Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Lens Reviews
  • Camera Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Compare Cameras
  • Forum
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • About
  • Search
Home → News → Cameras and Lenses

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 Announced for $500

By Spencer Cox 8 Comments
Published On September 9, 2024

Nikon has just announced their newest mirrorless lens: the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4. Like the Z 35mm f/1.4 that was announced a couple of months ago, this is not an S-series lens. Instead, it prioritizes a light weight and a lower price. Here’s what we know so far.

First, the top specification of this lens is the bright f/1.4 maximum aperture. It pairs nicely with Nikon’s existing Z-series 50mm lenses, offering a brighter aperture than the 50mm f/1.8 S or the 50mm f/2.8 Macro, while costing far less than the 50mm f/1.2 S.

I’m also encouraged by the lens’s relatively light weight of 420 grams (0.93 pounds). This is roughly the same weight as the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (which weighs 415 grams) while capturing 2/3 of a stop more light. Interestingly, the dimensions and weight are also essentially the same as those of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4. This may not matter much to photographers, but videographers will appreciate the ability to swap the two lenses while using a motorized gimbal, without needing to rebalance the camera.

Z6III_Z50_1.4_front34l
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 on the Nikon Z6 III for scale

The price of the new Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 S is $500, which makes it even cheaper than the f/1.8 S-line version, a $630 lens (though currently on sale for $530). That follows the situation of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4, which also is cheaper than the 35mm f/1.8 S.

What photographers may be wondering, then, is how the new 50mm f/1.4 performs. We all know that nothing is a free ride in photography, and a fast, less expensive, non-S lens may be ringing some of your alarm bells. And it’s true that I personally would be shocked if the image quality was quite as good as what the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S can offer.

However, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is already so sharp that even a less sharp alternative could still be in very strong territory. You’ll see in my upcoming review, but the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 outperformed my expectations. While it wasn’t quite at the level of the 35mm f/1.8 S, it was close enough for most purposes. If the 50mm f/1.4 is similarly good, I believe Nikon will have a winner on their hands.

Specifications

  • Full Name: Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4
  • Mount Type: Nikon Z Mount
  • Focal Length: 50mm prime
  • Angle of View (Full Frame): 47°
  • Angle of View (APS-C): 31°30′
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
  • Filter Size: 62mm
  • Lens Elements: 10
  • Lens Groups: 7
  • Special Elements: 1 aspherical
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Internal Focusing: Yes
  • Control Rings: Focus, custom
  • Function Button: No
  • Switches: None
  • Focus Motor: STM
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 37 cm (14.6 inches)
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.17× (1:5.9)
  • Mount Material: Metal
  • Weather/Dust Sealing: Yes
  • Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 87 x 75 mm (3.5 x 2.9 inches)
  • Weight: 420 g (0.93 lbs)
  • MSRP: $499 (Pre-order here)

More Product Images

Z50_1.4_angle1

Z50_1.4_angle4

Z50_1.4_sealing

Z_50_F14_USDD_01_1064_A3

Z_50_F14_USDD_04_1361_A3

Z_50_F14_USDD_02_0887_A3

Official Sample Photos

Z_50mm_F14_02_RF_4691_A1
NIKON Z6_3 + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 200, 1/80, f/8.0
Z_50mm_F14_02_DJ_1209_A4
NIKON Z f + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 250, 1/250, f/1.4
Z_50mm_F14_01_RF_6735_A1
NIKON Z6_3 + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/800, f/1.4
Z_50mm_F14_01_9424_A3
NIKON Z f + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/80, f/6.3

Z_50mm_F14_00_RF_4666_A3

Z_50mm_F14_00_DJ_0840_A5

Z_50mm_F14_00_DJ_0620_A4

Where to Buy

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 is currently available for pre-order on B&H or Adorama for $496.95. It’s estimated to ship on September 26th. You can reserve your spot in line for it here:

  • Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 pre-order at B&H
  • Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 pre-order at Adorama

Photography Life is part of the B&H and Adorama affiliate programs. If you buy any equipment using the links above (not just the Z 50mm f/1.4), B&H or Adorama will give us a small percentage of the purchase price. It’s an easy way to support Photography Life without costing you anything extra. Thank you for helping out our site!

Press Release

THE NIKKOR Z 50MM F/1.4 IS NIKON’S LATEST AFFORDABLE AND FAST PRIME LENS FOR THE NIKON Z SYSTEM

Classically Captivating Focal Length and Large f/1.4 Aperture is the Simple Formula for Breathtaking Creativity

MELVILLE, NY (September 10, 2024) Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4, a lightweight prime lens with a wide and bright f/1.4 aperture. This affordable lens is compact enough to take anywhere, while offering a versatile and classic focal length that’s ideal for portraits, landscapes, street snaps, travel, still life and more.

“The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is a modern take on a classic lens design, giving creators the benefits of the latest imaging technology and optical innovations at a very appealing price,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President, Nikon Inc. “With the recently released NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4, photographers and videographers now have access to a great pair of fast, affordable primes that will help them to take their creativity further.”

The large f/1.4 aperture of this lens affords users the ability to create images and video with three-dimensional emphasis and naturally soft backgrounds that draw the viewers’ attention to a subject.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens features a compact, comfortable and lightweight design, measuring approximately 2.9 in x 3.4 in (74.5 × 86.5 mm) and weighing only 14.8 oz (420 g). The lens is engineered with a premium feel and superb handling, featuring a dedicated focus ring and customizable control ring.

