Nikon 58mm f1.4 G Nikkor Lens Review Is it worth the money? Full review sample images & more

[@agnethaladuff8559]

This is a great review with photo and video examples of the Nikon AF-S 58mm f/1.4G lens. The video from the 58mm 1.4 lens is premium quality compared to the 50mm 1.8, it's like comparing a feature movie to television. The 58mm lens will be next on my list of lens to buy.

[@Vahagraphy]

Thank you Agnetha. Glad you enjoyed this review and found it helpful. More reviews in the works. :)

[@Capcity44]

I love that you're discussing lenses from the F-Mount and how they work on the Z bodies. Can you show portrait samples in future videos?

[@Vahagraphy]

Thank you Freeman. Appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. More to come. Yes portrait samples are a must for future videos.

[@cristianoronnie623]

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[@roninomari5741]

@Cristiano Ronnie Instablaster =)

[@cristianoronnie623]

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[@cristianoronnie623]

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[@jean-marcducommun8185]

Started with the review of the Nikon 85 mm f/1.4 and followed up with your 58mm f/1.4. Seems that it's less of a "must have" (or did I miss something?) at least compared to the mood expressed with the 85mm. May be you could once name and rate the optimal lens line up for Nikon DSLR shooters based on your work and experience. I'm asking myself if it's worth to buy a super telephoto lens for birds (just occasionally) and specific landscape shootings. Hit the abo button, you got me. Just hang on!

[@andreasehrenreich4497]

Great video! I have been using this lens for 5 years and I love it. Greetings from Austria

[@Vahagraphy]

Greetings my friend. Yes the 85mm is one lens I will not sell never. I dont care. It just a magic power . work horse of a portrait lens, and whoever disagrees probably doesn't shoot portraits. Glad you enjoyed the video. 🤘🏼rockn roll🤘🏼 Andreas.

[@thekingisback4347]

Thanks so much for these comparisons reviews. Rock-n-Roll😎

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

The only lens to stick with Nikon, had 24-70,70-200 2.8 FL sold zooms now have 35,58,85 1.4g , fav is 58, then 85 1.4 also incredible, and 35 1.4g have Canon colors also amazing.

[@Vahagraphy]

Yes canon skin tones I love

[@mnp308]

Just found a 58mm1.4 in great working condition for €800 got a couple of scuff from usage but it likes still great. What are your thought? Should I invest?

[@Vahagraphy]

Yes, good price. great lens. those scuff marks might not be a big deal. make sure the AF works and check the lens for internal dust and fungus. when focusing make sure there are not out of the ordanary noises coming from the lens and you should be fine.

[@johnc4696]

Have you compared the Nikon 58 to the Voitlander 58 1.4? Voigtlander seems like a much better price used. MF isn't a big deal for that lens.

[@Vahagraphy]

voitlander is kicking butt right now. Everyone loves those lenses. Nope haven't compared those lenses.

[@johandenhertog6878]

Super great lens review and it’s made in Japan. Use 9 out of 10 the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED for portraits.

[@arunashamal]

My complains about the 50mm 1.4g lens was super slow to focus and soft at 1.4. seems like they didn't address it on this lens either. 50, 1.8g is still the king of Nikon nifty fifties.

[@Vahagraphy]

I've had that lens a while back and sold it and got the D version. Yes the 1.8 has a good following. So to is the 85 1.8 G. Allot of photographers actually prefer the 1.8G over the 1.4 in some of the lenses we mentioned.

[@timpriestley8997]

Damn good review man

[@Vahagraphy]

Thank you Tim. Much appreciated. More on the way for sure. Stay tuned :)

[@MrByrd-ep5pd]

Great review. I purchased this lens in late 2014 for my Nikon Df. I have been very pleased with the images it has produced. However, it is definitely a 'specialty' lens which renders a scene differently than Nikon's other 'normal' lenses. If high resolution at all apertures is your priority, then this is likely not a lens for you. But if bokeh and transition between areas of focus are important to you, this lens might meet your needs well.

[@Vahagraphy]

Exactly. This lens has a special character that makes it special. I also like the fact its not heavy and big. The bokeh is amazing. Its def a keeper in my book.

