Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S ($2,199.95) is a big prime lens with an exotic f/1.2 aperture. When shot wide open, it nets photos with blurrier backgrounds than you'll get with Nikon's other standard prime, the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S. It takes some massive optics to get there, and while it backs up its heft with impeccable images, it's a niche lens for photographers who want photos with the shallowest depth of field and who want to work in the lowest light.An Imposing Lens As a general rule of thumb, lenses that gather more light use bigger, heavier glass elements. The Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S is no exception. It's large for a prime, at 5.9 by 3.5 inches (HD), and heavier than your camera, at 2.4 pounds. It's a little bigger than rival Canon's RF 50mm F1.2 L USM (4.3 by 3.5 inches, 2.1 pounds), but not dramatically so. The Z 50mm supports 82mm front filters and ships with front and rear lens caps. A hood is included, too; it locks on with a bayonet mount, and is reversible for storage ...

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S gathers more light than most lenses, netting shots with exceptionally shallow depth of field.

Extra-wide f/1.2 aperture; Outstanding resolution; Minimal distortion and breathing; Dust and splash protection

Big, bulky build; Sensitive control ring; A little slow to focus; Omits fluorine coating

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens - Brand New review

Nikon's new Nikkor Z 50mm f1.2 is a cheaper alternative to the expensive Nikkor Z 58mm.

Magnificent sharpness with high contrast, resolution and marginally with chrome error or distortion. Host sealed.

Rather bulky with the sun visor on, and the focus motor is surprisingly noisy. Expensive despite the brightness.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens - Brand New review

Another very expensive standard lens for the Nikon Z system, offering a lens not quite as fast as the f/0.95 Noct but at a fraction of the price. In terms of performance, the two lenses act in a very similar way and at the widest apertures the more expensive lens just has the edge.

Outstanding sharpness, Virtually zero CA, Excellent flare resistance, Excellent handling, Quality manufacture, Custom functions for L-Fn button, Beautiful rendition of light sources, Virtually no distortion, Beautiful bokeh effects

High price, Bulky lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens - Brand New review

Nikon’s Z 50mm f1.2 S is a big step-up over their existing 50/58mm DSLR lenses – literally: It is excessively big and quite heavy but for that it offers a bright f1.2 focal ratio, very good optics with a good Bokeh, and has all of the features of Nikon’s best Z-Nikkors – except for fluorine coating.