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Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 Lens
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Model: Nikkor 50mm f/1.2
Camera Type: 35 mm SLR
Lens Type: Normal / Straight (35 - 65mm)
MPN: 1435
Type of Focus: Manual Focus
Lens Brand: Nikon
Product ID: EPID48202885
Description: The fastest lens available in the Nikon lineup, the 50/1.2 is only available in manual-focus AIS. Reveals new possibilities in low-light photography. Accepts 52mm filters; HR-2 lens hood.
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$99.95(1 Bid )
$150.00(2 Bids )
Top Reviews
Perfect for what it is.Review created: 12/12/05
by:
) 
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.
First question you need to ask before you even consider buying this lens is why do you want it. If you don't know the reason why, don't get it you'll only be unhappy.
Now if you want the fastest lens possible for your nikon without selling your first-born, this lens is the one to get. I have heard complaints about it being soft and lacking contrast. I haven't had those problems, I will say that it is manual focus and you have to have your focus dead on if you shoot wide open. If you're off a little in the focus you'll see it big time when you print. As for the contrast problems I've heard of, pick the right film.
This lens is perfect for portrait work where you want a very limited depth of field. It's also perfect for low light work. I find myself using it more than I do any other lens even though it isn't auto focus. You wont find a faster lens for a nikon at a more reasonable price (actually you wont find a faster lens just a more expensive one if you want the noc version).
Now if you want the fastest lens possible for your nikon without selling your first-born, this lens is the one to get. I have heard complaints about it being soft and lacking contrast. I haven't had those problems, I will say that it is manual focus and you have to have your focus dead on if you shoot wide open. If you're off a little in the focus you'll see it big time when you print. As for the contrast problems I've heard of, pick the right film.
This lens is perfect for portrait work where you want a very limited depth of field. It's also perfect for low light work. I find myself using it more than I do any other lens even though it isn't auto focus. You wont find a faster lens for a nikon at a more reasonable price (actually you wont find a faster lens just a more expensive one if you want the noc version).
Review ID: 10000000000100033
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Fantastic Lens!
) 18 of 21 people found this review helpful.
Using a fixed focal length requires a certain degree of discipline when you are using it, but in the end you are forced to compose and think within a specific "frame" of composition. Foot zooming ends up being your only choice if you want to draw yourself in and our of a scene.
I'm one of those people who has developed an "eye" for the 50mm focal length. Generally speaking, most photographers end up developing that "eye" for one or two focal lengths.
What's the *real* advantage to this piece of glass? The speed of course. But more so than that, selective focus.
Nikon doesn't make a faster lens than this, although f/1.2 apertures are available with their 58mm Noct (a $1,500 lens) and with their older (but not nearly as good) *55mm*.
I don't have any other lens in my lineup that produces images like this one does. The selective focusing can at times be *startling*. But generally speaking you don't get selective focus (or depth of field) like this lens unless if you're using a fast telephoto prime. But you end up with the same sort of depth of field without having to be so far away from your subject.
The AI-S version of this lens comes with a nice 9-bladed aperture. The AI version is only 7. If you can, seek out the AI-S version if at all possible. The out-of-focus rendering is nicer due to the 9-bladed aperture.
Cons? Some photographers think that this lens is soft. My experience tells me something entirely different, with many 8 by 10 blowups of pictures taken wide open. Certainly I would never put this 50mm up against Nikon's 50mm f/2 in terms of overall performance. This lens was designed to give it's best performance at f/1.2 within the 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 5 meters) range. If you stop this lens down to f/4, it equals the performance of any 50mm at any aperture.
You would *never* want to use this lens with extension tubes or bellows. The performance of this lens is not designed around macro work. I happen to like the extremely low depth of field with macro work, but I concede that the performance decline is noticeable, even in the viewfinder.
The other con to this lens is that since it does not have a CPU chip, there are many modern Nikon camera bodies that it will not meter with.
Is it worth the $430 USD grey market price? If you are into selective focus, available light, or 50mm lenses (or any combination of the three) then it is very much worth the purchase. It can be had for roughly $250 USD on the used market. I purchased mine used a few years ago, and I think it was the best money that I've ever spent in terms of sheer *usefulness*
I'm one of those people who has developed an "eye" for the 50mm focal length. Generally speaking, most photographers end up developing that "eye" for one or two focal lengths.
