Terminology

[Mike lynch]

Hi guys, I'm new to this so sorry if this question is in the wrong place, and also, if it's just too stupid - can anyone tell me what F1.4G on a Nikon Lens means please? It may be on other lenses also, i don't know.
Thanking you in advance
Mike

[Nicole]

f/1.4 refers to the maximum possible aperture.

The rest of the Nikon abbreviations can be found here: NIKKOR Lens Glossary | Nikon

But basically, the G designation means that it doesn't have an aperture ring so you select the aperture from your camera.

[Cold]

Nicole is too fast!

[Mike lynch]

thanks guys, so, for this type of lens would it be best suited to action shots?

[jml79]

Originally Posted by Mike lynch

thanks guys, so, for this type of lens would it be best suited to action shots?

I am assuming you are asking about the 50mm f/1.4. It is the most common lens that has f/1.4

Yes and No. The speed of a lens refers to how fast it can gather light. This means that yes this lens may allow you to use a faster shutter speed but there is a trade off. When you open the aperture this large you will have a very shallow depth of field. Sometime only centimeters of depth in focus. The image will also be softer than if you stop the lens down some.

This lens is traditionally used for portrait work and as a walking lens for landscape and street photography. It is also very useful indoors when you don't want to use a flash. It is a little to short for normal action shots like at sporting events and such. Normally you would use a zoom that goes out to 200-300mm for this. You don't specify what equipment you have but try taking the kit lens you likely have, zooming it to 50mm and not changing it at all. This is what you will have with a 50mm prime lens. You have to zoom and frame by moving around.

It is a GREAT lens but not a lens you should buy until you know that is what you want and how to make good use of it.

[Mike lynch]

Thank you for that, I will take your advice and practice with what I have, I am using a Nikon D300s & D90 so I'll let you all know how I get on.
Thanks again
Mike.