Nikon 50mm f/1.8G vs Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
Let’s take a look at how the 50mm f/1.8G does compared to the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens:
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G starts out very strong with much better center, mid-frame and corner performance than the 50mm f/1.4G, as evidenced by the chart above. It continues strong all the way until f/5.6, where it seems to have the sharpest center frame. Overall, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is clearly a sharper lens, especially at wider apertures where it matters the most for an everyday / portrait lens.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Although the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is a higher-class lens than the 50mm f/1.8G, let’s take a look at how the two compare optically:
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM starts out rather weak at the widest aperture. At f/1.8 its sharpness improves a bit, but it is still not as good as what the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G delivers. But take a look at the corners – the Sigma is much worse in comparison, even when stopped down. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 improves significantly at f/2.8, where it outresolves the 50mm f/1.8G in the center. However, its corners are far worse in comparison. At f/4, the Sigma reaches its peak performance, but it is still not as good as what the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G can deliver. Overall, it looks like the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is a sharper lens.
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