Lens · prime
Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-2020
Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S: 7 elements in 6 groups, 9 aperture blades, 0.5m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 360g.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.2
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Low light photography
- Portraits
- Subject isolation
Considerations
- Soft and dreamy wide open
- Manual focus and aperture (Ai/Ai-S F-mount)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Exceptionally smooth, 9-blade circular highlights
Rendering: Dreamy wide open, razor sharp stopped down
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
AI (1978)
1978-1981
7 aperture blades, AI coupling
First version, 7 blades
AI-S (1981)
1981-2020
9 aperture blades, orange aperture marking
Final version, 9 blades
The AI-S version has 9 aperture blades against 7 on the AI. Production ended around 2020; Nikon USA lists the lens as archived.
Common issues
- Oil on aperture blades
- Focus ring wear
- Coating scratches on front element
Buying guide
Check aperture blades for oil contamination - hold to light and look for sticky movement. Check aperture blade operation and focus smoothness, and inspect the glass for haze, fungus or cleaning marks.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Min Focus | 0.5m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 360g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £350 - £550
- Mint
- ~£700
Indicative, no dated source.