Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens USA

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Finally, a 1.2 lens from Nikon. And it is Great. Keep in mind that this is a fully Manual lens. No auto focus. I use it on my D7000. Fantastic results. Great Bokeh. It was a little confusing with the filters. You have to attach the filters first, then the lens hood, then the lens cap. You have to work with the cap to get it to fit on the lens hood.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

My wife and I are beginning photographers with some experience and this is our first purchase of a lens seriously. We are happy with the purchase, is rock solid made ​​in Japan. Full manual focus, fits perfectly in our Nikon D7000. This lens educates the photographer because this requires making the best of it to make the most of this lens. It is a very beautiful crystal, rare to find in a world of plastic.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Having stumbled upon this lens accidentally, while looking through Nikon's catalog. At the time I was having a lot of success with Nikon's 35mm f/1.8 DX, especially with how I like to play with short depths of field, so I found a brand-new 50mm f/1.2 AI-S and decided to try it. I haven't been disappointed in the slightest, and this is a lens I will have in my bag and use for decades to come. I have been using it on a D300 body, and while metering works great (through the Non-CPU Lens Data setting), I have never used it save to see that it works. The lens seems to get better in manual mode anyway, so on a more basic body, the lack of metering shouldn't be an issue. I have also used this lens on a D90, and it works just as well. Light sources do get a bit hazy at f/2.8 and larger, but it's easy enough to incorporate that effect into shots. Best $ I've ever spent!

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I purchased the Nikkor 50mm F/1.2 to substitute a very old Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 I got in Tokio in a second hand Photography store back on 1987.

Both are, simple put: a pair of jewels. I might keep them both.

But you have to be a honed pro or a very well seasoned amateur, since this is just the best glass available, but there is no computer, no electronics, no AF, no nothing. Totally and completely manual.

I'm from the old school: decide what film to use, aim, frame, think, focus, think again, feel your guts and the press the shutter.
If you were born or made into digital, lots of frames per second, total autofocus and leaving the computer to decide the metering, this two glasses are definitely not for you.

The bokeh on these two are unrivaled, the color distortion is imperceptible, specially on the edges and is about the lowest price you will get from a glass this fast (low f stop) on a SLR/DSLR Full frame.

I have used it on a D3s, and its much better than the old model, easier to fin on the F mount and a lot simpler to set the aperture ring lever. You just have to go on the settings and define this lens as a special non CPU lens. I use it on a D300 and a Nikon 1 V1 with the FT-1 mount adapter. Same performance, but consider a very unsatisfactory crop factor.

Use it on f/1. or better on f/1.4 o f/2 and you will be amazed on the quality of the images, the bokeh, the sharpness and contrast this lenses can achieve.

All metal, rugged, stable, feel extremely reliable and high quality on your had, and focus is smooth an silky, as a video head with fluid.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Portraits and middle-range shots are exceptional, bokeh is amazing. Manual, so feels like in old good days. At f 2.0 easy to focus, solid build. Great investment.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

When I received this lens from B & H had the impression of having bought a real tank-of-war, as it is robust. Nikon has managed to keep this "toy" for those who appreciate the true prime lens, which is designed for 03 decades, but remains more relevant than ever. The lens has exceptional optical quality and its f/1.2 aperture is unique in the photographic market. Of course it is not easy to get the focus at its maximum aperture, but after they get the hang of fit, will make you feel the real photographer and not just a tightener button as many do so.
After this purchase, I decided to buy all AI-S lenses that Nikon also manufactures and I'm sure not regret.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Great 50mm "normal" lens. Love it wide-open, and it's wicked sharp by f/2, when other 50mm's are just getting started.

Tried the Nikkor 1.4G and the Sigma HSM. I really wanted to like them both, but the 1.4G had that "made in China, going to break" feel, and three (three!) different Sigma's had "issues".

Four stars only for no A/F, but then you know that going in...

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

In paper, a very old optical design, full of flaws, comma, etc.
In practise, fantastically sharp in center and corners at 5.6 or 8, and when wide open some of the most beautiful bokehs you can find still in production in the market.
In my Nikon D800E, flat out beautiful pictures, and also very interesting for HD films.
Highly recommended !

