I finally got my hands on the new Nikon 24mm f/1.4G lens and had an opportunity to do some early testing of this marvelous lens a couple of days ago. What can I say? The lens is truly a gem – it is super sharp wide open at f/1.4. I do not know of any other Nikon lens that is this sharp at f/1.4…I was very surprised. It is so good wide open, that I shot at f/1.4 90% of the time and only touched other apertures for when I needed more depth of field.
Take a look at this shot of Omar:
Happy Omar - Nikon 24mm f/1.4 @ 1/1250, f/1.4, ISO 200
And definitely check out the full-size version here and take a look at the detail on his face at 100%.
Some text at f/1.4:
Text
Bokeh looks very good for a wide-angle lens:
Bokeh
Landscape photographers will be happy, because the performance at smaller apertures is outstanding from center to corner:
DTC
A full review of this lens can be found in my Nikon 24mm f/1.4G Review article.
About Nasim Mansurov
Stunning detail and sharpness – looks like we’re in for a new generation of super sharp lenses from Nikon. Great for photos – bad for the wallet…:)
Will have to take a closer look at it.
Am also very curious to see if the rumour of a AFS 24-105mm N G VR will turn out to be true, as this will be an ideal all round travel lens.
Pasquier, I agree, these kinds of lenses cause a NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome) and I have been infected with it ever since I got my hands on the first Nikon DSLR…my wife can tell you all about it :)
I will test-drive the 24mm this upcoming weekend, if the weather permits. I’m also waiting for the 14-24mm f/2.8G for an ultimate 24mm comparison between 5 different lenses – I’m excited!
As far as the rumored 24-105mm lens, I’m assuming that it would be f/4 constant aperture lens? I do not think Nikon will copy a Canon lens exactly like that…I think it will be something like 22-105mm or 28-105mm. Either way, if the performance and price are close to the Canon 24-105mm, it would sell very well for Nikon.
I’m hoping for a Nikon 300mm f/4.0G VR this year…keeping my fingers crossed!
Amazing sharpness for 1.4. Thanks for the samples!
Avi, you are most welcome! I can’t wait to go back and do some more shooting with this lens…
It is pricey? The photos look great and I would love to get a wide angle for interior shots. The photos look great!
Deana, thank you! Yes, unfortunately, this little gem costs around $2,200 :(
Thanks for sharing this. The photo is real sharp! I did a google for the price of this lad and it seems to be over 2k.
Dennis, you are most welcome! Yes, this is the most expensive Nikon prime lens under 100mm…
I am really envious of you Nasim. Great lens and pics. Such shallow DOF in a wide angle. How does in perform on a DX body?
SM, it would be perform even better on a DX body, especially wide open, because the corners of the lens would be cut off.
Outstanding sharpness when the lens is wide open! You can cut yourself he he:)
Nasim – just think about new Nikkor 85mm f1.4!
Thanks for nice samples!
Michael, yes, you can certainly cut yourself with this sharpness :) I can’t wait for the new Nikon 85mm f/1.4G VR…it will be super sharp wide open, for sure.
I can’t wait for more announcements from Nikon this year! :)
NAS – I think I have that, but the funds for the prescription are lackiing. Will the new Obamacare cover this?? :)
Tom, LOL, Obamacare :))) I need a bailout to get my NAS addition cured permanently, fast! :D
Are you thinking about the 300mm instead of the 200-400mm now? :)
Yes, I am leaning towards the 300mm now. Still want the D3S…. so many choices and wants…
Tom, make sure to grab that TC-20E III with the 300mm in that case :)
I’m hoping to do a test between the 300mm f/2.8 + TC-20E III and 200-400mm @ 400mm + 1.4x/1.7x TC soon.
Can you post few more images? Thanks….
SM, I’m planning to thoroughly test the 24mm this weekend, if the weather permits. It snowed today and temperatures went below 40F, so I’m hoping for a nice Sunday :)