Lens · prime
Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 AI-S
Nikon · 1977-1998
Hand-ground aspherical element eliminates coma aberration - point lights stay points even wide open. Designed specifically to perform at f/1.2. Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 AI-S: 7 elements in 6 groups, 9 aperture blades, 0.5m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 465g.
- Focal length
- 58mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.2
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Night photography
- Astrophotography
- City lights
- Available light
Considerations
- Heavy for a 50mm-class lens
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Exceptional, unique aspherical rendering
Rendering: Near-zero coma, point lights stay points
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
AI (1977)
1977-1982
AI coupling, 7 curved aperture blades
Original version
AI-S (1981)
1982-1997
AI-S markings, 9 aperture blades
Standardized aperture throw
'Noct' comes from 'nocturne'. The large front element is a hand-polished aspherical surface that suppresses sagittal coma flare wide open, so point lights stay as points.
Common issues
- Focus ring wear
- Aspherical element damage is catastrophic
Buying guide
Inspect the aspherical element carefully - any damage destroys the lens's purpose. Buy from reputable dealers. The 50mm f/1.2 is a fraction of the cost if you don't need the coma correction.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 58mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Min Focus | 0.5m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 465g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
| Special | 1 hand-ground aspherical element |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £3000 - £4500
- Mint
- ~£6000
Indicative, no dated source.