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I used this manual lense on D800 and took video of the fountain at Belligio Casino in Las Vegas. The night time view and detail of capture is astounding. I tried recording with other FX lenses that I had and nothing could come close to this superb piece of lens. This is my favourite for night time photography. It is worth its value.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

50mm 1.2 lives on my D2X...beautiful quality construction ,smooth focusing...amazing piece of glass

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Does the job.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I was reluctant to buy this lens because of the Manuel focus. But I have absolutely no retreats! This is the sharpest lens in my camera bag by far at f2.0!! Great buy! Its a bit difficult to focus when shooting wide open at f/ 1.2 But if that is not a issue for you then this is a must have lens!

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I sold my 50 f1.4G for this lens and the difference is amazing. While you do have to adjust to manual focusing at f/1.2, it's not a steep learning curve and in fact it's very simple. I focus by using the confirmation dots on my D700 and by focusing from afar in. I use this primarily to throw everything out of focus and to have pleasing bokeh. I wouldn't shoot it at f/1.2 from a far distance since it has a soft focus and hazy look to the images at that aperture. I've used the 50 1.8. The 50 1.4 and this one smokes the others out of the water in terms of sharpness at f/2. If you don't need autofocus, this is the Nikkor 50 to purchase. It would however be nice if Nikon made an aspherical 50mm AFS 1.2 built to pro standards.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

The D800's capacity to magnify a scene for manual focus in Live View, has revealed to me that this Nikkor's performance is superior to the Leica Noctilux's at the same wide aperture of f1.2. Reviews that report softness at f1.2 are really reporting the difficulty of manually focusing a lens with such narrow depth of field. Like the Leica, this Nikkor has a well-molded, 3-dimensional bokeh. It's vignetting and CA at f1.2 to f2 are no worse than the Leica's, and easily corrected in CS6 RAW 7.1 with a couple of clicks. Even outside of the available light context, this Nikkor is the best 50mm I've ever used -- contrasty and highly resolved within it's sweet range of f2 to f8.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Very solid lens... I love high quality products...the look, feel, weight, and even the sound of this lens is HIGH Quality... Highly recommend it and please don't be afraid that is not and auto focus lens... once you get used to it you can focus faster in manual than with auto...Promise!

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Dreamy and artistic at 1.2, super sharp from 2.0 and above.

Great for low light, landscape (FX), and portrait (DX).

Nicely built, with classic look.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I purchased this lens and an attachment for my Canon 7D. I record a lot of events in low light settings and did not want to lose any color within my frame by using a telephoto lens. A friend recommended a 50mm 1.4/f Nikkor but after my visit from BnH, I decided to go with the 1.2/f. It displays a greater amount of detail in the videos/photos compared to that of the 1.4 with the same depth of field range. Compared to its competition, it was the best price. Definitely satisfied with my purchase and I'm looking forward to purchasing more Nikkor lenses for my Canon 7D body.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

This is currently my all time favourite lens. I have tried it on both the d700 and the d800. The images it produces are really crips, and even the 36mp's on the d800 loves it. The bokeh is great compared to the 50mm f1.4 autofocus lens.

Scared away because it's a manual lens? Don't be. Doing it 'the old way' gives a great photographic satisfaction, and the images themselves are totally worth the time learning how to do your shots manually.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

This lens is simply stellar. Easily my favorite lens for 35mm cameras. The build quality and optical performance are built to last. Used on my Nikon D3 and F3 it performs great on both. Wide open this lens gives an oneiric effect, simply wonderful. Get one while you still can, you won't be disappointed. I also got the lens hood to help with flaring; though the attachment of the hood can be cumbersome at times.

No negatives, though not everyone will like to manual focus - I don't mind.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I'm finishing my bachelor's degree in photography, and my final project consists of mostly night shots. I bought this lens directly from the store in NY. Being a broke college student, I don't have many lenses of my own to compare this one to. I have a lot of experience, however, with much nicer lenses. For the money, this is a wonderful lens. I don't much like autofocus (I never use it), and my D90's light meter doesn't work with this lens. It's a bit of a learning curve getting used to it, but I find that I can start preparing my shot even before the lens cover comes off. (Auto functions are a convenient crutch, in my opinion.) Anyway, I have no complaints. For the money, this is a spectacular lens. The 50mm makes a nice compact general purpose lens, and I very rarely wish I had a zoom lens . The difference between this lens and my other lenses in final printing is astounding. Very clear images, gentle blurring, etc.

