I own the 1.4D as well as a 1.8 AI-s, the latter of which is the next step up from the E version of that lens. Considering that this post is crafted in late 2019, and the price of both of these lenses have come come so close to converging, I don't see the point in not going for the 1.4D over any version of the 1.8 pancake lens. That said, I DO love my 1.8 AI-s lens. It looks and feels like it's new out of the box. Intense craftsmanship. The manual focus is SO smooth and the photos I take with it are always top notch. Even so, I'd probably get only about $60 or $70 on eBay for it, so for that little money, I'll never sell it. It's great for a time when I need a second lens, and only have my pocket instead of lugging around a camera bag. I mean, the thing is small. Tiny. (Is that a 50mm pancake lens in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me, is a question that will NEVER be asked). And though the point of a 50mm in general is not for doing sports photography, but rather more artistic photos, there really isn't a substitute for auto focus, which is the biggest justification (in my opinion) for the 1.4D. Though I do like to get involved with my camera/photography, that "one less thing" to have to deal with (manual focus) is to me, one of life's little luxuries that for maybe $75 more than the 1.8, I'm totally willing to spring for. We're not talking big dollars here. And again, yes - you CAN get a 1.8D for chump change these days - less than $50. But if you have a job, ANY job, go for the 1.4D for about $125 (or less on eBay). Bottom line - you're absolutely broke, and you have to have another lens, sure. Go for the 50mm 1.8 E, AI-s, or D version. They're all dirt cheap. But if you're merely frugal about your lens purchases, get the 50mm 1.4D. Even if you don't know how to take advantage of the wider aperture just yet, you'll grow into it.
The 1.4D is one of the best Nikkor lenses; the Series E 50mm 1.8, although not a terrible lens, is the worst modern 50nmm, thus labelled Nikon, not NIkkor. The 1.4 has Nikon's traditional heavy build qualities, metal barrel, fitted assembly. The Series E is all plastic. The 1.4 is multicoated; the Series E is not, which is why the images from the 1.4 probably look better. Used prices: the 1.4 is much more expensive, but the not-mentioned 50mm 1.8 Nikkor (or its predecessor, the 50mm 2.0 Nikkor), cost around $15-20 more than the Series E and present a much better lens.
I own the 1.4D as well as a 1.8 AI-s, the latter of which is the next step up from the E version of that lens. Considering that this post is crafted in late 2019, and the price of both of these lenses have come come so close to converging, I don't see the point in not going for the 1.4D over any version of the 1.8 pancake lens. That said, I DO love my 1.8 AI-s lens. It looks and feels like it's new out of the box. Intense craftsmanship. The manual focus is SO smooth and the photos I take with it are always top notch. Even so, I'd probably get only about $60 or $70 on eBay for it, so for that little money, I'll never sell it. It's great for a time when I need a second lens, and only have my pocket instead of lugging around a camera bag. I mean, the thing is small. Tiny. (Is that a 50mm pancake lens in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me, is a question that will NEVER be asked). And though the point of a 50mm in general is not for doing sports photography, but rather more artistic photos, there really isn't a substitute for auto focus, which is the biggest justification (in my opinion) for the 1.4D. Though I do like to get involved with my camera/photography, that "one less thing" to have to deal with (manual focus) is to me, one of life's little luxuries that for maybe $75 more than the 1.8, I'm totally willing to spring for. We're not talking big dollars here. And again, yes - you CAN get a 1.8D for chump change these days - less than $50. But if you have a job, ANY job, go for the 1.4D for about $125 (or less on eBay). Bottom line - you're absolutely broke, and you have to have another lens, sure. Go for the 50mm 1.8 E, AI-s, or D version. They're all dirt cheap. But if you're merely frugal about your lens purchases, get the 50mm 1.4D. Even if you don't know how to take advantage of the wider aperture just yet, you'll grow into it.
is it compatible with my nikon d7500?
I have both of these lenses and have shot both with film and digital. I agree that the f1.4 D is superior.
Great comparison. The 1.8D is a wonderful lens and unbeatable for budget AF
Except that he didn't include the 1.8D in this comparison, right?
As an owner of both lenses, Both are great but to say the 1.8 AIS is better than the 1.4D means you’re using it wrong.
chalk and cheese
The 1.4D is one of the best Nikkor lenses; the Series E 50mm 1.8, although not a terrible lens, is the worst modern 50nmm, thus labelled Nikon, not NIkkor. The 1.4 has Nikon's traditional heavy build qualities, metal barrel, fitted assembly. The Series E is all plastic. The 1.4 is multicoated; the Series E is not, which is why the images from the 1.4 probably look better. Used prices: the 1.4 is much more expensive, but the not-mentioned 50mm 1.8 Nikkor (or its predecessor, the 50mm 2.0 Nikkor), cost around $15-20 more than the Series E and present a much better lens.
not really. i own both. the E series is better.