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 |
| Maximim Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 40.8° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 7 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Manual Focus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | 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 |
| Dimensions | 63x74mm |
| Weight | 465g |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
Lens Diagram
Sample Images
Reader Interactions
User Reviews
User Review Policy: All user reviews are moderated. If you would like your review to be posted, please make sure that there is enough valuable information for others to read. Two or three word reviews will be deleted. Also, please do not forget to give a star ranking to the reviewed product. Thank you!
Good morning
Can I manually use this lens on Nikon z7 Camera?
Thanks for your answer
Ezio Racchi
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.