This Nikn 55mm f/1.2 is from 1967, and it was the fastest F lens in their lineup. This lens has been upgraded allot over the years, of the 55mm version there is supposedly more then 6 versions out there. It came to an end in 1978 when it was replaced by the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. The f/1.2 lenses are excellent in low light situations, allowing you to take hand-held shots at night even. Nikon has also made a lens for night photography the Nikon Noct-Nikkor, but its not likely you will ever get your hands on one of those unless you are willing to pay about $ 3000 USD, as there was just about 12.000 lenses made. The 50mm lens is said to be the lens that comes closest to the human eye`s perception of distance and depth, Thus labeled as a normal lens. This does not apply to a APS-Cc type camera tough, like Nikons DX sized digital SLR`s. Even though this is a 55mm lens, it is still considered a "normal" lens. On a DX sized DSLR the lens becomes a 82,5mm f/1.2, which is more of a portrait lens then an all round lens like a 50mm. Nikon has an updated version of this lens still in their lens lineup the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 SpecificationsLens Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups Picture Angle: 43° (35mm/FX) Minimum focus distance: / ft Filter Size: 52mm Lens Hood: HN-6 or HS-3 Included accessories:Front lens cap Rear lens cap LF-1 Size: Approx. Dia: × length mm / x in weight: 420g Diaphragm: 7 straight blades Price from: Discontinued Positives
Drawbacks
VerdictThis is actually a solid performer, true it is a bit soft at f/1.2 but it is still usable in my opinion. Sweet-spot of the lens is between f/2.8 and f/8. The performance of this lens actually came as a shock to me, as I wasn't expecting very much from it, since the lens has several marks on both the front and rear element. The newer version the 50mm f/1.2 is supposedly allot better then this old dinosaur. Features Performance Build ValueAlternativesPurchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links on the prices takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik. Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S From $679.95 USD Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D From: $289.95 USD Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G From: $429.95 USD Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Price From: $459.95 USD Zeiss MF 50mm f/1.4 ZF Planar T* Price: $550.00 USD Sigma AF 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Price: $499.00 USD For an equivalent normal lens on a DX camera: Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* Price: $826.00 USD Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Price From: $194.95 USD Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S From $999.95 USD Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $439.00 USD ** Prices are subject to change. Listed prices is from May 8, 2010 Sample PicturesImages have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images. |