I love vintage lenses. They bring out the art of perfection through imperfection. The rendering of a vintage lens makes you feel like you are in a dream of creativity. With modern tech, vintage lenses are a breeze to use.
I perfectly understand why you love this lens. It is also my favorite. Dreamy at f1.2 and super sharp at f2.0. There are actually 2 versions of this lens. The pre 1981 version with a 7 blade aperture and the post 1981 version with a 9 blade aperture. I loved your review ! Thanks.
My favourite also. Growing up I could never afford to own a Nikon SLR or decent lens, second hand Cosina CT1 and any old junk lens was what I had for years. About five years ago I bought a NOS Nikon FE2 and a new 50mm F1.2 AI-S, dream come true.
I really enjoyed watching this review. Usually reviewers will take photos of boring things like their cat or a vase. You actually showed what it is to use it in the real world with beautiful, artistic (meaningful) pictures. Subscribed.
I have this lens and the 58 nokton f1.4 from Voigtlander. The Voigtlander lens is so much more astounding- I would highly recommend both of these for their characters. Each one offers a unique paintbrush to the toolbox.
Fabrizio Mastronardi it was between this lens and the Voigtlander. I felt more comfortable with the 50mm focal length and the 1.2 was a little more exotic. Still curious about the voigtlander though. Maybe some day I’ll get it!
I've a copy of Nikon 50mm f:1.2 AIS. I bought it brand new in 2016. This is the Nokon's best 50mm lens. Yes, it's a manual focus lens which I use with my Nikon D810 DSLR but I've Nikon FM2 film camera as well. Monirul Islam Dhaka, Bangladesh. 18 Jun 2024
I totally get your love for older Nikon glass. I also saw your review on the 85mm 1.4. I think that lens is next on my list. I recently picked up a mint 55mm f/1.2 SC Non AI from Ebay. I fell in love before I had a chance to mount to my Fuji XT3. The build quality is outstanding. And it's so easy to use MF lenses with focus peaking on today's mirrorless cameras. Also heard great things and looking to get the 105mm, 135mm, 180mm, 300mm, 20mm and 35mm now. Collecting nice minty copies can be addicting. Anyways, great videos and happy shooting!
I've got also 85mm, it's not the same rendering ( a little less extreme in special rendering) but also impressive quality( picture and build quality) now, very close to the 50mm. I préfère the combination 50mm + 135mm f2 dc for the complementarity than 50+ 85mm... All of these are just amazing... 📷
I love the feel and retro look of this lens. I bought one recently to use on my new Z fc and they're a match made in heaven in terms of aesthetics! In terms of visual quality, I was a bit taken aback with the terrible chromatic aberration at the wide end, I know it can be corrected in post, or if you step down but man... This thing does not joke around when it comes to CA @ 1.2! And that wide aperture is one of the two main reasons I bought this lens so it was a big deal to me. In any case, I found it easy to focus coming from a Canon 50mm 1.2 L with autofocus! And I found the image to be much sharper at the center when you nail the focus.
Thinking to bid a 50mm F1.2 AI-S tonight in the auction. The lens is junk and it has mold and fungus but the mount and body looks good. I've got all the tool and gear to open up and clean it. My max bid is $120
Great shots. I’ve been interested in this lens for quite some time. Can’t really say I have a specific use for it, but it’s very intriguing. I shoot almost entirely on old AIS glass- even sports. My favorites are the 180 ED f/2.8 and the 105 f/2.5. I also have an old Nikkor H 28mm that consistently surprises me.
Nice review! I have this lens and it performs very well even in 2022. Though i also have the modern 58 1.4 i can say this old glass stands in a league of its own. Best use is with a Nikon Df camera, or with a D750 if you like.
Yes its a good lens , but it dont have the super soft effect the F1.2 has. And its not as sharp stopped down. I have the F1.2, F1.4. F1.8 and some more. The 1.2 is by far the sharpest stopped down.
@@Aki-f5v the Nikkor Auto H 50mm f2 is a really great lens too! I modified one to work on my D700. It's the older one with the metal knurled focus ring. The Japanese summicron..
The ultra fast lenses were made for the film days when grain was a problem when using fast film. The slow films had much better grain but required fast prime lenses unless the light was bright. Today, with digital sensors that will pretty much shoot in the dark, these fast lenses aren't really needed except for those who live by bokeh.
I probably have more than 20 old MF Ai,Ais and none Ai Nikkor lenses. This one is one of my absolute favorite. Makes soft dreamy photos at f1.2 , perfect for Christmas snowy photos, then its super sharp, especially at F4. Lovely lens.