What's the *real* advantage to this piece of glass? The speed of course. But more so than that, selective focus.
Nikon doesn't make a faster lens than this, although f/1.2 apertures are available with their 58mm Noct (a $1,500 lens) and with their older (but not nearly as good) *55mm*.
I don't have any other lens in my lineup that produces images like this one does. The selective focusing can at times be *startling*. But generally speaking you don't get selective focus (or depth of field) like this lens unless if you're using a fast telephoto prime. But you end up with the same sort of depth of field without having to be so far away from your subject.
The AI-S version of this lens comes with a nice 9-bladed aperture. The AI version is only 7. If you can, seek out the AI-S version if at all possible. The out-of-focus rendering is nicer due to the 9-bladed aperture.
Cons? Some photographers think that this lens is soft. My experience tells me something entirely different, with many 8 by 10 blowups of pictures taken wide open. Certainly I would never put this 50mm up against Nikon's 50mm f/2 in terms of overall performance. This lens was designed to give it's best performance at f/1.2 within the 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 5 meters) range. If you stop this lens down to f/4, it equals the performance of any 50mm at any aperture.
You would *never* want to use this lens with extension tubes or bellows. The performance of this lens is not designed around macro work. I happen to like the extremely low depth of field with macro work, but I concede that the performance decline is noticeable, even in the viewfinder.
The other con to this lens is that since it does not have a CPU chip, there are many modern Nikon camera bodies that it will not meter with.
Is it worth the $430 USD grey market price? If you are into selective focus, available light, or 50mm lenses (or any combination of the three) then it is very much worth the purchase. It can be had for roughly $250 USD on the used market. I purchased mine used a few years ago, and I think it was the best money that I've ever spent in terms of sheer *usefulness*
Review ID: 10000000000088039
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I don't understand the negative reviews!10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
Just got this beauty in the last month - I've shot over 1000 shots with it on my D200 - It is fantastic....
I have several normal Nikkor (on 35mm) lenses including: 45mm f2 GN, 50mm f1.8 AIs, 50mm f2 AI, 55mm Micro f2.8 AI - At between f2.8 & f8 the f1.2 is near to or equals any of them at anything other than infinity, but at f1.2 it is awsome --- and the only one down there. If it has faults they are balanced by the increased speed you can get - The D200's noise one gets at iso1600 is somehow beautiful - probably the combination of bokeh and increased shutter speed.
focusing is like silk - most images moire in the fine freznel until they're dead in focus - the weight is perfectly centred between the body and the aperture ring.
For full sun landscape on a tripod my favourite normal is the 50mm f1.8 at f11 for everything else my favourite is the f1.2
Night shooting in the city in the rain at iso800 @ 1/60th and f1.2 - lovely.
For the bargain price I paid I can't beleive I found my absolute favourite lens and I already have 13 Nikkors, 4 Hasselblads and several exotics.
I have several normal Nikkor (on 35mm) lenses including: 45mm f2 GN, 50mm f1.8 AIs, 50mm f2 AI, 55mm Micro f2.8 AI - At between f2.8 & f8 the f1.2 is near to or equals any of them at anything other than infinity, but at f1.2 it is awsome --- and the only one down there. If it has faults they are balanced by the increased speed you can get - The D200's noise one gets at iso1600 is somehow beautiful - probably the combination of bokeh and increased shutter speed.
focusing is like silk - most images moire in the fine freznel until they're dead in focus - the weight is perfectly centred between the body and the aperture ring.
For full sun landscape on a tripod my favourite normal is the 50mm f1.8 at f11 for everything else my favourite is the f1.2
Night shooting in the city in the rain at iso800 @ 1/60th and f1.2 - lovely.
For the bargain price I paid I can't beleive I found my absolute favourite lens and I already have 13 Nikkors, 4 Hasselblads and several exotics.
Review ID: 10000000003434585
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Big, but there's a price to pay..
) 7 of 14 people found this review helpful.
