Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor Ai-S Manual Focus Lens

"well-built, fast lens - i haven't tested it rigorously, but it seems very sharp at all f-stops. lack of af is difficult, but with katz-eye split screen focus, it's just like an 'old-fashioned' film slr."

"I had been looking for a sharp Nikon compatible normal lens with very shallow depth of field to allow isolation of subjects, and this one is the best. I was surprised to find that Nikon continues to make this lens in the high quality level that has characterized Nikon manual focus lenses over the years and did not hesitate to order from B&H as they had one in stock. This lens does for the Nikon system what the Noctilux provides to the Leica system, only at a fraction of the cost.



This lens is capable of focussing rather closely, making it distinctive compared with similiar Leica lenses (Noctilux). The difficulties of autofocussing a lens with this extreme shallow depth of field make an autofocus version seem less likely, although I would be interested, if Nikon ever produced such a lens in a reasonable physical size.



I have found this lens very easy to focus accurately using a D300s and D700, once you become accustomed to using the LED focus system to confirm exact focus. It has become in a matter of a few minutes of practice time, a quick, easy and satisfactory tool, accomplishing my goal of isolating the subject crisply/sharply with excellent results. The bonus you will discover, is that with normal situations with sufficient light to allow stopping down the lens, it functions as a very, very sharp normal lens, better that the other Nikon 50mm lenses that I own. (50mm f1.4 AFD and 50mm f1.8 manual focus)



If one doesn't care about autofocus capability I am certain this lens will not disappoint. I ordered it with the B&W digital pro (multicoated) filter which came in a silver version, a nice surprise in that it complemented the lenses' attractive appearance and retro styling. The Nikon HS-12 hood is attractive and provides valuable protection to the lens. The hood does not appear to add any significant vignetting of images in my experience over the several weeks that I have used this lens. The minor vignetting that is observed wide open is typical of this type of lens at wide apertures and contributes positively to the dreamy characteristics of the bokeh. Vignetting resolves as expected as the lens is stopped down to more "normal" apertures (f2.8-f4.0)



You will truly enjoy this lens more than most of the other Nikon offerings."

"This lens is one of these little jewels in the Nikon lens catalog that survived the change of time since the 80s and its a lens that has a very special character. Its very good usable wide open at the f1.2 setting as long as you get focusing right. The depth of field is so shallow (4 mm at a focus distance of 0.5 meter) that one easily gets the focus point wrong. If focus is right you are rewarded with wonderful shallow/selective focus images that create new opportunities for creative photography. Avail. light photography is difficult if a DSLR is used without a split screen but possible with the large viewfinder systems build into the D2 or D3 series. The lens seems to behave even better with the new full frame DSLRs and focusing is also easier with these bodys.

Full resolving power is reached at f2 and the lens easily outperforms the f1.8 version at f2.

Build quality is outstanding - the focus ring moves extremely smooth and the lens is build to ZEISS standards. The focus ring is large and has a nice diameter that supports the precise focusing. The extreme qualities of this lens start a new life on the full frame bodys. The original lens hood is a slip-on type. But the HN-23 can be used with a step-up ring (52-62). The lens creates wonderful star reflections of point light sources when stopped down due to its 9-bladed diaphragm. Bokeh is soso at f1.2.



Drawbacks: no AFS. That is obviously missing - its an AIS lens - autofocus would be nice with f1.2 sometimes. The other issue: at f1.2 some spherical aberration is clearly visible but this is typical for these lens types. If you want an extremely clean and sharp image: go to f2 with this lens.



If you need the avail. light champ with outstanding possibilities to through the background out of focus and if you dont need AF with 50 mm: this is the lens. If you usually work with f2.8-f8 settings and occasionally need AF go for the new f1.4 AFS version instead."

"Ultimate lens for low light & Depth of Field manipulation.

Super clarity & quality.

9 bladed aperture, excellent Bokeh.



Anyone who says this lens is soft either needs glasses or can't manually focus. It is probably the sharpest lens Nikon makes. Read the reviews from professional photographers. It is not a casual, all-purpose lens. It fills a specific, high-end niche, and 90 percent of people would be better off with the less expensive, more automatic f/1.8 AF lens, but for what it does, it does it REALLY well. On a D40 or D40x all prime lenses are manual focus anyway, and relying on auto-exposure is lazy...skill will always beat the camera's guess any day.