‘G is for gutted. Once the electronics die in the newer lenses you have no way to control the aperture, so it becomes a rock and you have to buy another.
This AIS version lens is great even with DSLR. One big problem I found was never to use this lens in high contrast area at widest opened aperture. It suffers severely from color fringing.
I may have to buy one of these to fool around with. I don't particularly like the 50mm focal length. For that, I have a 55 micro f2.8, which I like better than the 50mm 1.4 that came with the camera years ago. I kindof collect nikkors - you've got me thinking about looking for one of the 1.2s.
indeed ，and i have to force myself not to use this lens that much， the dreamy effect wide open is so addictive 。when using other lens，i feel i made the photo，but when use this，i feel it did all the work and im just a cable release
I feel you dude, the Nikkor 50mm 1.8G is the second lens that made me think, “WOW,” when looking at the images they produce. (The first was my ultrawide zoom Nikon 10-24 DX G). I finally moved into mirrorless with the Z system and have decided I’m going to skip the Z 50mm 1.8S and see what Nikon comes out with the upcoming Z 50mm 1.2S, probably my next lens purchase. Maybe we’re going to get a mini-Noct? Very exciting!
One of the reasons why you might have too much flare might be the UV filter (but still expected on an older coated lens). Also, don't underestimate the 50mm 1.4G nifty fifty. Last winter I slipped on a steel ramp while holding my D810. The camera flew and landed lens first onto the steel ramp. Thankfully (since it was raining) I had the lens hood on and that took the brunt of the impact, but it would have been something that could have killed any lens or camera. Both survived and work just fine.
Great question! I haven't tried it, but I thought about getting instead of the 50mm 1.2 -- I went with the 50mm because of more familiar focal length and wider aperture. I have heard really good things about the Voigtlander though.
I love this lens, and use it often BUT it begs for the metal hood! Shooting it without it leaves you with little or no contrast. Try it with the hood and you will see a massive difference in contrast.
Word on the street is that it's now discontinued along with the Nikon F6. There's also some speculation that maybe Nikon wasn't still making these, but just leftover stock. At any rate, it's a great lens. Adorama and B&H still list it (although both are on backorder). I've also seen them pop up on UsedPhotoPro. Hopefully, one of those places can ship to you.
I haven't tried the Voigtlander, but it was between the Nikkor and Voigtlander 58mm F/1.4 -- I went with the 1.2 because I wanted to stay with the 50mm focal length (not that 58 would be that different). I have used the Nikkor 50mm 1.2 for video and it's pretty dreamy.
Thank you so much Mr. Gajewski for a great and refreshing review of the Nikkor AIS Nikkor 50/1.2. I'm considering purchasing a 2nd hand Df and this same lense which is available, near mint 2nd hand market or perhaps a Nikkor AIS 50/1.4 or even a Nikkor AIS 55/1.2. Since you have used it to shoot fully manual on your D750, how are Nikon bodies', like your cam's, focusing aid via the OVF (I don't want to use manual focusing via LCD)? Nikon's standard "Green dot" indicator manual focusing feature? Many are saying it's so hard to get tak-sharp images if one shoots with faster apertures above f/2.8 (2.4, 2.0, 1.8, 1.4, 1.2). Would it be easier if one just opts for mirrorless cams instead with lots of focus peaking features?
A lot of people swear by the 50mm f/1.4 AIS being just as good, but without the hefty price tag. For me, the 1.2 was worth every penny and I'm glad I have it. As far as focusing, on Nikon's DSLRs you'll be using the green dot or liveview. When I shot exclusively on the D750 I didn't have too big of an issue getting tak-sharp images (at least f/2 on). I will say that shooting manual AIS lenses on the Nikon Z6 has been a dream with focus peaking and being able to digital zoom to check focus in the EVF.
@@TylerGajewski I see. Thanks for your immediate response. Though isn't it that the F3 has a "split prism" manual focusing feature which is very ideal for manual focusing on Nikon film SLRs? [Which I would have hoped this kind of focusing option was installed on the Nikon Df. You can do an improve though like this one: richardhaw.com/2016/09/11/mod-nikon-df-split-prism/ www.focusingscreen.com/privacy.php]
How the Nikkor 50mm F1.2, a lens first released in 1981 beats the Zeiss that was released in 2015 is really a big sticking point for me.... My theory is that peak optical design for the 50mm and 85mm focal lengths was achieved 35 years ago and now every 50 and 85mm lens is no better than the old stuff.
I don't own the AI version and I haven't used it. I am guessing they're pretty similar optically though. I kind of forgot what the S really added if it was something to do with light metering. I am at a loss. I would imagine Ken Rockwell would have some more insight.
