The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8 and the Nikon 50mm f1.4D for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 65mm. The Nikon 50mm f1.4D with a length of 43mm, is 22mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8 also has a larger diameter of 69mm compared to the Nikon 50mm f1.4D's 65mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 50mm f1.4D weighs 230g, 2% (5g) lighter than the Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8's weight of 235g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8 and the Nikon 50mm f1.4D have the same Filter thread size of 52mm.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8 has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 50mm f1.4D has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Micro 40mm F2.8 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 40mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
60mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 50mm f1.4D is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 75mm.