I will say, though, that this lens requires some practice (like everything else), though once you can set an exposure intuitively, and zone focus, you'll find that auto features are just too slow and get in the way.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Finally, a 1.2 lens from Nikon. And it is Great. Keep in mind that this is a fully Manual lens. No auto focus. I use it on my D7000. Fantastic results. Great Bokeh. It was a little confusing with the filters. You have to attach the filters first, then the lens hood, then the lens cap. You have to work with the cap to get it to fit on the lens hood.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

My wife and I are beginning photographers with some experience and this is our first purchase of a lens seriously. We are happy with the purchase, is rock solid made ​​in Japan. Full manual focus, fits perfectly in our Nikon D7000. This lens educates the photographer because this requires making the best of it to make the most of this lens. It is a very beautiful crystal, rare to find in a world of plastic.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Having stumbled upon this lens accidentally, while looking through Nikon's catalog. At the time I was having a lot of success with Nikon's 35mm f/1.8 DX, especially with how I like to play with short depths of field, so I found a brand-new 50mm f/1.2 AI-S and decided to try it. I haven't been disappointed in the slightest, and this is a lens I will have in my bag and use for decades to come. I have been using it on a D300 body, and while metering works great (through the Non-CPU Lens Data setting), I have never used it save to see that it works. The lens seems to get better in manual mode anyway, so on a more basic body, the lack of metering shouldn't be an issue. I have also used this lens on a D90, and it works just as well. Light sources do get a bit hazy at f/2.8 and larger, but it's easy enough to incorporate that effect into shots. Best $ I've ever spent!

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I purchased the Nikkor 50mm F/1.2 to substitute a very old Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 I got in Tokio in a second hand Photography store back on 1987.

Both are, simple put: a pair of jewels. I might keep them both.

But you have to be a honed pro or a very well seasoned amateur, since this is just the best glass available, but there is no computer, no electronics, no AF, no nothing. Totally and completely manual.

I'm from the old school: decide what film to use, aim, frame, think, focus, think again, feel your guts and the press the shutter.
If you were born or made into digital, lots of frames per second, total autofocus and leaving the computer to decide the metering, this two glasses are definitely not for you.

The bokeh on these two are unrivaled, the color distortion is imperceptible, specially on the edges and is about the lowest price you will get from a glass this fast (low f stop) on a SLR/DSLR Full frame.

I have used it on a D3s, and its much better than the old model, easier to fin on the F mount and a lot simpler to set the aperture ring lever. You just have to go on the settings and define this lens as a special non CPU lens. I use it on a D300 and a Nikon 1 V1 with the FT-1 mount adapter. Same performance, but consider a very unsatisfactory crop factor.

Use it on f/1. or better on f/1.4 o f/2 and you will be amazed on the quality of the images, the bokeh, the sharpness and contrast this lenses can achieve.

All metal, rugged, stable, feel extremely reliable and high quality on your had, and focus is smooth an silky, as a video head with fluid.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Portraits and middle-range shots are exceptional, bokeh is amazing. Manual, so feels like in old good days. At f 2.0 easy to focus, solid build. Great investment.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

When I received this lens from B & H had the impression of having bought a real tank-of-war, as it is robust. Nikon has managed to keep this "toy" for those who appreciate the true prime lens, which is designed for 03 decades, but remains more relevant than ever. The lens has exceptional optical quality and its f/1.2 aperture is unique in the photographic market. Of course it is not easy to get the focus at its maximum aperture, but after they get the hang of fit, will make you feel the real photographer and not just a tightener button as many do so.
After this purchase, I decided to buy all AI-S lenses that Nikon also manufactures and I'm sure not regret.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Great 50mm "normal" lens. Love it wide-open, and it's wicked sharp by f/2, when other 50mm's are just getting started.

Tried the Nikkor 1.4G and the Sigma HSM. I really wanted to like them both, but the 1.4G had that "made in China, going to break" feel, and three (three!) different Sigma's had "issues".

Four stars only for no A/F, but then you know that going in...

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

In paper, a very old optical design, full of flaws, comma, etc.
In practise, fantastically sharp in center and corners at 5.6 or 8, and when wide open some of the most beautiful bokehs you can find still in production in the market.
In my Nikon D800E, flat out beautiful pictures, and also very interesting for HD films.
Highly recommended !