[@josephmarcucilli8045]

I suppose this lens could be used as an " 85mm portrait " equivalent on crop sensor dslrs. For dedicated portrait shooters I'd recommend a cheap full frame camera plus 85mm 1.8 g/d setup for about the same price, but some enthusiasts are branching into portrait photography from sports/action and this lens (used) could be an attractive option for them.😏

[@Vahagraphy]

That can be an option for aps-C portraits sure.

[@paulconnors2078]

Given that this lens is only 8 mm longer than the "nifty fifties" (the Nikkor 50 mm f1.8 and f1.4 AFS) or even any of the third party 50s and only 2 mm shy of the Nikkor 60 mm macro lens, my rhetorical question is why bother spending any money on a lens that is so close to three other lenses that cover almost the same focal lengths? I think this is especially true if you have one of the "nifty fifties" and/or the 60 mm macro. Despite my questions, this is another great review, so I thank you for posting it.

[@Vahagraphy]

Hello Paul. Glad you enjoyed the review. Good angle of this lens. Well. It has a special type look. Not the sharpest lens. Users of this 58 love the character. If you can find one on the used market for a good price and its the prime your missing from the G line up. fine. it might be of interest. I guess what Im trying to say is. More of a want than a need with this lens. hehe.

[@paulconnors2078]

@@Vahagraphy many thanks for the clarification and I've subscribed and am watching more of your videos as I listen to Rachmaninoff's 2nd Symphony.

[@18yearsoldnot]

For me it’s either this or the Leica 35 summilux tl on aps-c. The Leica is a bit sharper, more expensive and isn’t weather sealed so leaning towards the Nikon

[@ing.pabloabelcheechavez2508]

Thanks for the review, like you said going for the 35 then the 50 later

[@Vahagraphy]

Wise choice. My thing is... get good with one lens, then when you can expand your camera bag. No need to rush it. Buy lenses your in need and your going to really use. The 35 and 50 are much needed focal lengths for sure.

[@stephen4347]

Nice review. When ever you got to ask if it is worth it? It probably isn’t. You can pick up 2 sigma art lenses for that one lens. For me is a no go 🙅. That’s just my opinion. Thanks for the review.

[@Vahagraphy]

I agree that this lens isn't a must if your just looking at must haves. If you have those musts like the 24-70,70-200, 85, 50, 35, and your looking to get something special , then maybe consider this one. Yes for the "new" price of this lens, its a pricey option. That is why its a good option to look for one used like I did for under 1k.

[@ChurchOfChristguyRob]

How is this lens for landscape ?

[@Vahagraphy]

Have not used it much for that purpose. I'm assuming it would be good. Candids, portraits, street is my main purpose for this lens.

[@JohnHaldezos]

This lens is fanmominal and extremely expensive. But absolutely wow 🥰

[@Vahagraphy]

Not as sharp wide open? but wonderful character and I like the focal length.

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

It's one of those lenses that I want but don't need and is priced way out of the lets just buy it range.

[@Vahagraphy]

Yes. you might find one used for a good price. Now that Z and Z9 buyers might want to sell f mount to pay for the new Z stuff. Keep your eyes on the used market. You might be surprised at what you can find out there.

[@intrinsicimagery]

I was getting away from F mount glass. You got me searching eBay now.

[@Vahagraphy]

hehe . you can find some real gems out there for a good price. Not to back track on tech, ofcourse the Z mount glass has clear advantages with Z6 z7. but some of the F mount lenses are superb on these cameras.

[@intrinsicimagery]

@@Vahagraphy currently, my only remaining F mount is the Tamron 35mm 1.4 SP. I just bought the Nikon Z 35mm 1.8 S crispy used for $600 on eBay.... and it is great. It is better for my use case as a wedding photographer. But the Tammy is magic.

[@anorveaa]

This lens was meant for DSLR. Does this lens not AF faster/snappier on your mirrorless camera?

[@izgil7541]

Ordered the lens. Will be using it with a Z6. Can't wait!

