Introduction: The Excitement and Confusion of Nikon's New f/1.4 Primes
Nikon has recently started releasing lenses that were previously unannounced, and while new glass is always something to get excited about, these lenses have left many photographers feeling both excited and utterly confused. Why the confusion? These aren’t just any lenses—they're f/1.4 primes, an aperture that has historically been coveted by photographers for its speed, build, and superior optical quality. But there’s a catch: Nikon’s new f/1.4 primes are cheaper and, surprisingly, of lesser quality than their f/1.8 S-series counterparts.
Traditionally, camera manufacturers like Nikon have produced fast glass at higher price points with more premium features, especially when it comes to primes with f/1.4 apertures. But this time, Nikon seems to have taken a different approach, leaving photographers scratching their heads.
Historical Context: The f/1.4 vs. f/1.8 Prime Lens Paradigm
To understand why Nikon’s new releases are so puzzling, it’s important to look back at the historical context of prime lenses. Typically, f/1.4 primes have been marketed and built as the professional option, significantly more expensive and higher quality than their f/1.8 counterparts. If we examine Nikon’s F-mount G-series, we see that the f/1.4 lineup was engineered with more advanced optical elements, superior coatings to reduce chromatic aberrations, and more robust construction. The f/1.4 lenses were simply better—better sharpness, less flaring, and more reliable in various conditions, making them a staple for professional photographers.
Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm have followed this business model as well. Fast glass has always been seen as the pinnacle of prime lens technology, with photographers willing to pay a premium for these professional-grade optics.
The New Mirrorless Market: Breaking Away from Tradition
Nikon’s new mirrorless Z-series, designed around the Z-mount, introduced an entirely new prime lens strategy. Their first round of prime lenses, branded as the S-series, were all f/1.8 primes. Nikon positioned these S-series lenses as high-performance optics, explicitly stating that the S-series was developed "in pursuit of a higher level of optical performance."
These f/1.8 primes were different from what photographers were used to. They were equipped with advanced coatings, superior sealing, and focusing systems that allowed for sharpness even when wide open, reliability in professional environments, and a general reduction in optical “character,” like flare and chromatic aberration. In many ways, the S-series f/1.8 primes were some of the best lenses Nikon had ever made.
However, the transition wasn’t entirely smooth. Professional photographers have long been conditioned to see f/1.8 primes as entry-level or consumer-grade lenses. For many, investing in f/1.8 glass that was marketed as slower than what they had traditionally shot with was a hard sell. Another major issue was the cost—these new S-series f/1.8 primes came with hefty price tags. For example, the Nikon F-mount 85mm f/1.8 lens was priced around $475, while the new Nikon Z-mount S version is around $800.
A New Wave: The Arrival of f/1.4 Primes
For many Nikon shooters, hope was restored when Nikon finally released the roadmap for their mirrorless cameras. At last, there would be f/1.4 primes. But this joy was short-lived. When the roadmap was first unveiled, Nikon had no plans for f/1.4 lenses—only f/1.8 and f/1.2 primes were included.
However, Nikon was quietly developing a few f/1.4 primes in the background.
Fast forward to today, and Nikon has now released two f/1.4 Z primes: the 35mm f/1.4 and the 50mm f/1.4. Both of these lenses fall within the preferred focal range for many photographers, offering perspectives similar to what the human eye sees. Their release generated excitement, as many Nikon users had long been waiting for fast, versatile primes to accompany their mirrorless systems.
But this excitement was quickly tempered by reality. Unlike their S-line counterparts, these new f/1.4 lenses are neither optically nor physically superior to Nikon’s f/1.8 primes. Instead of the S-line branding, these lenses seem to focus on "character," sacrificing the sharpness and reliability Nikon shooters had come to expect from the S-line.