Additional Features of the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

  • Close minimum focus distance lets users get as near as 14.5 in (0.37 m) from the subject, which is great for flowers, still life and food photography.
  • Nine-blade diaphragm helps to create a natural, circular bokeh for a pleasing out of focus area.
  • Focus breathing is effectively suppressed to minimize the shift of the angle of view when adjusting the focus.
  • Near Silent operation for video production, with a click-less control ring and near silent lens drive thanks to the use of STM motors.
  • Weather Sealed and designed with careful consideration for dust- and drip-resistant performance*.

Price and Availability

The new NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 will be available in late September 2024 for a suggested retail price of $499.95** For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the extensive lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire range of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.

About Nikon 

Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

# # #

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

*Thorough dust and moisture-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations.

**SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Looking for even more exclusive content?

On Photography Life, you already get world-class articles with no advertising every day for free. As a Member, you'll get even more:

Silver ($5/mo)
  • Exclusive articles
  • Monthly Q&A chat
  • Early lens test results
  • "Creative Landscape Photography" eBook
Gold ($12/mo)
  • All that, PLUS:
  • Online workshops
  • Monthly photo critiques
  • Vote on our next lens reviews
 
Click Here to Join Today
 

Related Articles

  • walk_around_11
    Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S as a Walk-Around Lens
  • Nikon D5300 Image Samples
    Nikon D5300 Image Samples
  • Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
    Nikon 50mm f/1.8G vs f/1.4G
  • Meat Blintzes Recipe
    Nikon 50mm AF-S vs AF-D
  • Nikon Lens Bokeh Performance
  • Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S
    Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S Announcement
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Nikon, Nikon Lens, Nikon Mirrorless, Nikon Z

About Spencer Cox

I'm Spencer Cox, a landscape photographer based in Colorado. I started writing for Photography Life a decade ago, and now I run the website in collaboration with Nasim. I've used nearly every digital camera system under the sun, but for my personal work, I love the slow-paced nature of large format film. You can see more at my personal website and my not-exactly-active Instagram page.

guest

guest

8 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
John D
John D
September 10, 2024 1:07 pm

Traditionally people expect slower = simpler/cheaper/not as good and faster = better/bigger/more expensive. So here we go, Nikon is mixing it up a little. They had little choice having already launched the 1.8S lenses. This and the new 35 do have a control ring and appear to be aimed at video so that’s new, and video is less demanding (different qualities needed). You are awash in options, nothing to complain about.
Waiting for an ultra wide prime and a fisheye and wouldn’t mind a few more really compact budget options with that plastic mount no one likes and I don’t mind at all. Nikon is going to wear me down and force me to buy a Z5, 24-120 and a 40/2.

0
Reply
Balázs
Balázs
Reply to  John D
September 10, 2024 3:11 pm

I absolutely love my 40/2 and wouldn’t mind some other f/2 lenses in the same form factor, preferably with SE versions, too.

0
Reply
Jason Polak
Jason Polak
September 10, 2024 6:29 am

Even if it’s only half way between the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G and the 50mm f/1.8S in terms of sharpness, I think it will satisfy almost anyone.

6
Reply
PRG Lagarde
PRG Lagarde
September 10, 2024 3:27 am

Ok, so that was not just a rumour ! :D

0
Reply
Russ
Russ
September 10, 2024 3:13 am

The pros screaming for a 1.4S range all along only to release a worse lens than they already have…

-10
Reply
Dmitry
Dmitry
Reply to  Russ
September 10, 2024 4:26 am

I look at the charts MTF 50 mm f/1.4G and Z 50 mm f/1.4 and see a very serious increase. The difference is in parentheses.
50 mm f/1.4G.
Contrast ratio.
The center is 0.8. The edge is 0.36.
Sharpness.
Center – 0.48. Edge – 0.12.
Z 50 mm f/1.4
Contrast ratio.
The center is 0.92 (+0.12). The edge is 0.63 (+0.27).
Sharpness.
The center is 0.72 (+0.24). The edge is 0.4 (+0.28).
As a result. The increase is huge!

1
Reply
Russ
Russ
Reply to  Dmitry
September 10, 2024 6:50 am

It’s also about the lens’s ability to deal with difficult scenarios such as harsh light and how the out of focus areas look. But sure I use the 40mm f2 for street and travel but I wouldn’t use it for event photography. The older f mount lenses also have a look and charm which isn’t clinically great, but still looks nice

0
Reply
Dmitry
Dmitry
Reply to  Russ
September 10, 2024 4:38 am

Or did you make a mistake with the topic and wrote a comment on the Canon RF 35mm F1.4L? Judging by the charts of the MTF Canon, the sharpness in the corners has decreased compared to the EF 35mm F1.4L II USM. Fortunately, at least the contrast was tightened)

1
Reply

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
Photography Life on Patreon

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Unique Gift Ideas

Best Gifts for Photographers

Subscribe via Email

If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Site Menu

  • About Us
  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Lens Index
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Forum

Reviews

  • Reviews Archive
  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Workshops
  • Support Us
  • Submit Content

Copyright © 2025 · Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment