Image courtesy of DPReview.com

Nikon has just announced a new lens, the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G that replaces the previous generation Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4D. Essentially this new lens, with the designation of G, means it does not have an aperture ring making it useless for manual focus cameras but will now be able to autofocus with the D40 and D60 SLRs. With Silent Wave Motor, this lens should focus quite fast. It has more elements, eight elements in seven groups versus seven elements in six groups. It’s also got full-time manual focus. The MSRP will be $439, which is a bit steep considering that Canon’s 50mm f/1.4 is $325 and the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4D is $290. Perhaps they are trying to compete with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM’s $500 price tag?