Lens ReviewMorten ByskovJanuary 20, 2025Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S Review, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S sample images, Nikkor z 50mm 1.2 review, Nikkor Z 50mm 1.2 sample images, Nikon 50mm f1.2 review, Nikon 50mm 1.2 sample images, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 samplesComment

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S Review

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, reviewing the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 on the Nikon Z6 III. — Morten in downtown Vancouver testing the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S on the Nikon Z6 III
Photo by: Diana Byskov

Hands-On Review of the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S With Sample Images on the Nikon Z6 III

It’s Big, It’s Heavy, It’s Good. Is it for You?

Most of us will not pick a camera brand based on current 50mm f/1.2 options, but it may influence your decision. I tried and liked the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM a few years ago as I toyed with the idea of getting a full-frame camera.

As it turned out, I never got an autofocus 50mm f/1.2 when I entered the full-frame scene. Instead, I settled on a manual-focus lens, the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2.

In the following, I will review the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S and touch on the other options, regardless of which camera brand you currently use. I will also weigh the pros and cons of my choice to stick with the smaller and less expensive Voigländer 50mm f/1.2 option.

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S shown on the Nikon Z6 III — The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S with the hood shown on a Nikon Z6 III

Introduction

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, $2.096.95, was introduced in the fall of 2020, a couple of years after the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, which cost $626.95. It had been long-awaited by then, as Nikon photographers cried out for a faster 50mm option.

Fast forward another four years, and in a surprise move, Nikon released yet another 50mm lens, the Z 50mm f/1.4, for $496.95, the surprise element being that the cost of the f/1.4 is lower than the f/1.8 version.

This leaves Nikon photographers with three choices at the 50mm focal length. A budget option, but fast at f/1.4 with a distinct character rendering, an optically better f/1.8 option, and finally, the fastest, biggest, and perhaps best f/1.2 option, depending on your goals.

When this review was posted, there was a $200.00 rebate on the Z 50mm f/1.2 S, retailing for $1,896.95.

People are waiting at a crosswalk along Granville Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S and Nikon Z6 III. — Granville Street, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S @ f/1.2

Specs, Build Quality, and Handling

The main story regarding the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S will revolve around the size and weight compared to similar options from Canon, Sony, Sigma, or other smaller and lighter manual focus options.

It weighs 2.4 lb or 1,090 g and measures 3.5 x 5.9" or 89.5 x 150 mm, making it a beast to carry. It handles and functions well, but you should be prepared for a bulky adventure. When the lens hood is attached, it could be mistaken for a 70-200mm zoom.

After using the lens for two or three sessions over a few days, I felt fatigued in my fingers and shoulder. Remember this, for instance, if you plan to use the 50mm f/1.2 for a long wedding day. I just turned sixty. If you are in your twenties or thirties or pack plenty of muscle, this may be less of an issue.

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S may be a better fit for a Nikon Z8 or Z9, which both have larger grips than my Z6 III. If the Z 50mm f/1.2 is on your radar, consider adding a grip to your Z6 III.

The Nikon Z6 III and Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S — The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S with the hood shown on a Nikon Z6 III

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S optical formula is an impressive 17 elements in 15 groups, including two ED and three aspherical elements. It has a handy OLED info panel and a programmable control ring. I set the control ring to aperture but found it easy to change inadvertently.

The minimum focusing distance is 1.5' or 45 cm, and the lens takes 82mm filters.

Overall, the lens feels solidly built and fully weather-sealed.

A statue in Queen Elizabeth Park, Vanocuver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S and Nikon Z6 III. — Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S @ f/2

Price, Weight, and Size Comparison, 50mm f/1.2 Lenses

While the prices of the three major brands are similar, the size and weight difference is noticeable. From this standpoint, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM looks attractive for autofocus lenses. It is the only lens I haven’t tried in the group listed below.

I would also favor the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L in the group due to its more manageable size and easier handling.

To round off this list, I chose the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2, a manual-focus lens. I chose it because of its size, stellar optical performance, and lower price.

