AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

This lens is simply the best low light lens I´ve ever used, and that´s saying a lot considering that I also have an AF-S 35mm F/1.8G, and a very sharp manual focus 55mm F/1.8.
Not only is this 50mm f/1.4 AF-D almost a full stop faster than the already fast 1.8 (which itself is more than 2 stops faster than the kit lens at similar focus length): much to my surprise, my D7000 focuses this AF-D driven system MUCH FASTER than any AF-S lens I have (35/1.8, 16-85VR, 70-300VR, and a 18-55VR). Even my old 35mm film N70-QD body focuses snap fast with this lens (didn´t know for almost 20 years how fast that body could focus - until I got this lens).
It indeed is louder than the AF-S system, but the camera shutter is so much louder than the AF-D, that the focus noise doesn´t get in your way (the shutter noise might, specially if you´re a theater play photographer like myself, but that´s another subject).
It is valid noting that it is already very sharp at f/2, and at f/2.8 not only has it already reached full sharpness: it turns into simply the sharpest Nikkor lens I´ve ever used. You can full blow 16 megapixel pictures at 100%, and still everything will be sharp. After just a slight stop down this lens´ showed me sharpness I didn´t know my D7000 and N70 could give.
It´s bokeh could be softer (it is actually quite harsh, due to the seven straight bladed diaphragm), but it´s razor thin depth of field can provide interesting possibilities.
If you´d rather have a better bokeh and absolute silence instead of snap fast autofocusing, go for the newer AF-S version. But if like me you need a fast lens to picture moving beings under very low light environment (like theater plays), this lens focuses FASTER than the more expensive AF-S version.
Last but not least, it´s a great bang for the buck since it´s the most economical way to enter the f/1.4 world. Would give 5 stars if it had better bokeh (nine round blades would probably nail that down).

This is a great lense...it takes nice, sharp pictures...but know this, its focus is limited only up to 20 ft...this is one that I would put in my collection for sure.

i have had the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4D lens for over a year now. i shoot mainly abstract still
life photographs. this lens was rated well by
3rd party reviewers for price/sharpness. i have
not been disappointed. if you are unable to spend
the additional dollars to acquire a pro-level lens
this lens is a great choice.

Sharp and reliable. When I have to have a good photo, I can always count on this lens.

I bought this 50mm lens with my D700, to replace my old 50/1.4 AI lens for an autofocus version. This 50/1.4 AF-D lens performs nicely, with surprisingly fast and accurate focus tracking.

The only real gripe I have is that it does not come with a lens hood - this is one reason I gave it a 4 star rating!!! There are plenty of situations where the lens hood helps to improve contrast. It took me some time to discover it. My old 50/1.4 AI does have a metal hood which is VERY useful. This metal lens hood also fits the newer 50/1.4 AF-D.

Sharpness and contrast suffer a little when shooting wide open (f1.4), but nothing to complain.

Bokeh is very nice and smooth. Like others commented, it can produce heptagonal shapes which I like.

Colors are very nice and saturated, with good contrast (see above about hood).

Last not least, the AF-D version feels solid, but doesn´t have the robust and precision engineered built of the manual focus AI (or AI-S). The inner lens barrel (the one that extends/retracts when focusing) somewhat wiggles a little, manual focusing is far less smooth. This is another reason I gave it ´´only´´ 4 stars.

When I don´t need autofocus, I use my old 50/1.4 AI. There is something about that old lens that is hard to describe, but it does show in the pictures (micro-contrast, perhaps better sharpness).

For those who don´t care about manual focus lenses or must have autofocus, the 50/1.4 AF-D is an excellent and affordable choice.

I also recommend getting a lens hood - preferably the metal type as it´s rock solid and provides added protection to the lens, aside from improving the picture quality.

What a fast and sharp lense that yields fantastic resolution and color! On my D200 with the DX sized sensor, it becomes a fast, wide aperture short telephoto lens that is great for portraits, theatre and close-in indoor sports.

This is a great lens I will use a lot. I´ve been a fan of 50mm lenses a long time, but this one does great. It´s sharp, fast and compact. The glass is clear and photos shot through it are true. There is some vignetting at the wider apertures with a full-frame sensor, but I like to add vignetting to my photos a lot of the time, anyway. The vignetting is not unlike other 50mm lenses, though and some cameras are capable of canceling it out. It´s my favorite lens already. I´m new to Nikon, but have used a competitor for decades.

I absolutely love my 50mm 1.4! I went from using the kit lens to using my new 50mm and I will never go back. Now I just need to add the 85mm to my arsenal!

This is a very inexpensive lens but don´t let that fool you, this is an excellent lens for portraits or what ever else you wish to use it for, the quality of the images that you can get with this lens is breathtaking, for a lens that´s under $200 you would expect average photos at best but it´s completely the opposite, a great lens for very little money, BUY IT you won´t be disappointed