Does a larger lens filter size imply more light and better photos?

Question

I'm wondering about 50mm f/1.4 for Nikons. The Nikon 50mm f/1.4D has a 52mm filter size. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 has a 77mm filter size. There's a lot more glass in the Sigma.

So, does having a larger filter size mean that a lens will collect more light, and therefore produce better photographs?

Answer

No, a designation of f/1.4 implies the same ratio between focal length and aperture in both lenses. So if you're shooting the same scene, both lenses will give you the exact same shutter speed wide open (unless you vary your ISO...)

From what I've read on the Sigma, the larger opening diameter means less vignetting wide open. I haven't observed this first-hand as I don't have either lens.

If you're shooting a crop digital body, this is moot as you're not going to get the corners where vignetting is visible.

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