Quick answer
A manual-focus 50mm f/1.4 normal lens from Nikon's AI-S generation. Compact and metal-bodied, it remains popular on film bodies and adapted digital cameras.
Pros
- Compact metal build
- Smooth manual focus
- Widely adapted
Cons
- Softer wide open
- No autofocus
Verdict
This is a classic Nikon normal lens that pairs well with Z cameras via the FTZ adapter.
About this lens
A 50mm f/1.4 fast standard prime lens, the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is designed for Nikon F mount bodies. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.4
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Optical construction
- 7 elements in 6 groups
- Autofocus motor
- none
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.45 m
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 260 g
- Length
- 51.5 mm
- Diameter
- 64 mm
Specification source: en.wikipedia.org
What can you shoot with the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S?
- Street and portraits with a classic look
- Film photography
- Adapted mirrorless use
Its very wide maximum aperture suits low light and shallow depth of field with strong background blur.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 50mm | 39.6° | 46.8° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 75mm | 27° | 32.2° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S work on Nikon DSLRs?
Yes, though metering and focus confirmation depend on the body.
Can I use it on Nikon Z cameras?
Yes. With an FTZ adapter it can be used on Nikon Z cameras as a manual lens.
Is the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S sharp?
It is good stopped down and softer at f/1.4, which is typical of lenses of this era.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
