10 points and recommendedVery fast, sharp...good build qualityMore expensive than the 50mm f/1.8I struggled with the thought of buying this lens because I already have the 50mm f1.8 which is very fast and very sharp. I finally decided to pick one up when I got a like new copy for $230. First, thing I did was set up the tripod and do some test shots between the 50 1.4 & 50 1.8. In short the 50 1.4 is slightly sharper than the 50 1.8...these results compare favorably with the slrgear reviews. Now this lens is a little sharper at 2.8 than at 1.4, but all of my lenses are sharper when you stop down two stops. I would definately not call this lens soft at any aperture...even wide open. Of note...at f/1.4 the depth of field is very shallow so care must be taken when focussing.
reviewed December 21st, 2007 (purchased for $229)
In closing if you want a little better build quality and the extra speed I would get the 50mm f/1.4. If you want to save a few bucks, get the 50mm f/1.8. You can't go wrong with either lens.