Basically, if you don't know what the added aperture will do for you, then you don't need it. Yes, it's more expensive, better lenses always are. That's why some telephotos can cost $10,000+. Comparing this to other lenses that can't go to f/1.2 is not really comparing apples to apples. This lens is just that one step above the rest, and like any top-notch tool, is not for the faint of ability or wallet.



If you are somehow still concerned about the build quality or it's clarity, forget it, it's unreal. Price; it's value is in how you use it, so buy within your comfort range.



The Bottom Line

Buy this if you want the extra level of capability it provides.

Casual, lazy or cheap...look elsewhere."

"Classic Nikon manual-focus glass. There's a reason why this lens has been a staple of the Nikon line for nearly 30 years.Wide open, it's a little soft, but the image sharpens up nicely below f/2. There is a small amount of light fall-off, but it's gone by f/2.8 in my opinion. And, if shooting DX format, it really isn't an issue at all.The bokeh captured with this lens is a bit of a mixed bag. Personally, I like the look it produces, but others disagree. I'd recommend looking around at the photo web sites for examples shot using this lens to judge for yourself.Low-light performance isn't nearly as good as 58mm f/1.2 NOCT (what is?), but it's still better than nearly anything other than, perhaps, the Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM.One thing to consider if planning to use this lens with a modern AF body is that it has a razor-thin DOF at large apertures. This can make focusing challenging when using a focusing screen without assists. Also, be sure to check your camera's manual for compatibility issues.Another thing to be aware of is that all the warnings about setting a lens mount-end down without a rear cap apply in spades for this lens. There are some delicate parts at that end to support metering on older film bodies, and the rear element is very exposed, so don't do it.I have no idea how much longer Nikon plans on offering this manual-focus gem, but if you have any interest at all, or if you have an older, pre-AF film body, I'd suggest picking one up before they join the other classic Nikkors on the list of [...] bait."

"I use this lens on a canon 5d with an adapter (I used to shoot nikon, then jumped ship for full frame), and it's nothing short of amazing what it will do. Candlelight, moonlight, anything. It's also half the size of the canon equivalent.



The depth of field is very narrow wide open (<1cm); it can be difficult to focus and nail every time, although I've gotten better with practice, and I suspect this would be the case for others, as well.



Construction is very solid; I am not easy on my gear and this lens has survived multiple batterings, unpadded bags, broken filters, desert sand, rain and snow, and it came through it all with flying colors. A treat to use and my favorite 50 (I've had about 7 different 50mm lenses over the years)."

"Very cool lens that is great under low light. I've been using this lens with my D700. Shooting at f/1.2 the images take on a blurry dream like appearance, but make for an interesting photograph.



It is very easy to focus with this lens, but the margin of error is pretty small when shooting wide open.



I haven't done any serious testing, but when I need something sharp and still shallow, I have found that stopping down to f/2 provides great results.



Couple of notes:

I'm not sure if it's the lens or a camera issue, but when I try to move the aperture ring to 1.4, the camera often still reads it as 1.2, which may affect the metering a bit.



Also, I do have some trouble from time to time with the matrix metering (not sure on the others). It is not too uncommon for pictures to be underexposed, but it could be something obvious that I am not aware of. But I've never experienced this problem on my autofocus lenses.



Overall, I have been pleased with the lens. The manual focus action is smooth and precise, making this lens easy to work with."

"I carry this lens with my 80% of the time because I am addicted to its optical quality. Yes, it is a manual focus lens. Yes, it is an old Ai-S model that won't meter unless you have a high end Nikon body. But if you do, oh boy do the results work.By way of comparison, I've owned the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 (gave it away), Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D (still own it), and this Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S. As I've become better at manually focusing, I've moved almost entirely away from using my f/1.4D, which itself is a great lens but just doesn't have that special "extra" indescribable beauty to its images. I only use the 1.4D when I know I'll be photographing fast moving subjects and need AF.This lens is obviously visibly soft at f/1.2, slightly better than the f/1.4D at f/1.4D, and without peer at f/2.0 [@]"

"This lens is incredible on the D3. Sharp at 1.2, the high ISO of the D3 with this fstop provides incredible available light possibilities. At f2.0 it's sick. The feel of the focus is silky smooth. The construction reminds me of why I love Nikon gear. Now if Nikon will make a split screen focus screen for the D3!



Charlie Pappas"

"To have the 1.2 is awesome and it is still very sharp in the center at 1.2, but at 2.0 .... good lord. That is one amazingly sharp 2.0 lens. Sure it is a manual focus lens, but well worth it.



I just put it on my D3 and the images are insanely good. With the high ISO capabilities of the D3 and this lens... the possibilities are unreal."