Quick answer
A fast manual-focus normal lens introduced in 1978, with a 7-element design and a 52mm filter thread. It weighs about 340g and focuses down to 0.6m.
Pros
- f/1.2 aperture
- Compact for f/1.2
- Smooth rendering
- 52mm filter thread
Cons
- Manual focus only
- Soft wide open
- Minimum focus of 0.6m
Verdict
A characterful fast normal lens.
About this lens
The Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 is a fast standard prime lens covering 50mm at f/1.2 for Nikon F mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.2
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Optical construction
- 7 elements in 6 groups
- Autofocus motor
- none
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.6 m
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 340 g
- Length
- 59 mm
- Diameter
- 70.5 mm
Specification source: en.wikipedia.org
What can you shoot with the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.2?
- Low-light shooting
- Portraits
- Adapted use on Z
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
Is the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-S sharp wide open?
It is soft at f/1.2 and sharpens by around f/2. The wide-open glow is part of its appeal.
Can I use the 50mm f/1.2 AI-S on Z cameras?
Yes, using the FTZ or FTZ II adapter. It is manual focus only; setting the lens data in the menu allows exposure metering and in-body stabilization.
How heavy is the 50mm f/1.2 AI-S?
About 340g, compact for an f/1.2 lens.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