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I used this manual lense on D800 and took video of the fountain at Belligio Casino in Las Vegas. The night time view and detail of capture is astounding. I tried recording with other FX lenses that I had and nothing could come close to this superb piece of lens. This is my favourite for night time photography. It is worth its value.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

50mm 1.2 lives on my D2X...beautiful quality construction ,smooth focusing...amazing piece of glass

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Does the job.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I was reluctant to buy this lens because of the Manuel focus. But I have absolutely no retreats! This is the sharpest lens in my camera bag by far at f2.0!! Great buy! Its a bit difficult to focus when shooting wide open at f/ 1.2 But if that is not a issue for you then this is a must have lens!

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I sold my 50 f1.4G for this lens and the difference is amazing. While you do have to adjust to manual focusing at f/1.2, it's not a steep learning curve and in fact it's very simple. I focus by using the confirmation dots on my D700 and by focusing from afar in. I use this primarily to throw everything out of focus and to have pleasing bokeh. I wouldn't shoot it at f/1.2 from a far distance since it has a soft focus and hazy look to the images at that aperture. I've used the 50 1.8. The 50 1.4 and this one smokes the others out of the water in terms of sharpness at f/2. If you don't need autofocus, this is the Nikkor 50 to purchase. It would however be nice if Nikon made an aspherical 50mm AFS 1.2 built to pro standards.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

The D800's capacity to magnify a scene for manual focus in Live View, has revealed to me that this Nikkor's performance is superior to the Leica Noctilux's at the same wide aperture of f1.2. Reviews that report softness at f1.2 are really reporting the difficulty of manually focusing a lens with such narrow depth of field. Like the Leica, this Nikkor has a well-molded, 3-dimensional bokeh. It's vignetting and CA at f1.2 to f2 are no worse than the Leica's, and easily corrected in CS6 RAW 7.1 with a couple of clicks. Even outside of the available light context, this Nikkor is the best 50mm I've ever used -- contrasty and highly resolved within it's sweet range of f2 to f8.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Very solid lens... I love high quality products...the look, feel, weight, and even the sound of this lens is HIGH Quality... Highly recommend it and please don't be afraid that is not and auto focus lens... once you get used to it you can focus faster in manual than with auto...Promise!

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

Dreamy and artistic at 1.2, super sharp from 2.0 and above.

Great for low light, landscape (FX), and portrait (DX).

Nicely built, with classic look.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I purchased this lens and an attachment for my Canon 7D. I record a lot of events in low light settings and did not want to lose any color within my frame by using a telephoto lens. A friend recommended a 50mm 1.4/f Nikkor but after my visit from BnH, I decided to go with the 1.2/f. It displays a greater amount of detail in the videos/photos compared to that of the 1.4 with the same depth of field range. Compared to its competition, it was the best price. Definitely satisfied with my purchase and I'm looking forward to purchasing more Nikkor lenses for my Canon 7D body.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

This is currently my all time favourite lens. I have tried it on both the d700 and the d800. The images it produces are really crips, and even the 36mp's on the d800 loves it. The bokeh is great compared to the 50mm f1.4 autofocus lens.

Scared away because it's a manual lens? Don't be. Doing it 'the old way' gives a great photographic satisfaction, and the images themselves are totally worth the time learning how to do your shots manually.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

This lens is simply stellar. Easily my favorite lens for 35mm cameras. The build quality and optical performance are built to last. Used on my Nikon D3 and F3 it performs great on both. Wide open this lens gives an oneiric effect, simply wonderful. Get one while you still can, you won't be disappointed. I also got the lens hood to help with flaring; though the attachment of the hood can be cumbersome at times.

No negatives, though not everyone will like to manual focus - I don't mind.

Comments about Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I'm finishing my bachelor's degree in photography, and my final project consists of mostly night shots. I bought this lens directly from the store in NY. Being a broke college student, I don't have many lenses of my own to compare this one to. I have a lot of experience, however, with much nicer lenses. For the money, this is a wonderful lens. I don't much like autofocus (I never use it), and my D90's light meter doesn't work with this lens. It's a bit of a learning curve getting used to it, but I find that I can start preparing my shot even before the lens cover comes off. (Auto functions are a convenient crutch, in my opinion.) Anyway, I have no complaints. For the money, this is a spectacular lens. The 50mm makes a nice compact general purpose lens, and I very rarely wish I had a zoom lens . The difference between this lens and my other lenses in final printing is astounding. Very clear images, gentle blurring, etc.

I will say, though, that this lens requires some practice (like everything else), though once you can set an exposure intuitively, and zone focus, you'll find that auto features are just too slow and get in the way.