NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

I was on the fence about which 50mm z lens to purchase after reading all the information on line, I decided to visit Samy's camera in Santa Ana CA. I knew the 50mm 1.8 is a little sharper, but then if I bought that one I couldn't get the bokeh that a 1.2 lens can get. After trying all three 50s on a camera and playing around with them, the only 2 reasons not to buy the 50mm 1.2 would be the weight and price. I went for the 50mm 1.2 and had the honor to shot my nieces baby shower this weekend and must say that this amateur photographer was more than pleased with the results. I had the opportunity to play around with the f stops and as reviews say it is very sharp at first 2.0, I don't have any regrets and will always have it in my bag. I think the only limitations of the lens is the guy or gal behind the camera.I hope this review help someone make a very serious decision of which lens to purchase.

I have to admit, I was not a fan of the nifty 50 prior to this lens. But the Nikon 50mm 1.2 S lens is phenomenal, and I just love this lens and how it renders photos. I don’t even mind the size and weight especially paired with my Z8 over my ZF. To me this is the perfect pairing to my 85mm 1.8 S and another amazing lens the 135mm Plena. Since having this 50mm, it hard to take it off during a session or wedding it’s that good and that’s even after stopping down a bit such as these images at f/ 4.5 and f/5 so that I can also showcase some of the environment. Which again for me it just right for doing this over the 35mm. Oh, I didn’t even mention that Jerry Ghionis actually borrowed my 50mm lens during a recent workshop. Had I had a marker I would have asked him to autograph it lol.

I was tossed up 1.8 or 1.2. At 1.8 and up both are incredible lenses but you can’t do 1.2 with a 1.8 lens. The bokeh if that matter to you is insane it is large and heavy and I don’t care because the little extra at 1.8 and up makes it worth it to me plus you get incredible 1.2 capabilities! Do you want that extra light? I did. So now I have the 50 and 85 1.2. No regrets and I would do it again! My holy trinity. Z50 1.2, Z85 1.2, and Plena. Buy the 50 1.2 and carry it on the body with a small pouch for a couple filters and nothing else. I absolutely love how I can get almost any shot my eye wants. Sadly operator error is the limiting factor. This lens does not hold me back at all.

I recently bought this lens the week before Labor Day (9/2/25) for my Europe trip. Among the Nikon F1.2 trinity, I took a hard look at the 35mm F1.2 but decided on the 50mm F1.2 at the last minute. There' re plenty of reviews online about this lens. It's true the 50mm F1.2 is a fantastic lens. I don't have the other F1.2 lens for direct comparison, but I'd consider the 85mm F1.2 if I shoot strictly portrait & wedding photography. For an all-around lens, it's either the 50mm or 35mm. From my real world usage, I think this lens excels in portrait, food and street photography. (It's a little long for indoor, and architecture). Comparing to my 105mm Z F2.8 S macro lens, I think the 105mm macro has better color rendition at close-up than the 50mm F1.2, but the 105mm is not as versatile. A lot has been said about the 50mm size and weight... I walked around all day with the Z7II + 50mm F1.2, and an additional 15 lbs of camera backpack, and I was fine. (I'm only 5'-8", 150 lbs.) Comparing to my other zoom lens such as 24-70 F2.8 or 70-200 F2.8, I don't feel like the 50mm F1.2 is that much heavier. Some says the 50mm F1.2 is kinda big and not inconspicuous enough for street photography. I disagree. If you're close enough, people will still see you taking their picture even with a phone. Yes, Nikon should take a few inches off, and and maybe shave a couple ounces on the next upgrade, but I wouldn't get hung up on its size and weight. While traveling, I shoot wide open at least 80% of the time, if not more. I learned that if I don't get sharp images at F1.2, it's likely my flawed technique than the lens. The shaky movements of my hands will result in out of focus images, especially at close distance < 10 ft. F1.2 at long distance, it's more forgiving. Nikon cameras have different modes of focus. You just have to figure out which mode of focus works best for you... So far, I like the images I've gotten out of this lens.

Just incredible! It finds light that just doesn't exist. With a Z9, it's fast sharp in my low light go to when a 2.8 just won't do.

I found a new way to work with it; the speed you get is just crazy. I haven't change lenses since I got it!

It is great Len. I love it when I use the Len take pictures to my daughter.

Love the look of the wide open f stop of this lens. Makes such creamy out of focus backgrounds for pet images that I do for my huskies and an husky adoption service. This lens works great in very low light and focuses quickly with my Z7II and Z8. I would use it in photographing weddings and portraits, but I would use the 50 mm F1.8 if I was hiking. Very happy with this lens.

By far, my favorite lens for my Z9. The handling of low light scenarios is simply amazing with the resulting tack sharp photos remaining consistently in the lowest ISO settings. Having the right lens for the situation makes all of the difference. Under many circumstances, I reach for my 24-70 f2.8 and it gets the job done but, when the focal length is not an issue, look for my Z9 to be graced by the presence of my 50mm f/1.2 every time. WORTH IT!