Comparison between the new Nikon 35mm 1.4 and the 35mm 1.8 S lens
As mentioned earlier, these new f/1.4 primes are not part of Nikon's S-line, and this immediately raised some red flags. For many, it was puzzling that Nikon would choose to introduce f/1.4 primes that seemed inferior to their f/1.8 counterparts in the same product ecosystem. When compared directly to Nikon’s f/1.8 S-series primes, the new f/1.4 lenses lag in several key areas:
Sharpness Wide Open: One of the most debated aspects is sharpness. Nikon’s f/1.8 S-line primes are celebrated for their exceptional sharpness, even wide open. In contrast, the new f/1.4 primes exhibit a noticeable softness at their widest aperture. However, this softness can be a desirable quality for portrait photographers who prefer a more flattering, dreamy look. For those who don't require their subjects to be tack sharp, this characteristic can enhance the aesthetic, offering a more natural, artistic rendering that works well for certain portrait styles.
Optical Quirks: Another point of concern is the noticeable chromatic aberrations present in these lenses. The f/1.8 S primes contain ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass and Nano Crystal Coatings to control chromatic aberrations, flaring, and ghosting, which are all critical for delivering clear, high-quality images. The new f/1.4 primes, however, suffer from color fringing, albeit only slightly, particularly in high-contrast scenarios, which can detract from overall image quality.
Build Quality: Physically, these lenses are built with a predominance of plastic, unlike the more rugged and robust design of the S-line primes. Additionally, Nikon decided to omit certain features, like the manual focusing toggle, which gives photographers finer control. This absence in the new f/1.4 primes only reinforces the perception that they are “cheaper” versions of Nikon’s higher-end offerings.
Price Point: One of the standout advantages of the new f/1.4 primes is their affordability. Priced lower than the f/1.8 S-line, these lenses provide a more budget-friendly option for photographers who want the benefits of a wide aperture without the higher cost. While they may not offer the full feature set of Nikon's premium lenses, the lower price makes them an attractive choice for those looking to experiment with fast primes or for enthusiasts seeking great performance at a more accessible price point.
The Strategy Behind Nikon’s f/1.4 Lenses: A Confusing Move
Nikon's decision to release these f/1.4 primes leaves many photographers wondering “why”?. Traditionally, the jump from f/1.8 to f/1.4 not only represented a leap in aperture but also a leap in quality. These f/1.4 primes, however, seem to exist in a strange middle ground between the premium f/1.2 primes and the highly acclaimed f/1.8 S-line lenses, yet they deliver a lower performance than both. So what is Nikon’s strategy here?
One possible explanation is that Nikon may be trying to carve out a niche for photographers who prefer lenses with more “character” over technical perfection. Some photographers enjoy the softer bokeh, vignetting, and other imperfections that come with less optically corrected lenses. This could explain Nikon’s emphasis on the artistic qualities of these f/1.4 primes.
From a business perspective, it’s also possible that Nikon is testing the waters in terms of pricing and market segmentation. By introducing more affordable f/1.4 lenses, Nikon may be hoping to attract a broader range of customers who were previously put off by the high price of the S-line lenses. However, this approach risks alienating Nikon’s core professional user base, who have come to expect a certain level of quality from their f/1.4 primes.
What Does the Future Hold?
Nikon’s decision to release these more affordable f/1.4 primes signals an exciting shift that opens up new possibilities for photographers at different levels. While these lenses offer a controversial take on the traditional f/1.4 design, they introduce a budget-friendly option for those looking to experiment with fast primes without the higher cost. The unique "character" of these lenses, with their softer wide-open look, may appeal to portrait and artistic photographers seeking a distinctive aesthetic.
Looking ahead, there’s potential for even more versatility with additional focal lengths, such as 24mm, 28mm, and 85mm, possibly getting f/1.4 versions. This could expand Nikon's offerings in a way that caters to both enthusiasts and professionals. Nikon’s strategy seems to be evolving, providing more options while making fast-aperture lenses accessible to a wider audience. This could open new creative opportunities while maintaining the brand’s commitment to innovation.
.jpg)
Комментарии