Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S RF SWM Prime Wide-Angle Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

by Nikon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0037KM0X0
• Item model number: 24mm f/1.4G ED
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 8, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Compelling wide-angle perspective combined with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture serves the needs of demanding professionals in exacting conditions.

Prime Wide-angle Perspective—Ultra-fast f/1.4 Aperture
Natural wide angle of view, with extreme light gathering capability, delivers extraordinary performance, meeting a broad range of challenging assignments.

2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings. 2 Aspherical Lens Elements Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration, even when shooting at the widest available aperture. Nano Crystal Coat Further reduces ghosting and internal flare across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity. Rear Focus (RF) Provides smooth and fast autofocus while eliminating front barrel rotation and lens length changes.

M/A Focus Mode Switch
Enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation.

Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.

Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements.

Product Description

Compelling wide-angle perspective combined with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture serves the needs of demanding professionals in exacting conditions. Prime Wide-angle PerspectiveUltra-fast f/1.4 Aperture - Natural wide angle of view, with extreme light gathering capability, delivers extraordinary performance, meeting a broad range of challenging assignments. Nano Crystal Coat - Further reduces ghosting and internal flare across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity. 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements - Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings. 2 Aspherical Lens Elements - Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration, even when shooting at the widest available aperture. Rear Focus (RF) - Provides smooth and fast autofocus while eliminating front barrel rotation and lens length changes. Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) - Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. M/A Focus Mode Switch - Enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation. Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm - Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 40 years ago, a 24mm 1.4 was unheard of at any price, January 9, 2011

By 

James Cooper "Conspicuous Consumer" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S RF SWM Prime Wide-Angle Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

In few words, an excellent chunk of glass. Don't know technospeak, so I don't know the science that created it, just that it's fast great for shooting sans flash. And when you buy a 24mm lens on an FX body, you're getting 24mm, not 36 as you would on a DX body.

When you have no tuition to pay for, no alimony, no funeral preparations (you'll find my casket at Lowe's in the garbage can aisle). And you have a niece that will go nuts inheriting something this nice.

Too expensive, but I don't care. I love it...

Apologies for the non-review review.

48 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible wide open performance, May 2, 2010

By 

M. N. Mehta "addicted to amazon prime" (MA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S RF SWM Prime Wide-Angle Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I bought the 24 1.4 for the sole purpose of being able to shoot wide at 1.4. I dont think I have taken one picture with this lens that is not at 1.4. IMO, if one wanted to shoot at anything higher than 1.4, there are plenty of other alternatives that cost less than this lens and give more flexibility eg 24-70, 14-24, 16-35vr etc. On DX, the lens is equivalent to a FX 35mm 1.4.

The performance of this lens at 1.4 is simply incredible. At 1.4 this lens is just as sharp as my 70-200 VRII. Not just in the center, but corner to corner. After a week of using the lens, my jaw still drops everytime I look at pictures taken with this lens and I cannot help but marvel at the clarity, contrast and sharpness of pictures using the 24 1.4.

The bokeh is quite pleasing. It doesn't compare to the classics like the 85 1.4 or the 135DC, but it not bad by any means (see the sample picture I uploaded of a flower and shrubs to get a sense for the bokeh).

There is really only one shortcoming of the 24 1.4: chromatic aberration. You do see CA in in high contrast situations, but this is relatively easy to fix in post.

In terms of weight and feel, the lens is about the same weight as a Tokina 11-16. It feels slightly front heavy on my D90 without a grip and feels great balanced on a D700. If you are using it with a film camera, note that there is no aperture ring on the lens. This doesn't affect me because I use an F100.

The lens is not cheap, but my qualms about spending $2k+ are somewhat quashed after seeing the photos it can help me produce. Further, it's likely that a lens of this calibre will retain its value over the coming years so if you sell it after some time, you'll really only be out about 10-20% of the cost. Hence, the main issue potentially becomes one of cash flow..

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A modern gem, better than the old AF-D 28mm f/1.4, April 18, 2010

By 

L. Hong "LH" (Cambridge, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S RF SWM Prime Wide-Angle Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I have owned and tried most of Nikon's fast (low aperture) gems (58mm f/1.2 Noct, 28mm f/1.4, AF 85mm f/1.4, 105 and 135mm f2 DC, 200mm F2 VR, etc), and this lens ranks among the best.
Great build quality, super sharp wide open at f/1.4, great bokeh (creamy background blur) and very low flare (especially when compared to my 14-24mm zoom). Less distortion and noticeably sharper than the older 28mm f/1.4.

This is THE lens to own for low-light / nighttime photography!