This is the older non D but made in Japan version. Looks similar to the above, without the D. Optically same as the D version and the newer AFS version as well, but smaller in size than the AFS one and more convenient for carrying around. One of the must haves for any photographers because it is the cheapest F1.4 lens around that is still available. A 35f1.4 or 85f1.4 would cost many times more. This is a very good walk about lens to have, esp at night. On a full frame body, its considered normal, meaning similar to what our eyes see, on the cropped dslr, it gives a FOV similar to a 75mm lens, which makes it good for a variety of applications, from street photography, to portraits, it gives a good compromise between distance away from subject, perspective distortion, and depth of field, which is of cos thin at F1.4.

" So, the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4s as shown on the first autofocus professional class single digit-F Nikon F4 below perhaps may provide some clue why the early AF Nikkor have such an appearance While the lens type in such an outfit may look good on the Nikon F4 with a very modern, rounded body contour, perhaps it was one of the reasons that some guys at Nikon designing team concluded the Nikkor should also be given a new dressing to supplement all the new autofocus Nikon bodies. Well, I am opened to such concept if ever it has but admittedly, if this was really true, then the decision was not entirely done in a very well manner then. "

" So, it boils down to the lens structure and optically what have been improved upon. The AF Nikkor of this version still employs the classic 7 elements in 6 groups design found on the older MF Nikkor equivalent. The closest focusing distance is also the same with MF Nikkor counterpart, at 45.5mm (1.5 ft). Although I am not sure if the older lens hood still works (Should be) but Nikon brought along a new HS-9 lens hood specifically designed for this lens to use. Despite the numerous complaints by Nikon photographers, Nikon didn't seemed to react swiftly, it was not until 1991 that we finally saw an improvement done to this first generation of AF Nikkor 50mm lens. However, guess what ? Optically is still the same. They just replaced the much criticized manual focusing ring, that was all and also suggested to users to revert back to use HR2 lens hood. "