The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is generating buzz for good reason. This lens offers a bright f/1.4 aperture at a price point rarely seen for full frame lenses. How does it perform, though?
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this thorough video offers insight into what makes the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 appealing and where it may fall short. One standout feature is the lens’ budget-friendly price of $500, which undercuts Nikon’s own f/1.8 version by about $100. Frost suggests that while the lens is more affordable, Nikon made compromises in build quality to reach this price point. He notes the lens feels a bit less refined, with a plastic exterior and limited features, such as the absence of an auto/manual focus switch. However, it maintains essential qualities like weather-sealing, making it usable in varied conditions.
The autofocus system is another area of compromise. Frost highlights that it operates at an average speed, with a quiet but audible motor sound—something to consider if you're recording video using your camera’s internal microphone. Still, he points out that the lens performs reliably in autofocus accuracy and produces minimal focus breathing, which makes it suitable for video creators. The lack of built-in stabilization isn’t a deal-breaker, given that many of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras now include in-body stabilization.
Optical performance at wide apertures is a mixed bag. Frost explains that the lens offers decent sharpness in the center at f/1.4 but exhibits weaker contrast and noticeable chromatic aberration, especially in the corners. At f/2.8, sharpness and contrast improve dramatically, delivering excellent results across the frame. The lens also has strong control over distortion, with only slight barrel distortion that won't be visible in most images. Vignetting at wide apertures is prominent but diminishes by f/4, though it never completely disappears.
If you frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions, Frost's test results are worth noting. While the lens manages flare effectively, it struggles with coma, particularly at wide apertures, which may impact astrophotography or low-light scenes with bright points of light. He also observes that the lens produces decent sun stars at narrower apertures, though its bokeh can appear slightly harsh in out-of-focus areas, especially in high-contrast scenes. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