@@TylerGajewski Per Nikon web site: The AIs lens was created when the aperture mechanism of the AI lens was changed to allow automatic aperture control, with cameras such as the FA and N2000. This modification means that the aperture increments of the AIS lens can be controlled more precisely by the camera. You can tell if a lens is AIS when: The minimum aperture (both the main larger and smaller direct read out figures) are marked in orange i.e. F16, A notch has been taken off the rear bayonet mount, above the lens locking notch. This allows certain Nikon cameras to detect if an Ais lens is fitted or not.
He lists a host of defects in the performance of this lens and never really says why he likes it so much that the defects should be ignored. Ignoring the subjective "I love it" and sticking to the objective performance, the facts are that all of the other 50mm lenses he owned before this one will yield a sharper, less distorted image with less optical defects to manage, and will do so for much less cost. So the 1.2 is bought by a few who have a special need for its speed, and the vast majority who want to flash it at folks who may think he is hot shit.
Randall -- appreciate the feedback. I catered this video more in the realm of "why would you waste your time with an old manual lens?" Yeah, newer glass might be better and have autofocus, but it often looks a little too clinical. I like vignetting, I like soft corners. I like that this lens among other manual Nikkors slow me down and make me think about what I am shooting. It's incredibly well built and is incredibly sharp especially at f/2 which normally where I like to shoot. Sure, I spend some time on negatives, but I haven't ditched this lens because of any of them. If you want a more in-depth review I highly suggest Ken Rockwell's: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f12.htm
Well if I maybe excused for boldly butting in I would also add that the character of the image rendering changes markedly between F1.2 and F2.8, especially so between F1.2 and F2. As your visual acuity becomes more attuned to how that 'palette' subtly changes, it is part of fun of being physically involved in the discernment of image capture with fast lenses. Similarly enhancing the haptic experience (in the making the capture), the slowing down to manually focus, enjoying a superbly engineered vernier control and recreationally enjoying 'smelling the roses' as it were. AF is fantastic in certain cases of course, like for example to BIF photography where super snappy animal tracking AF is prized, or even with just for catching kids running around playing, etc.
This old lens is as expensive as the Tamron 45mm f1.8 and that lens has autofocus and vibration reduction. So, umm. Unless this lens is cheaper I’ll stick with my Tamron which I love.
It's not about the spec sheet of a lens, it's the look it produces. The drawing, the roll off into the defocussed area, do curved objects look round or flat? And so on.
@@Tom_RUclips_stole_my_handle I took some especially dreamy photos at blue hour last night at F/1.2 -- I don't think I could have *really* achieved that look with another lens.
@@TylerGajewski Excellent. I'm very tempted by this lens. I used to have a set of AIS primes back in the day which I foolishly sold, although I never had the 1.2. I've never liked the mechanical feel of any of the AF 50mm lenses, although the 1.4D renders nicely. Object lesson, never sell a good lens.
The Pancake 50mm 1.8 is a better lens the 1.2....Except the version you showed had a serial number starting with 4....you need a version that starts with a 2. It's not as fast, but it is sharper ...even wide open and no distortion.
Visual Candy I don’t want to believe you because I love the 1.2 too much, but I’ll admit that the pancake is a whole lot lighter. Funny about the serial numbers, now you’ve got me interested in seeking out another lens.
Bikon 1:1:2.and 1:1:4 this lens fotographer choise sharp foto and Qulified fotographer use NIKON 35~~105.mm.1985 lens prise under 12 thousand and 1:1:4 prise us 1500 hunderd sakura colour film prise 35 rs Orow blackand white 15 Elford black and white 20 or 25.Metz CT 45.Gerameny 25 hunders
How do you get around the focus shift wide open? I used to use a Zeiss Planar 1.4/50 and moved on to a moderner Milvus design. I had too much faulty images with the Planar. I shoot film and digital obviously.
oliver Lison Hold down the shutter and hope for the best! But really, the in body stabilization on the Z6 helps quite a bit. Tripods and stationary objects to shoot help too.
Tyler Gajewski i believe you that IBIS helps But I was talking about focus shift. This is a phenomenon that appears on classic lens designs such as the Nikkor 50/1.2, Planar 50mm 1.4 and the Planar 85 1.4 both classic versions. In particular on close focus distances the point of focus would shift when focusing on the widest aperature and then stopping down to take the image.
