Lens · prime
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-2020
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S: 7 elements in 6 groups, 7 aperture blades, 0.45m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 250g.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- General photography
- Low light
- Portraits
- Street photography
- Learning manual focus
Considerations
- Some softness wide open
- No weather sealing
- Manual focus and aperture (Ai/Ai-S F-mount)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Pleasant, slightly busy backgrounds wide open
Rendering: Classic Nikon look, good 3D pop
Colour: Neutral to slightly warm
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Pre-AI Nikkor-S Auto / Nikkor-S.C
1962-1976
Non-AI aperture ring, 7 elements in 5 groups
Earlier optical design; needs AI conversion for AI-only bodies
K (New Nikkor, revised optics)
1976-1977
Non-AI, rubber focus grip, 7 elements in 6 groups
Same 7/6 optics as the AI and AI-S; needs AI conversion
AI
1977-1981
AI coupling ridge, rubber focus grip
Same optics as AI-S
AI-S
1981-2020
Orange minimum-aperture number, shorter focus throw
Final manual-focus version
The 1976 K, AI and AI-S versions share the same 7-element, 6-group optics; pre-1976 versions use an earlier 7-element, 5-group design. AI-S production ended around 2020.
Common issues
- Oil on aperture blades (older copies)
- Focus ring wear
- Coating scratches
Buying guide
Look for smooth focus action and clean aperture blades. Check for oil contamination by holding up to light.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Min Focus | 0.45m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 250g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £300
- Mint
- ~£400
Indicative, no dated source.