Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S

Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f1.2 Ai-S

Lens Summary

Brand: Nikon

Also Known As: Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS

Lens Type: Prime Lens

Format: Full Frame / FX

Focus: Manual Focus

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Release Date: 1981-09-01

MSRP Price: $699.95

Made in: Japan

Infrared Rating: Poor

Production Status: In Production

Lens Description: High-performance compact and lightweight manual focus lens features a fast f/1.2 aperture.

Photography Life Review Summary: The 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S is a classic NIKKOR lens that is still being manufactured today, thanks to its impressive f/1.2 aperture and superb performance. While the lens suffers from spherical aberration issues at the maximum aperture, the lens performs exceptionally well once stopped down to f/2.0 and smaller. As of today, it is the only Nikon lens that was able to surpass the 3600 mark in our Imatest lab tests, when mounted on the high resolution Nikon D800E DSLR. Read the full Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S Review by Photography Life.


Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S Specifications

Lens Specifications
* Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area 
Lens TypePrime Lens
Focal Length50mm
Mount TypeNikon F
FormatFull Frame / FX
Compatible Format(s)FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film
Compatible with TeleconvertersNo
Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization)No
Aperture Information
Aperture RingYes
Maximim Aperturef/1.2
Minimum Aperturef/16
Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format)46°
Optical Information
Lens Elements7
Lens Groups6
Focus Information
FocusManual Focus
Built-in Focus MotorNo
Minimum Focus Distance1.7 ft. (0.5m)
Filter Information
Filter Size52mm
Accepts Filter TypeScrew-on
Physical Characteristics
Weather / Dust SealingYes
Mount MaterialMetal
Dimensions(Approx.) 2.7x1.9 in. (Diameter x Length), 686x48.3mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight(Approx.) 12.7 oz. (359g)
Other Information
Available in ColorsBlack
Supplied Accessories52mm front lens cap, Rear lens cap

MTF Performance

Here is how the lens performed according to Imatest:

The lens suffers from spherical aberration issues at the maximum aperture of f/1.2 and f/1.4, so its performance is quite limited across the frame. However, once stopped down to f/2.0, aberrations are dramatically reduced, resulting in much higher performance. By f/2.8, the lens yields excellent sharpness in the center and in the mid-frame. There is a little bit of focus shift when jumping between f/1.2, f/2 and f/4. Field curvature is definitely present, which explains the lower performance of the mid-frame and the corners when compared to the center.

Peak performance is reached at f/4.0, where the lens passes the 3600 mark in the center – sharper than the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and sharper than any other Nikon lens that we have tested to date. Corners also pick up significantly by f/4. The best overall performance is reached at f/5.6, where the lens shows very good sharpness throughout the frame.

Distortion

Distortion is a little on the high side for a lens of this class. Imatest measured barrel distortion at -1.55. Unfortunately, since neither Lightroom nor Camera RAW have built-in lens profiles for this classic, all distortion corrections have to be carried out manually.

Chromatic Aberrations

Chromatic aberration levels are moderate. Imatest measured CA at about 1 pixel at the larger apertures, averaging 1.5 pixels at smaller apertures, as shown below:

Vignetting

As expected, vignetting is quite strong at the largest apertures, reaching as many as 2 full stops of difference in the corners. The good news is, vignetting is cut significantly at f/2.0 and practically disappears by f/2.8:

Here is an illustration of the worst case scenario, shot at f/1.2:

Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S Vignetting
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Vladimir Naumoff

Hi guys and thanks for the review. Agree great lens but nothing really super special about this glass. I had it and I had Sigma 50mm 1.4 newer version. I liked the Sigma better. This is my personal opinion though. These days I use Sony 50mm f/1.8. Excellent lens too and that one cost $120.

Joseph A. Cottone sr

Maybe I have a different version of this lens, but I bought my first Nikon FE back in May 1979 & the 50 mm f 1.2 lens with it at that time. I found the lens to be very good I am not sure what I should be looking for with the flaws you & the other guy mention. I am no pro but I am telling you that lens is fantastic, I still have & use it on my D 300s, the last time just a few days ago it worked very well. I am not as fast as I used to be at focusing since af lenses made me lazy, but it worked well after 35 years of service.
Please advise what & how I can detect the flaws you mentioned & I’ll get back to you asap.

Thanks
Joe Cottone sr