Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Noct NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 Ai-S
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Manual Focus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 1977-01-01
MSRP Price: $4000
Made in: Japan
Production Status: Discontinued
Lens Description: A legendary 6-group, 7-element lens created for low-light / nocturnal use. The original version came out in 1977 and Nikon updated it with an Ai-S version in 1982
Photography Life Review Summary: Without a doubt, the Noct Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 is a very special and truly legendary lens. Almost forty years have passed since Nikon first invented the Noct and to date we have not seen a true equivalent – the latest generation 58mm f/1.4G cannot be considered as a replacement, because it lacks the sharpness the Noct is able to produce, particularly at the maximum aperture. Read the full Nikon Noct NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 Ai-S Review by Photography Life.
Nikon Noct NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 Ai-S Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 58mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | 35mm, FX and DX |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.7 |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full Frame format) | 40.8° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 7 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | No |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | No |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Manual Focus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | No |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.5m |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | No |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Dimensions | 63x74mm |
| Weight | 465g |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
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This is a very specialized lens. For general photography, a Nifty-Fifty (at 3%-10% the price of this one used) will serve you much better and will have AF besides. What can this lens do that a typical Nifty-Fifty can’t?
1) Render points of light at night as points of light, not as blobs
2) Go the extra mile in very low light. (The manual f/1.2 will too, at one fifth the price.)
3) Go the extra mile for an exceptionally shallow DOF. (Again, the f/1.2 does this, but is less sharp.)
I owned a copy in the 90s, and own a copy now. Obviously I love the thing for cityscapes after dark and stars. I always shoot it wide open–if I’m stopping down, my 50 f/1.4D is much, much more convenient (lighter, AF).
If at all possible, try before you buy.
Optics: 5/5
Construction: 5/5
Usefulness for ultra-shallow DOF: 5/5
Usefulness at night: 5/5
Usefulness for general photography: 2/5 (fine, but Nifty Fifty is lighter and has AF)
Value for money:
If you need points of light in the darkness as points: 5/5
If you need super-shallow DOF: 3/5 (if the 50 1.2 is sufficient for your needs, get that instead)
General Photography: 0/5
Also Compare to: 58mm f/1.4 G, less than half the price, does have AF (and hence half a stop slower). I have not had a chance to test this new offering so I can’t comment.
Perhaps Compare to: similarly priced Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4–not released at the time of this note.