So Nikon Still Knows How to Make f1.2 Lenses!

I think, sir, it’s time you did some proper research before you commit fingers to keyboard. Nikon still, as far as I am aware, makes the 50mm f/1.2 AiS lens and has been doing so since 1981. It may not be AF but for serious Nikon enthusiasts there are options such as Katzeye focusing screens and – ooh, god forbid – old fashioned ‘practice makes perfect’.

I have owned a 50mm 1.2 Ai since I was ten years old. That’s 33 years and counting. It’s a beautiful lens that has now been on everything from a Nikon FM2, F3, F4, D300, Sony NEX, and D700. I even shot a pop video with it, using a pro Sony camera fitted with a Letus Extreme adaptor. I use it every day. Not as razor sharp at 1.2 as the Noct. But then that lens is $4000, used.

You can find used, mint examples of the Ai and AiS 50mm f/1.2 here in Japan for as little as $300.

It may not offer the flexibility or ease of use of an AF lens but the Canon 50mm f/1.2 often produces out of focus shots as the AF is not sensitive enough to know [especially in the 5DMk2] whether it had the subject in focus or not. Full-frame Nikon cameras are obviously easier to use with MF than DX cameras; bigger viewfinder, for one. Plus, the Canon weighs-in at almost 600gms as opposed to 350gms for the MF Nikon lens. The Canon lens is a brick. The Nikon far more manageable.

And, like all Nikon lenses from around 1974 onwards [Ai and newer], you can use them un-modified on any new Nikon DSLR. Manual lenses can be a lot of fun, are cheaper – usually – and it’s good to practice using MF as opposed to AF all the time. AF restricts freedom of composition: no more focus and re-frame required. I don’t need an AF point on my subject to focus manually, so it frees me up to compose just exactly as I want.

So, after writing this half-jokey/sarcastic title and article in which you mention you have no experience with the product you are mentioning, maybe it’s time to get out and use one and give us your impressions?