I have the 50mm f2 and literally don't see myself selling it. Bought other lenses that are AF and I keep my 50 f2H on the body way more than any other lens. I'm in tuned with mine so I can focus without looking through the viewfinder. The MF on most of Nikon newer lenses sucks b/c they are too stiff
At the time of filming I wasn't shooting film. Check out my F3 review for film shots. Also, I own a lens hood, but never use it. Since you have mentioned it, maybe I will unearth it. I must admit it looks atrocious sitting on my 1.2 though
@@TylerGajewski I saw your Nikon F3 video..and made a comment. I really think that your production quality is really high. Nice video work. But at the same time the fact that you never bothered to show any of the different focusing screens/drives or heads/Radio control/film backs...oo made me feel like it was very rudimental in your understanding of the Nikon F3 system. Comments like you just made about the Nikkor 50 1.2 Ai-s lens with a hood attached looking atrocious make me tilt my head. It's fine if you like the aesthetics of the unhooded lens. But when your showing/commenting about flare and glare and contrast . I feel like it's being dishonest and biased.
@@gregoryrogalsky6937 I appreciate your feedback. My goal was to put out a quality video. There are better reviews out there and I made note of Ken Rockwell's in my description. I'm not an expert, I'm just trying to share some love for this gear. Any dishonesty or bias was unintentional.
I was going to argue that steel is a metal/element, but it's a mixture of elements and I have even less knowledge of that. Long story short, metal, steel, aluminum, brass are all much better than plastic.
I love vintage lenses. They bring out the art of perfection through imperfection. The rendering of a vintage lens makes you feel like you are in a dream of creativity. With modern tech, vintage lenses are a breeze to use.
I perfectly understand why you love this lens. It is also my favorite. Dreamy at f1.2 and super sharp at f2.0. There are actually 2 versions of this lens. The pre 1981 version with a 7 blade aperture and the post 1981 version with a 9 blade aperture. I loved your review ! Thanks.
Which one is the better pick?
My favourite also. Growing up I could never afford to own a Nikon SLR or decent lens, second hand Cosina CT1 and any old junk lens was what I had for years. About five years ago I bought a NOS Nikon FE2 and a new 50mm F1.2 AI-S, dream come true.
I really enjoyed watching this review. Usually reviewers will take photos of boring things like their cat or a vase. You actually showed what it is to use it in the real world with beautiful, artistic (meaningful) pictures. Subscribed.
Ty for a great video. You’d made me want to storm out and take some photos👍👍
Ciao
I have an auto focus system but there is still nothing better than my Nikon F2AS with the 50mm F1.2 ,so good.
My all time favorite lens. Gorgeous lens, gorgeous imagery.
I have this lens and the 58 nokton f1.4 from Voigtlander. The Voigtlander lens is so much more astounding- I would highly recommend both of these for their characters. Each one offers a unique paintbrush to the toolbox.
Fabrizio Mastronardi it was between this lens and the Voigtlander. I felt more comfortable with the 50mm focal length and the 1.2 was a little more exotic. Still curious about the voigtlander though. Maybe some day I’ll get it!
I took a leap further I bought 55mm f/1.2. Pretty similar but a lot more character!
The other benefit of entering the focal length info is having the correct IBIS compensation in the camera.
The beauty of these lenses lives in true photography film. Digital is more of a simulation
I just picked this up yesterday for my D850 can’t wait to try it out!
I've a copy of Nikon 50mm f:1.2 AIS. I bought it brand new in 2016. This is the Nokon's best 50mm lens. Yes, it's a manual focus lens which I use with my Nikon D810 DSLR but I've Nikon FM2 film camera as well.
Monirul Islam
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
18 Jun 2024
Ich habe das 50mm 1.2 ais auch noch ganz neu und in ovp. Vor 10 Jahren gab es das noch als neu zu bekommen. Da hatte ich mir eins bestellt. 🎉
Can you share photos? Especially wide open portraits pic.
I had that for my D800 I used to own, and loved it. Fantastic. And a bargain considering that the 58 mm noct is exchanging hands for over $4000!
I totally get your love for older Nikon glass. I also saw your review on the 85mm 1.4. I think that lens is next on my list. I recently picked up a mint 55mm f/1.2 SC Non AI from Ebay. I fell in love before I had a chance to mount to my Fuji XT3. The build quality is outstanding. And it's so easy to use MF lenses with focus peaking on today's mirrorless cameras. Also heard great things and looking to get the 105mm, 135mm, 180mm, 300mm, 20mm and 35mm now. Collecting nice minty copies can be addicting. Anyways, great videos and happy shooting!
Eric Leduc I recently got the 105mm f/1.8! Nice lens, but I keep coming back to the 50mm f/1.2 for everything!
I've got also 85mm, it's not the same rendering ( a little less extreme in special rendering) but also impressive quality( picture and build quality) now, very close to the 50mm. I préfère the combination 50mm + 135mm f2 dc for the complementarity than 50+ 85mm... All of these are just amazing... 📷
180mm is great but préfère the super top 135mm f2 ! The 20mm is good for the angle of view but not so outstanding as the others
I love the feel and retro look of this lens. I bought one recently to use on my new Z fc and they're a match made in heaven in terms of aesthetics! In terms of visual quality, I was a bit taken aback with the terrible chromatic aberration at the wide end, I know it can be corrected in post, or if you step down but man... This thing does not joke around when it comes to CA @ 1.2! And that wide aperture is one of the two main reasons I bought this lens so it was a big deal to me. In any case, I found it easy to focus coming from a Canon 50mm 1.2 L with autofocus! And I found the image to be much sharper at the center when you nail the focus.
Thinking to bid a 50mm F1.2 AI-S tonight in the auction. The lens is junk and it has mold and fungus but the mount and body looks good. I've got all the tool and gear to open up and clean it. My max bid is $120
That is genuine love only Nikonians feel for their equipment.
Great shots. I’ve been interested in this lens for quite some time. Can’t really say I have a specific use for it, but it’s very intriguing. I shoot almost entirely on old AIS glass- even sports. My favorites are the 180 ED f/2.8 and the 105 f/2.5. I also have an old Nikkor H 28mm that consistently surprises me.
The Nikkor Q 135 2.8 and Nikkor 400 f4 are classics too, and absolutely amazing rendering
Awesome Tyler. Great review
Nice review! I have this lens and it performs very well even in 2022. Though i also have the modern 58 1.4 i can say this old glass stands in a league of its own. Best use is with a Nikon Df camera, or with a D750 if you like.
I love that glass too
This content is way to good to have less than 2k subs mate ! Great images and solid content
The Nikkor 50 1.4AI is like 90% of this lens and renders amazing skin tones on my D700. Excellent shots and video
Yes its a good lens , but it dont have the super soft effect the F1.2 has. And its not as sharp stopped down. I have the F1.2, F1.4. F1.8 and some more. The 1.2 is by far the sharpest stopped down.
@@Aki-f5v the Nikkor Auto H 50mm f2 is a really great lens too! I modified one to work on my D700. It's the older one with the metal knurled focus ring. The Japanese summicron..
A terrific review. Terrific lens. Seems quite inexpensive given it’s unmatched quality.
it's a great quality video both for content and for video it self. Thx you very much
The ultra fast lenses were made for the film days when grain was a problem when using fast film. The slow films had much better grain but required fast prime lenses unless the light was bright. Today, with digital sensors that will pretty much shoot in the dark, these fast lenses aren't really needed except for those who live by bokeh.
Great content and presentation, you are a joy to listen to dude! Put some more Nikon stuff up?
I use this lens all the time on my Df-along with the 28mm f/2.8 Ai-S and the 105mm f/1.8 Ai-S. Love the manual lenses!! SO NICE!!
I have all of those lenses too!
This is a fantastic review! Thoroughly enjoyed it, keep up the great work!
After watching this video, I'm eager to grab a copy of it 😍
I probably have more than 20 old MF Ai,Ais and none Ai Nikkor lenses. This one is one of my absolute favorite. Makes soft dreamy photos at f1.2 , perfect for Christmas snowy photos, then its super sharp, especially at F4. Lovely lens.
I really like the content that you do keep it up!
‘G is for gutted. Once the electronics die in the newer lenses you have no way to control the aperture, so it becomes a rock and you have to buy another.
Nice content dude. Hope you get more subs soon. You deserve more than 88!
This AIS version lens is great even with DSLR. One big problem I found was never to use this lens in high contrast area at widest opened aperture. It suffers severely from color fringing.
Indeed... There for I've adopted B&W raw... Verry happy combinations
I may have to buy one of these to fool around with. I don't particularly like the 50mm focal length. For that, I have a 55 micro f2.8, which I like better than the 50mm 1.4 that came with the camera years ago. I kindof collect nikkors - you've got me thinking about looking for one of the 1.2s.
indeed ，and i have to force myself not to use this lens that much， the dreamy effect wide open is so addictive 。when using other lens，i feel i made the photo，but when use this，i feel it did all the work and im just a cable release
Best review!
I feel you dude, the Nikkor 50mm 1.8G is the second lens that made me think, “WOW,” when looking at the images they produce. (The first was my ultrawide zoom Nikon 10-24 DX G). I finally moved into mirrorless with the Z system and have decided I’m going to skip the Z 50mm 1.8S and see what Nikon comes out with the upcoming Z 50mm 1.2S, probably my next lens purchase. Maybe we’re going to get a mini-Noct? Very exciting!
I'm also excited about the Z 50mm 1.2S -- I just don't think it will beat the mechanical build of the AIS though.
The pre-AI, AI, AI-S is where it's at. I have two of these, the older is warmer.
Exactly same story for me but I choose the d780 for better use of ais lenses. (with help live view & focus peaking) it's a wonderful combination! 📷
I have the Nikon 50 mm 1.8 ... I took it off a Nikon Em and I'm using the lens on my Nikon F4 .. the 50mm 1.8 it is Silky Smooth to focus
Just ordered one of these from "West Yorkshire Cameras" (Leeds, UK) in "excellent+" condition for £379 (US$ 516) including DPD shipping.
I think it's funny that the lens' aperture blades create (according to you) "a hexagonal shape" when it in fact has 9 blades.. :D
I'm planning to get one of these for my Sony a7iii.
Nick-core.. you're welcome. ;)
One of the reasons why you might have too much flare might be the UV filter (but still expected on an older coated lens).
Also, don't underestimate the 50mm 1.4G nifty fifty. Last winter I slipped on a steel ramp while holding my D810. The camera flew and landed lens first onto the steel ramp. Thankfully (since it was raining) I had the lens hood on and that took the brunt of the impact, but it would have been something that could have killed any lens or camera. Both survived and work just fine.
Thanks for sharing. Jan.
It’s Nikon’s fastest F mount lens still in production. Nikon’s fastest lens in production is the Z mount 58mm 0.95 Noct. Just saying...
You just saved me $600 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Have you tried the voigtlander 58mm f1.4? If so how does it compare to the Nikon 1.2
Great question! I haven't tried it, but I thought about getting instead of the 50mm 1.2 -- I went with the 50mm because of more familiar focal length and wider aperture. I have heard really good things about the Voigtlander though.
Nice
I love this lens, and use it often BUT it begs for the metal hood! Shooting it without it leaves you with little or no contrast. Try it with the hood and you will see a massive difference in contrast.
I've got this same lens which I use with an old Nikon F2AS - imagine how heavy all THAT is?! Lol.. ;)
They still make this? Why is it not in any of the stores in my country :C
Word on the street is that it's now discontinued along with the Nikon F6. There's also some speculation that maybe Nikon wasn't still making these, but just leftover stock. At any rate, it's a great lens. Adorama and B&H still list it (although both are on backorder). I've also seen them pop up on UsedPhotoPro. Hopefully, one of those places can ship to you.
I have this f1.2, 50 mm lens and love it.
Have you tried the voigtlander 50 1.2 nokton? Do you use this lens also for video?
I haven't tried the Voigtlander, but it was between the Nikkor and Voigtlander 58mm F/1.4 -- I went with the 1.2 because I wanted to stay with the 50mm focal length (not that 58 would be that different).
I have used the Nikkor 50mm 1.2 for video and it's pretty dreamy.
Auto-Focus, does not always mean Sharp Focus..!
Dizzy Buizzy AMEN
Thank You!
I just ordered one from eBay.
YES!
Gelded (not gilded). Love the D700.
Thank you so much Mr. Gajewski for a great and refreshing review of the Nikkor AIS Nikkor 50/1.2. I'm considering purchasing a 2nd hand Df and this same lense which is available, near mint 2nd hand market or perhaps a Nikkor AIS 50/1.4 or even a Nikkor AIS 55/1.2. Since you have used it to shoot fully manual on your D750, how are Nikon bodies', like your cam's, focusing aid via the OVF (I don't want to use manual focusing via LCD)? Nikon's standard "Green dot" indicator manual focusing feature? Many are saying it's so hard to get tak-sharp images if one shoots with faster apertures above f/2.8 (2.4, 2.0, 1.8, 1.4, 1.2). Would it be easier if one just opts for mirrorless cams instead with lots of focus peaking features?
A lot of people swear by the 50mm f/1.4 AIS being just as good, but without the hefty price tag. For me, the 1.2 was worth every penny and I'm glad I have it. As far as focusing, on Nikon's DSLRs you'll be using the green dot or liveview. When I shot exclusively on the D750 I didn't have too big of an issue getting tak-sharp images (at least f/2 on). I will say that shooting manual AIS lenses on the Nikon Z6 has been a dream with focus peaking and being able to digital zoom to check focus in the EVF.
Also, I've been using the 50mm f/1.2 almost exclusively with my Nikon F3 to shoot film... Now that is a little more tricky getting tak-sharp images!
@@TylerGajewski I see. Thanks for your immediate response. Though isn't it that the F3 has a "split prism" manual focusing feature which is very ideal for manual focusing on Nikon film SLRs? [Which I would have hoped this kind of focusing option was installed on the Nikon Df. You can do an improve though like this one: richardhaw.com/2016/09/11/mod-nikon-df-split-prism/
www.focusingscreen.com/privacy.php]
@@nathanielngosy Indeed! The F3 has a pretty nice focusing screen and I've gotten used to it, but the EVF is so much easier.
How the Nikkor 50mm F1.2, a lens first released in 1981 beats the Zeiss that was released in 2015 is really a big sticking point for me.... My theory is that peak optical design for the 50mm and 85mm focal lengths was achieved 35 years ago and now every 50 and 85mm lens is no better than the old stuff.
nice
My portrait lens are 50mm AIS f1.2, 105 DC F2, and 180mm F2.8 AIS... i might change the 105 to AIS as well haha
I have those exact same lens. I love them all. I also have the 105 2.5 AIS.
have you or anyone else done a comparison of this lens to the Noct version?
This manual lens has no white dot. How to mount the lens on Nikon 850 please? Thank you.
Have you compared the AI-S 50mm f1.2 with the AI 50mm f1.2 to determine the difference between the two very similar lenses ?
I don't own the AI version and I haven't used it. I am guessing they're pretty similar optically though. I kind of forgot what the S really added if it was something to do with light metering. I am at a loss. I would imagine Ken Rockwell would have some more insight.
@@TylerGajewski Per Nikon web site:
The AIs lens was created when the aperture mechanism of the AI lens was changed to allow automatic aperture control, with cameras such as the FA and N2000. This modification means that the aperture increments of the AIS lens can be controlled more precisely by the camera.
You can tell if a lens is AIS when:
The minimum aperture (both the main larger and smaller direct read out figures) are marked in orange i.e. F16,
A notch has been taken off the rear bayonet mount, above the lens locking notch. This allows certain Nikon cameras to detect if an Ais lens is fitted or not.
He lists a host of defects in the performance of this lens and never really says why he likes it so much that the defects should be ignored. Ignoring the subjective "I love it" and sticking to the objective performance, the facts are that all of the other 50mm lenses he owned before this one will yield a sharper, less distorted image with less optical defects to manage, and will do so for much less cost. So the 1.2 is bought by a few who have a special need for its speed, and the vast majority who want to flash it at folks who may think he is hot shit.
Randall -- appreciate the feedback. I catered this video more in the realm of "why would you waste your time with an old manual lens?" Yeah, newer glass might be better and have autofocus, but it often looks a little too clinical. I like vignetting, I like soft corners. I like that this lens among other manual Nikkors slow me down and make me think about what I am shooting. It's incredibly well built and is incredibly sharp especially at f/2 which normally where I like to shoot. Sure, I spend some time on negatives, but I haven't ditched this lens because of any of them.
If you want a more in-depth review I highly suggest Ken Rockwell's: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f12.htm
Well if I maybe excused for boldly butting in I would also add that the character of the image rendering changes markedly between F1.2 and F2.8, especially so between F1.2 and F2. As your visual acuity becomes more attuned to how that 'palette' subtly changes, it is part of fun of being physically involved in the discernment of image capture with fast lenses. Similarly enhancing the haptic experience (in the making the capture), the slowing down to manually focus, enjoying a superbly engineered vernier control and recreationally enjoying 'smelling the roses' as it were. AF is fantastic in certain cases of course, like for example to BIF photography where super snappy animal tracking AF is prized, or even with just for catching kids running around playing, etc.
is this the ai-s one?
Yes
Whose gonna tell him that "modern glass" from nikon has the same design and coatings most of the time, especially for the primes.
Doesn't G mean gelded rather than gilded?
Yes, I was mistaken.
I absolutely hated this lens and traded it for the magnificent f2 version, never looked back
The nikkor Noct 58mm f/1.2 it much better..... too much 🤙👏👍🇦🇷
This old lens is as expensive as the Tamron 45mm f1.8 and that lens has autofocus and vibration reduction. So, umm. Unless this lens is cheaper I’ll stick with my Tamron which I love.
I've been interested in some of Tamron's primes. I have the 70-200mm g2 which I enjoy, but don't necessarily shoot enough with.
It's not about the spec sheet of a lens, it's the look it produces. The drawing, the roll off into the defocussed area, do curved objects look round or flat? And so on.
@@Tom_RUclips_stole_my_handle I took some especially dreamy photos at blue hour last night at F/1.2 -- I don't think I could have *really* achieved that look with another lens.
@@TylerGajewski Excellent. I'm very tempted by this lens. I used to have a set of AIS primes back in the day which I foolishly sold, although I never had the 1.2. I've never liked the mechanical feel of any of the AF 50mm lenses, although the 1.4D renders nicely. Object lesson, never sell a good lens.
Thanks for the video! The vignette is pretty bad at 5:20
The Pancake 50mm 1.8 is a better lens the 1.2....Except the version you showed had a serial number starting with 4....you need a version that starts with a 2. It's not as fast, but it is sharper ...even wide open and no distortion.
Visual Candy I don’t want to believe you because I love the 1.2 too much, but I’ll admit that the pancake is a whole lot lighter. Funny about the serial numbers, now you’ve got me interested in seeking out another lens.
@@TylerGajewski www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f18-ais-pancake.htm
Check it out...😎....the other ripper is the 135mm 2.8...stunning.
Bikon 1:1:2.and 1:1:4 this lens fotographer choise sharp foto and Qulified fotographer use NIKON 35~~105.mm.1985 lens prise under 12 thousand and 1:1:4 prise us 1500 hunderd sakura colour film prise 35 rs Orow blackand white 15 Elford black and white 20 or 25.Metz CT 45.Gerameny 25 hunders
How do you get around the focus shift wide open? I used to use a Zeiss Planar 1.4/50 and moved on to a moderner Milvus design. I had too much faulty images with the Planar. I shoot film and digital obviously.
oliver Lison Hold down the shutter and hope for the best! But really, the in body stabilization on the Z6 helps quite a bit. Tripods and stationary objects to shoot help too.
Tyler Gajewski i believe you that IBIS helps But I was talking about focus shift. This is a phenomenon that appears on classic lens designs such as the Nikkor 50/1.2, Planar 50mm 1.4 and the Planar 85 1.4 both classic versions. In particular on close focus distances the point of focus would shift when focusing on the widest aperature and then stopping down to take the image.
oliver Lison I haven’t noticed it, but I typically shoot at f/2. I wish I could help you more on that one.
@@TylerGajewski found a solution. Focus stopped down if you can.
bro messed up the Closed caption :(
"Gilded" really? It doesn't look gold to me.
GOLD LETTERING, MAN!
G does not mean gilded.
G means Groovy
Octagonal.
I have the 50mm f2 and literally don't see myself selling it. Bought other lenses that are AF and I keep my 50 f2H on the body way more than any other lens.
I'm in tuned with mine so I can focus without looking through the viewfinder. The MF on most of Nikon newer lenses sucks b/c they are too stiff
brass, not steel though
Sad you couldnt have bothered to run a roll of film with a film camera. Also do you not own a lens hood?
At the time of filming I wasn't shooting film. Check out my F3 review for film shots. Also, I own a lens hood, but never use it. Since you have mentioned it, maybe I will unearth it. I must admit it looks atrocious sitting on my 1.2 though
@@TylerGajewski I saw your Nikon F3 video..and made a comment. I really think that your production quality is really high. Nice video work. But at the same time the fact that you never bothered to show any of the different focusing screens/drives or heads/Radio control/film backs...oo made me feel like it was very rudimental in your understanding of the Nikon F3 system. Comments like you just made about the Nikkor 50 1.2 Ai-s lens with a hood attached looking atrocious make me tilt my head. It's fine if you like the aesthetics of the unhooded lens. But when your showing/commenting about flare and glare and contrast . I feel like it's being dishonest and biased.
@@gregoryrogalsky6937 I appreciate your feedback. My goal was to put out a quality video. There are better reviews out there and I made note of Ken Rockwell's in my description. I'm not an expert, I'm just trying to share some love for this gear. Any dishonesty or bias was unintentional.
Glass and steel? No steel in this one, mostly aluminum construction with a chrome-plated brass mount.
You're right, I think in general I was speaking to the heft of the lens and the fact it was just all plastic.
I was going to argue that steel is a metal/element, but it's a mixture of elements and I have even less knowledge of that. Long story short, metal, steel, aluminum, brass are all much better than plastic.
@@TylerGajewski Indeed!
Bokeh in Japanese means blur. those balls are reflections. Focus on framing and don't be a Bokeh bro
Good Len just hard to focus LOL
G = gelded, not gilded
Ah, hell.
Tyler, I wish you didn't muck up your videos with annoying music