It is significantly lighter and smaller than the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, and I found it hard to see any meaningful difference in optical output. Of course, this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, as I am looking at an autofocus lens versus a manual-focus lens.

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Price $2,096.95
Weight: 2.4 lb / 1090 g
Size: 3.5 x 5.9" / 89.5 x 150 mm
Filter size: 82 mm

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Price: $2,299.00
Weight: 2.09 lb / 950 g
Size: 3.54 x 4.25" / 89.8 x 108 mm
Filter size: 77 mm

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

Price: $1,998.00
Weight: 1.7 lb / 778 g
Size: 3.4 x 4.3" / 87 x 108 mm
Filter size: 72 mm

Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 50mm f/1.2 VM

Price: $899.00
Weight: 12.1 oz / 344 g
Size: 2.49 x 1.93" / 63.3 x 49 mm
Filter size: 52mm
Manual focus only

The photos below compare the size of these options. I have also included an image of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4, which is almost identical in size to the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4.

Please click to view larger images.

In Action

The multi-focus stepping motor autofocus system was silent, fast, and reasonably accurate, even for tracking during my street photography sessions. There is little room for effort, especially if you hope for the nail focus at f/1.2.

Another word of caution regarding the weight and size. If you try the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S in a shop, it would be easy to convince yourself that this isn’t a big issue. When you first grab the lens, it feels great, and you may think; I can handle this; it’s not too bad. The problem with fatigue is that it only hits you after prolonged use, so please keep this in mind.

Despite my gripes about size and weight, using the 50mm f/1.2 in the field was rewarding. From viewing photos of the EVF, you could already tell that this lens is special.

A man is having a breakfast at Helen's Cafe on Main Street in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S and Nikon Z6 III. — Main Street, Vancouver, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S @ f/2

Image Quality

I am slightly torn about how to express my impression of image quality. While I am certainly happy with the sample images I captured for this review, I was expecting more from this lens.

Perhaps I am missing the special feel from my old Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II, or like the Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 Plena, I have tried in the last few days (review coming up). I feel it trails slightly behind these lenses.

The results are pleasing, but I don’t see an earthshakingly different performance from my Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2. I may even prefer the Voigtlander as it renders with a particular character.

At the bottom of my sample images, I have posted a couple of frames comparing the two lenses. You can also check out my Nokton 50mm f/1.2 review here, which will show several sample images:

Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 - Review

Below this paragraph, I posted two images, one captured at f/1.2 and one at f/2.2. Vignetting is not a big concern with the Z 50mm f/1.2. In my test shots, I never found it distracting.

Depending on your monitor size, the sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom on your mobile phone.

Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S at f/1.2 sample image of a light bulb — Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, bokeh, and vignetting at f/1.2

Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S at f/2.2 sample image of a light bulb — Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, bokeh, and vignetting at f/2.2

Conclusion

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a good choice for professional use if you want a shallow depth of field or the absolute fastest lens, but Nikon has just introduced another enticing option if you can live with an f/1.4 lens.

I have yet to test the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4, but if it is anything like the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4 (I have heard that it is), you will be getting a lens at a quarter of the cost, under half the weight, and with adequate image quality for most people.

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S is only four years old, and I do not anticipate a replacement soon. However, I wonder if Nikon is feeling the heat from some of its competitors and is considering a lighter, more compact version. I doubt it, but let it stand as a wish.

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 review by Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog. — Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S and Nikon Z6 III

My lens reviews often speculate about what may come or, in my case, what if you went for another option, like a manual focus lens? The fact is, our use cases vary.

But consider this: You could buy a Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 and Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4, and you would have a bit of both worlds. You would have an f/1.2 lens and an autofocus lens for when needed. You would also have about $500-$700.00 leftover, (depending on sales). The two lenses combined would weigh only about 70% of the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2.

Ultimately, the weight and size of the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S make it a non-starter for me, but if you eat your spinach, you may view this entirely differently, and I will not blame you for doing so.

Pros

Build quality
Top OLED panel
Custom control ring
Nice color and bokeh

Cons

Weight
Size

Please see more sample images below

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S - B&H Photo

Nikon Z6 III - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.