Is that this Nikon’s niftiest fifty? It relies upon how a lot you care about portability and value!
Introduction
This evaluate explains all the things that you must know concerning the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S, a high-end prime lens with an especially vibrant most aperture. Launched in 2020, it was Nikon’s first ever full-frame f/1.2 lens with autofocus capabilities. Though largely geared towards portrait and marriage ceremony photographers, it additionally goals to be the top of Nikon’s lineup for anybody who loves the traditional focal size of 50mm. That mentioned, the scale and weight of this lens (1090 grams / 2.40 kilos), in addition to the $2100 value, imply that it’s actually not a lens for everybody.
Though the Z 50mm f/1.2 S is Nikon’s first autofocus 50mm f/1.2, it’s hardly their first f/1.2 optic round this focal size. The custom started in 1965 with the Nikkor 55mm f/1.2, adopted by the Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 in 1977 and the AI-Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 in 1981. Nikon took a break from f/1.2 lenses within the autofocus period however is again now with a vengeance!
Photographers usually select such quick lenses after they want low-light efficiency or the shallowest potential depth of subject. Nevertheless, ultra-fast lenses don’t at all times have higher picture high quality than their slower alternate options – usually the other. For instance, within the DSLR days, Nikon’s 50mm f/1.8G outperformed the 50mm f/1.4G in most respects (and now the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S outperforms them each).
This led me to surprise if the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S would buck the pattern. Does it solely exist to collect as a lot mild as potential? Or is it additionally a groundbreaking performer optically, because the hefty value and dimension would counsel? This evaluate will reply these questions and extra.
Construct High quality
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a fairly heavy lens, and it’s large for a 50mm prime. It’s meaningfully larger and heavier than the Canon and Sony 50mm f/1.2 lenses. Right here’s an inventory of the weights and lengths of those three mirrorless lenses:
- Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S: 1090 g (2.40 lbs); 150 mm lengthy (5.9 inches)
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L: 950 g (2.09 lbs); 108 mm lengthy (4.3 inches)
- Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: 778 g (1.72 lbs); 108 mm lengthy (4.3 inches)
The excellent news is that the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S is constructed of high-quality supplies. It feels reassuring in-hand and has tight tolerances. There are not any exterior transferring elements, and the climate sealing is intensive, together with a fluorine-coated entrance aspect to repel mud and water. Though a lot of the barrel of the lens is manufactured from plastic, that’s not out of the odd even for high-end lenses, and the standard of the plastic used right here is excessive. This lens is designed for years {of professional} use and feels prefer it.
Now let’s cowl the dealing with options of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
Dealing with
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S handles very easily. It follows the design philosophy of a few of Nikon’s preliminary S-series lenses, notably that includes an EL show that may present distance and focusing info. (Nikon now not builds a show into most of their high-end glass.)
Befitting knowledgeable lens, the Z 50mm f/1.2 S features a customized operate button, an additional management ring, and an A-M swap. It additionally includes a DISP button to regulate what info seems on the EL show. Aside from the massive dimension of the lens, there’s nothing to complain about the place dealing with is anxious.
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S Specs
- Full Identify: Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 S
- Mount Sort: Nikon Z Mount
- Focal Size: 50mm prime
- Angle of View (FX): 47°
- Most Aperture: f/1.2
- Minimal Aperture: f/16
- Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
- Filter Measurement: 82mm
- Lens Parts: 17
- Lens Teams: 15
- Particular Parts: 3 aspherical, 2 ED glass
- ARNEO Coating: Sure
- Nano Crystal Coating: Sure
- Fluorine Coated Entrance Ingredient: Sure
- Digital Diaphragm: Sure
- Vibration Discount: No
- Inner Focusing: Sure
- Management Rings: Focus and customized
- Operate Button: One
- Focus Motor: STM
- Minimal Focus Distance: 45 cm (18 inches)
- Most Magnification: 0.15× (1:6.7)
- Mount Materials: Metallic
- Climate/Mud Sealing: Sure
- Dimensions (Size × Diameter): 150 x 90 mm (5.9 x 3.5 inches)
- Weight: 1090 g (2.40 lbs)
- MSRP: $2100
- Lowest Sale Seen: $1900 (verify present value)
Right here is the development of the lens, courtesy of Nikon:
The following web page of this evaluate covers the optical traits of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S, together with focusing efficiency and sharpness assessments within the lab. So, click on the menu under to go to “Optical Efficiency”: