New NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 - Will Canon update too?

[DDWD10]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092201nikkor_50mm_1_4glens.asp

Highlights are true ring-USM with a barrel that doesn't change length when focusing.

I hope Canon counters this with a 50mm f/1.4 II USM with similar specs - I know I would gladly trade up to one from my nifty fifty.

[folville]

I would get on board for a Canon equivalent as well, but for now it seems that Canon users will have to convert a lens or settle for the Sigma model.

Whether this lens performs any better wide open than the Canon 50m f/1.4 does is yet to be seen, but I would imagine it does.

[Sfordphoto]

Whoa, cool. My Nikon friend loves his f/1.8 version, and had a f/1.4 before. He said his f/1.4 was a poor performer in comparison to the f/1.8. Looked at some charts and got the same sense.

Nikon f/1.8 feels a lot better than the Canon version.

Hope Canon comes out with a f/1.4 with ring USM and improved performance wide open, and even though I won't care for a f/1.8 anymore, maybe a refresh to that (that isn't plastic :) )

[lukeap69]

Well, according to DPreview, this is a new design and not only the addition of SWM. Let's wait for the actual review to see how it will go against the incumbents and the new Sigma 50 1.4.

I think a lot of people are still happy with EF 50 1.4, but the release of the Nikkor counterpart might change the ballgame.

Right now, I'm happy with my Sigma.

[fxk]

We won't see Canon upgrading the 50 f/1.4 anytime soon. Performance is adequate for price, and they just put out their 1.2.

[folville]

We won't see Canon upgrading the 50 f/1.4 anytime soon. Performance is adequate for price, and they just put out their 1.2.

That's not to say the Canon f/1.4 couldn't be updated and sold at a slightly higher price (~$500) if it demonstrated improved AF and wide open performance. Those are the things keeping me from buying one.

[fxk]

That's not to say the Canon f/1.4 couldn't be updated and sold at a slightly higher price (~$500) if it demonstrated improved AF and wide open performance. Those are the things keeping me from buying one.

Just my opinion. I can't see the economics of yet another 50mm prime. YMMV. :rolleyes:

[folville]

Just my opinion. I can't see the economics of yet another 50mm prime. YMMV. :rolleyes:

While there is some market segmenting on Canon's part (the 50mm f/1.4 can't become too good or it will start to encroach on the sales of its L brother), I don't see why an mkii version of the 50mm can't be released -- something that at least fixes the awful CA of the current model.

[MrChad]

The only real reason for Nikon to update the lens is to have a working 50mm for the D40/60 line. Else, I doubt we would have seen a new Nikkor either. I wouldn't expect a better 50mm from Canon since we have three choices with the L. Nikkor only has the 2 50's and neither worked on the budget AF's until now.

I would expect slowly over time all popular Nikkor lenses to be updated to G mount and better AF design. So it's unlikely Canon would need a new lens to counter all of them, Canon did away with aperture ring and went to the in lens motor across the board over 20 years ago.