Over the years I've had several samples of both this one and also the earlier 55mm version of the f/1.2. There was another f/1.2, the 58mm Noct Nikkor, but I have not as yet had the pleasure (or bank account balance) to try one of these. Both the 50mm and 55mm f/1.2 lenses indicated very similar optical characteristics, both being rather soft and lacking contrast at or near full aperture, and subject to flare. Both behaved well at f/2.8 and at smaller apertures. They are not lenses I would choose for everyday work, since they are heavy and of questionable value wide open. There is of course the sex appeal that such huge glass has, but I'd probably leave these on the shelf and choose something that delivers better optical performance.
Review ID: 10000000000046979
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King of BokehReview created: 10/12/08
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Because it stops up to f1.2, this lens creates the best bokeh. At f1.2 to 2.0, the depth of field is very shallow, but the focus is very precise. The surface of what is in focus is very sharp, but immediately behind the surfaces in the out of focus area is soft and beautiful. The mechanical construction of the lens is minimalist-perfect. When the aperture is wide open, it consumes the entire glass. The sharpness of focus is almost as good as a macro lens. Worth every penny.
Review ID: 10000000009049106
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It is sharp wide open.Review created: 06/15/08
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I've heard many users say this lens isn't sharp wide open.
Well, I can tell it IS sharp wide open, it's only damn difficult to focus on a DSLR-screen. The earlier split screens were much easier. Wide open it has a very shallow DOF. So, when you didn't focus right, you get the impression that it isn't sharp. True, it is a bit soft, but that can be corrected afterwards.
Well, I can tell it IS sharp wide open, it's only damn difficult to focus on a DSLR-screen. The earlier split screens were much easier. Wide open it has a very shallow DOF. So, when you didn't focus right, you get the impression that it isn't sharp. True, it is a bit soft, but that can be corrected afterwards.
Review ID: 10000000007600268
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Excellent LensReview created: 05/10/08
by:
) 3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I bought this lens because of the Nikon brand and also because I have been wanting a 50mm ultra-fast lens. This has far exceeded my expectations. I have gotten some truly great pictures with it and when I am going on a shoot I never leave home without it. A definate must in every photographer's bag.
Review ID: 10000000007108122
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excellent build, bokeh A+++ but not the sharpest lensReview created: 04/08/08
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
If lens sharpness & contrast was the only to define a verdict this would be a 3.6 out of 5. Since it's built solidly, made of metal and paints an excellent bokeh I rate it a 4.4 out of 5. It benefits a lot from the HS-12 hood, so I recommend using it with the lens. It's also excellent to handle, the focusing feel is perfect and build quality is excellent. Easy to focus in low light as it gives a bright and clear view in the viewfinder. DoF scale is from f/5.6 to f/16.
f/1.2 to f/1.4 - soft, vignetting (D3) and loss of contrast
f/2 improves a lot, making it indeed usable
f/2.8 further improves a lot, and starting at f/4 is where it paints best.
If you need a bokeh lens and love to feast with that shallow depth of field, this is the lens you are looking for.
I've uploaded some samples wide open & original resolution here:
http://www.flickr.com/pho
f/1.2 to f/1.4 - soft, vignetting (D3) and loss of contrast
f/2 improves a lot, making it indeed usable
f/2.8 further improves a lot, and starting at f/4 is where it paints best.
If you need a bokeh lens and love to feast with that shallow depth of field, this is the lens you are looking for.
I've uploaded some samples wide open & original resolution here:
http://www.flickr.com/pho
Review ID: 10000000006583931
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The Speed of ArtReview created: 02/06/08
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I bought this out of pure curiosity. It wasn't that expensive and 1.2 is a spectacular aperture that you mostly just read about.
I've read many reviews about this lacking sharpness and contrasts wide open, but to be honest people saying that is overly critical or lacks good eyesight (and simple PP takes care of the contrasts). Of course at 1.2 it isn't as sharp as at 2-11, but which lens is?
Shooting at 1.2 (which you should do all the time, otherwise, use another much cheaper lens) is really not for extreme documentary reasons, but for a specific (artistic) effect. the DOF is shallow of course, but the bokeh is to die for! Pure, pure cream (some times I deliberately shoot OOF just to see the effect).
If you are shooting digital with cropfactor at about 1.5 this makes for a perfect portrait lens that is not surpassed by any other in this price range (a 85mm 1.4 costs much more and has a much longer near focus point inappropriate for casual shooting).
I've even stopped taking credit for the pictures it produces, it's simply to easy to create a spectacular look.
