This lens isn't for everyone. f/1.2 manual focus is extremely hard to get right but when you do, the images look fantastic. The build quality is exceptional, you just use it without paying attention to it. Be careful when unpacking - Nikon doesn't bundle the rear cap, only a cheap piece of plastic that comes off easily. From f/2, it's quite a bit better than the plastic f/1.8D from f/1.8. At f/1.2 you can expect coma and chromatic aberation but if you know how and when to use it, it really doesn't matter. Don't expect image precision when it's wide open, it's built for that extra bit of light and bokeh when it's dark and you're feeling artistic. On a D7200, the viewfinder focusing helper ">o<" thing will tell you you've focused your spot to be sharp. At f/1.2, it still has a play of about 1mm of rotating the focus ring to either side. It will keep telling you it's focused, but those 2mm matter just as much as the rest of the focus range. There's guesswork involved, and lots of trial and errors, if you're not used to it. If you think this lens makes bad pictures, it's not the lens - it's you. It's not easy to use but it is rewarding when you finally start getting it right. Do not buy this for unwilling or clueless amateurs - it wants you to experiment and work hard.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Lens was good value & very quickly delivered from Japan. There was a mention of tiny light trace of fungal spores that did not affect image quality. It doesn't affect the image in any way & fungus mentioned covers an edge area no larger than 5mm x 3mm & is very very faint. A really nice lens cosmetically like new. The Aperture ring has very positive click stops with a very smooth action as does the focusing ring.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you're looking at this, you know what it is. The extra stop is worth the cost. As you go down in aperture (bigger number), it's as sharp as anyone could want and on par with modern glass. I use it on my Canon 6D II and it gives me great results.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS is a great manual focus lens, especially on a full frame camera. As a Canon user I had one earlier with an adaptor, but although I had some good results the focus was hit or miss and the stop down technique I had to use was a pain in the ... So I sold my excellent lens and used the Canon f/1.2L instead. But I never forgot about the excellent properties of the Nikon lens, so when I got a D700 for a price I could not refuse the itch came back to own the Nikkor f/1.2 On the Nikon body my new f/1.2 came to life in a way it never did with an adaptor and the stop down technique on the Canon. The D700 has a very effective focus confirmation system and the viewfinder is big (with the 1.2 viewfinder magnifier it is even bigger) so manual focus is easy. The camara can also store the lens in its memory, so you will have proper meta data. Best of all you don't have to stop down because you have aperature control. I use the manual focus lens with full confidence! The lens itself is great. It is all metal and the focus ring is smooth and the resistence is just perfect to make fine adjustments. Optically the lens has its own character, more important to me than resolution and sharpness. That's not saying the lens is not sharp, just don't expect f/1.2 to be as sharp as f/5.6 and you are fine. At f/1.2 the lens can have a nice pop depending on your subject or more importantly a lovely dreamy result. The bokeh is nice. You don't buy these fast lenses to use them at f/11. Although this is an excellent all round performer, most of us will use an f/1.2 wide open or slightly stopped down. Just remember your aperature is not glued to f/1.2 and you are fine. Ok, this lens is not for everyone. It is manual focus, relatively (!!) expensive and you need a Nikon camera that can actually deal with manual focus lenses to get the most out of them. That said if you are not 100% certain you need (want) the f/1.2 AIS get the AFS f/1.8G or f/1.4G instead. The f/1.8G is extremely good value for money, it constantly amazes me what this relatively cheap lens can do. Canon vs Nikon f/1.2 I like them both. The Canon has AF and is easier to use in a more dynamic situation. Canon also has a different tone - warmer. The Nikon requires a little more patience and though, but at f/1.2 that is not a bad thing as your DoF is very thin and AF might be less of a benefit than you think. I also like the Nikon tone, slightly colder with more pronounced Blue Green. As you may notice I am not into a lot of post process and color calibration.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have many legacy 50's and they all serve their own purpose. Domiron for crazy bokeh, Ultron for 3D pop, Topcor RE and Helios for tac sharp images with painterly bokeh. But this lens is amazing. My first image was unbelievable - sharp enough and great bokeh at 1.2. I can see I will mainly be using it between 1.2-2.4. I bought if mainly for night street photography. First few shots show it is worthy of its reviews. Best of all it just feels right. I wish all of my lenses focused like this Nikkor. Amazing lens with great build quality that I'm sure will outlast me...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a very unique and specific lens. Being manual only it requires a devotee to that system. The 1.2 aperture requires some attention to tame and needs focus to be a priority to consider in making an image or you will be throwing a lot of them away. But this lens is supposed to be the sharpest of Nikon's 50s at 2.8 and it seems plenty sharp to me. But it lacks the coating of minor lenses to reduce flare and attention needs to be given to using it in direct sunlight. All said, there are a lot more useful 50mm Nikon lenses. But this one has a definite place for those who are up to using it correctly.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This lens shocks me. If ii keep wide open. And focus is sloppy. I hate it ( secretly me) but if i nail it. I am a god. At f2 to f4 everyone wirh this lens is a god. If i want art f1.2 if i want sharpness notthing more than f4.. It is an oustanding lens. Maybe the user isn't. Go Leica, ziess ect massive exageranting. Not made for digital but if ypu know what your doing, this lens is made for you.
Verified purchase: No
There are many reasons why I decided to buy this lens from eBay. I always purchased quality products through eBay even though they were used ones. I consider that it is the best MF 50mm 1.4 lens that is available today. Also it is suitable for my fantastic Fm3a film camera which I could use not only as standard lens but also as medium tele. I have trıed it several times and diccovered that it needs very careful focussing when it is wide open. I will therefore use it with focussing more carefully. It has much better mechanics and high quality material compared to plastic ones manufactured with todays standards. What is more, it is suitable for night photography and it gives the speed that I needed for use in low light situations. I plan to carry it with me at all times in the years to come successfully.Read full review
Increadible small form factor, fits any pocket. Good sharpness and beautifull color rendition. Almost perfect if it weren't for the desastrous work against light sources (sun, public ilummination, light bulbs). It really damages the results. Even at night you must be very carefull with any light sources. If you take the flare issues into consideration very recommended for the results and it's portability.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you are a real, serious photographer, this lens is a must have, its a real gem.. yes, it has no AF, but if you dont shoot events/weddings and you want a lens for general walk around this lens its perfect and you will be hapy with it.. its 3D like at f1.2, super sharp at f2 and has beautiful contrast and colors, then get it.. you will be amazed.. this lens is a low light weapon.. ..is 5/5.. if you can get a new one for around 350 gbp go get it..
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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