[@Vahagraphy]

Enjoy the 58mm. Its an incredible special lens. On the Z6 its so much fun to use. the balance of the FTZ adapter , Z6 and lens is perfect. Feels good in the hand, The 58mm focal length is very fun and right. You can roam around , I love using the Z6 with this lens like a roli camera. Flip the screen so your looking down on the camera. Love it. Enjoy it and have fun Izgil.

[@MNP1993]

should I calibrate the lens?

[@Vahagraphy]

Is your lens not as sharp or off in focus. I had no need in calibration on my lens.

[@MNP1993]

@@Vahagraphy just calibrated it. Seems super nice now

[@Vahagraphy]

@@MNP1993 Good. did you use the in camera calibration? what did it improve?

[@MNP1993]

@@Vahagraphy the lens seems to pick up a a lot faster and is a lot sharper

[@Vahagraphy]

@@MNP1993 Love it. I have to try this more often, Lens calib that is. Good work Min. Now its time to go out and Rock that lens to the top. Take amazing images my friend and rock n roll

[@sdfth491]

I just got a used copy, you're hurting my wallet with these excellent reviews lol 😆

[@Vahagraphy]

Nikon are you reading this. Send me some new lenses and cameras to review. hehe. Thank you John. Enjoy the killer 85mm G lens. I know I do every time I mount it.

[@Audimann]

I do not understand this lens. So wide open sharpness is not great. And then the price!! If I want a speciality lens being soft on purpose I take my lensbaby lenses.

[@Vahagraphy]

hehe yah, I see where your coming from. For me this lens has this character, sharpness in my opinion is not everything, I say that but we always look for sharpness when we pixel peep. haha. but yah this lens isn't for everyone. Its one of those things where you either love it and see its strengths or you hate it and think any old 50mm will do just fine.

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

This lens is all about the bokeh, less about the sharpness

[@Vahagraphy]

Right on Chris. Love the Bokeh and everything about this lens. One of these lenses thats a keeper and hard to part with.

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

@@Vahagraphy yes it's beautiful. Maybe one day I'll actually be able to own it lol 😅🥺

[@Vahagraphy]

@@Wh33lsofFortune you will. prices have fallen a bit since the rise of mirrorless Z . just check your used market you might find one pop up at a great price. Just make sure no defects and lens is in good condition.

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

@@Vahagraphy another great lens I own is the older rokinon 85 1.4 AE umc. That lens is pretty much on part optically with the 1.4d.. imo. On my D700, the images are stunning, and I really mean that. Good ol d700

[@Vahagraphy]

@@Wh33lsofFortune Really, rokinon huh. Ive had a few rokinons but for Fuji mounts, Good lenses for MF and prices are affordable. thanks CHris for those tips.

[@LuckyChannel_very]

50mm здесь лишний

[@Vahagraphy]

мы стараемся для отзывов. Хороший объектив однако

[@grooyam]

"this lens is great for portraiture" - uses is for everything but not portraiture. Disappointing.

[@Vahagraphy]

I've used it for portraits and got some good results. Ofcourse I would choose an 85 or 70-200 for portraits over the 58 but if I only had this lens and I needed to do a quick portrait of a subject on the go. It can get done.

[@grooyam]

@@Vahagraphy my point was that you keep talking how this lens is good for portraiture, yet you show almost no examples of portraits...

[@Vahagraphy]

@@grooyam fair enough. on my next portraits session i will bust it out and take some examples :)

[@helthuismartin]

No

[@slawomirczajkowski9481]

Some people should NEVER do any reviews.....

[@Vahagraphy]

So I take it this comment is a dig on me? Humm so what reviews do you like, from guys that never shoot? From guys that shoot books on a shelf or shot charts. Give me a break. Im a working pro and these reviews offer real world exp from a guy that has actually used this product and tested it. If you see no value in this review then you have the freedom to go watch another review from tech savvy guys that dont shoot.

[@viracocha3125]

The video is completely useless, the comparison is boring and unnecessary like the Nikon 58mm 1.4

[@Vahagraphy]

If I was considering the 58 1.4 as a future purchase especially if I was new to photography I would find this video helpful and that is the goal of this video. Your take on this being completely useless? hehe well everyone has a right to their own opinion just like i do in telling you I strongly disagree.