Only downside is the size and weight and limited field of use (since the other 50mm nikkor lenses is as good on all the other apertures).
I've read many reviews about this lacking sharpness and contrasts wide open, but to be honest people saying that is overly critical or lacks good eyesight (and simple PP takes care of the contrasts). Of course at 1.2 it isn't as sharp as at 2-11, but which lens is?
Shooting at 1.2 (which you should do all the time, otherwise, use another much cheaper lens) is really not for extreme documentary reasons, but for a specific (artistic) effect. the DOF is shallow of course, but the bokeh is to die for! Pure, pure cream (some times I deliberately shoot OOF just to see the effect).
If you are shooting digital with cropfactor at about 1.5 this makes for a perfect portrait lens that is not surpassed by any other in this price range (a 85mm 1.4 costs much more and has a much longer near focus point inappropriate for casual shooting).
I've even stopped taking credit for the pictures it produces, it's simply to easy to create a spectacular look.
Only downside is the size and weight and limited field of use (since the other 50mm nikkor lenses is as good on all the other apertures).
Review ID: 10000000005456970
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This lens is the best 50mm lens you can!Review created: 06/15/07
by:
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I have used this lens for about three years,have used it for school and for work.
It works well in all stops on both my FE2 and D200, this lens has produced award winning photos for me at school!
I use it in low or naturel light it does have a hard time wide open over 10 feet away but with a steady hand and a good eye theres no other lens I rather use:)
For the money(and this is wy I have one) you will find nothing better.
It works well in all stops on both my FE2 and D200, this lens has produced award winning photos for me at school!
I use it in low or naturel light it does have a hard time wide open over 10 feet away but with a steady hand and a good eye theres no other lens I rather use:)
For the money(and this is wy I have one) you will find nothing better.
Review ID: 10000000003818635
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Nikon 1.2/50mm Manual2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
An excellent lens. Manual focus so photographic pre-visualization and low light techniques come into their own. Using it on both digital as well as film cameras. Wonderful to use, I enjoy it very much.
Review ID: 10000000009410241
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nikkon nikkor 50mm F 1.2Review created: 10/02/08
by:
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Really sharp but difficult to focus and light measurement.
If you are not afraid of your ability to get the focus and right exposure you get the right lens.
I shoot with really low light and this lens was able to get the job done with no problem without tripod
If you are not afraid of your ability to get the focus and right exposure you get the right lens.
I shoot with really low light and this lens was able to get the job done with no problem without tripod
Review ID: 10000000008880574
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Nikon lens2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I haven't really had much of a chance to use the lens but from the shots I've taken it works perfectly. It's in great condition and an all around good lens.
Review ID: 10000000008559693
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Nikon 50mm F/1.2 lens1 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Product was never received. Deal was cancelled at my end due to seller bullying in the selling process and his contact number being false. And eBay's so called conciliation process was totally useless. It is a computerized process that adds no value whatsoever in the resolution process!
Review ID: 10000000010212972
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Very good lens,clean and very nice.Review created: 04/07/08
by:
ullenumber1 ( 6 )
1 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Hi
I bought the lens and was immediately impressed with this equipment. I was clean and works very good. It look like new lens and ther was no marks on it.
I bought the lens and was immediately impressed with this equipment. I was clean and works very good. It look like new lens and ther was no marks on it.
Review ID: 10000000006551784
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Nikon 50mm f1.2 AIsThat's a wonderful lens, one of the best Nikon ever mades, sharp at all apertures, particulary at f2, very well build and delivers beautiful bokeh.
That's the fastest lens available from Nikon, both in manual and AF lenses.
That's the fastest lens available from Nikon, both in manual and AF lenses.
Review ID: 10000000013897749
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Amazing bokehthe lens to get for bokeh maniacs! it is super clear and super sharp and has a heavy weight solid feel to it.
Review ID: 10000000013754713
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Nikon 50mm f1.2 lens0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
The seller describe merchandise very real without facelifting. Delivery and communication is also precise and on time. The seller I could reference to my friends.
Review ID: 10000000011778959
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Nikon High QualityI lovewd this lens, The Nikon f1.2 lens is great for those needing to captrue that DOF , film look, it preformed well.
Review ID: 10000000011587394
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