Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct vs Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Compared to the 58mm f/0.95 Noct, the most similar lens in Nikon’s lineup is the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S. Both lenses are ultra-fast normal primes, with a difference of about 1/2 stop in light-gathering capabilities. However, the 50mm f/1.2 S is a much more practical lens given that it has autofocus, costs about $6000 less than the Noct, and weighs roughly half as much. But how do they compare in sharpness? Here’s what we measure:
Given the extremely high sharpness of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S, it is pretty impressive that the Noct is clearly ahead in this comparison. At a certain point, surely enough is enough? Well, if you disagree with that sentiment, the Noct might be the lens for you.
Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct vs Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
These two lenses are very different in a lot of ways, but they share two similarities – their nearby focal lengths and their goal of excellent sharpness. How do they compare?
Central sharpness is pretty comparable on the two lenses. In the corners and midframes, the Noct is distinctly sharper at the wider apertures. But when you stop down to f/8 and beyond, the Noct’s advantages go away, and the two lenses are pretty comparable.
Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct vs Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S
If you’re looking for the ultimate portrait lens as a Nikon photographer and don’t have to worry about budget, maybe this is another comparison that you’re considering. Here’s how the Noct compares to the Z 85mm f/1.2 S.
The story here is similar as with the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S. The 85mm f/1.2 is an excellent lens, just about as sharp as we’ve ever measured from corner to corner, but the Noct is still another step higher. I would question whether most photographers need this much sharpness in either case (especially if you shoot mostly portraiture), but I suppose it’s still preferable to a lens that’s too blurry!
Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct vs Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 Plena
This comparison is mostly just for fun, since the focal lengths here are so different. But both the Noct and the Plena are Nikon’s “named” Z-mount lenses, and both represent the pinnacle of image quality among lenses we’ve tested in the lab. Which one gets the crown?
It’s close, but the 58mm f/0.95 takes the crown! The corner performance at the wide apertures is especially impressive. Of course, we’re dealing with two of the sharpest full-frame lenses ever made, so if you’re not getting crisp images with either one of them, something is wrong. I will also point out that any imprecision in your manual focus technique could be enough to reverse the gains from the 58mm f/0.95 Noct.
Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct vs Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 AI-S
This comparison is purely for fun – the previous 58mm f/1.2 Noct is 40 years older than the new f/0.95 version, and it’s about a quarter of the weight. They are very different types of lenses despite the shared focal length and “Noct” labels. Still, I find it interesting to consider:
The previous Noct is plenty sharp in the center, even at the wider apertures. The midframes and especially the corners are quite weak, but perhaps that doesn’t really matter for the types of subjects you’d be shooting with this lens – i.e., mostly portraiture. Lens design has come a long way since the Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2, but if I saw those central numbers on a lens today, I would still be happy with them. Of course, the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct blows away the older lens in performance.
The next page of this review sums up everything and explains the pros and cons of the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct. So, click the menu below to go to “Verdict”:
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