Production
1979 – 2005
Country
Japan
Optical
7 elements in 6 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-S
Nikon F (AI-S)
Overview
The Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-S is Nikon's speed king — one stop faster than the f/1.4, and built for professionals who needed every photon they could capture. It was never as popular as the f/1.4 due to cost and size, but for low-light specialists and bokeh chasers, it was essential. The f/1.2 aperture offered a look the f/1.4 couldn't match.
Verdict: For Nikon shooters who want speed and character. The f/1.2 glow is real and beautiful, but it comes with compromises. If you need the best f/1.2 imaging, this competes with Canon's best. If you need reliable sharpness, stick with the f/1.4.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Pleasing and smooth, though the 50mm focal length limits the potential for extreme bokeh effects.
Color
Nikon's characteristic neutral and accurate color rendering, with a slight coolness compared to some other brands.
Sharpness wide open
Center sharpness is good wide open, with noticeable improvement by f/2. The lens reaches excellent sharpness performance when stopped down to f/5.6-f/11.
Flare resistance
Well-controlled flare, thanks to Nikon's coating performance.
Contrast
Good contrast throughout the aperture range, with a punchy but not overly harsh rendering.
Vignetting
Present at wide apertures, but gone by f/4.
Community Insights
What people love
- f/1.2 speed for low light
- The 'glow' at f/1.2 is beautiful
- Better bokeh than f/1.4
- Nikon build quality
- Better flare control than Canon f/1.2
- Great for portraits and available light
What people dislike
- Expensive ($300-500)
- Large and heavy for a 50mm
- f/1.2 DoF is hard to nail
- Some copies have oily aperture blades
- Not as sharp wide open as the f/1.4 at same stops
Pro Tips
- f/1.2 is for the look, f/2+ for reliable focus
- Use focus peaking on mirrorless
- Consider if you really need f/1.2 — the f/1.4 is sharper
Sample Photos
Sources (5)
phillip_reeve-
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-nikon-nikkor-50mm-f-1-4-ai-s/
unknown-
https://www.momentcorp.com/review/nikon_nikkor_50mm_1.2.html
unknown-
https://www.chebirchhayesphotography.com/nikon-50mm-f-1-2-review-taken-on-a-d800-and-f100/
unknown-
http://acameradiary.blogspot.com/2011/12/product-review-nikkor-50mm-12-ais.html
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-S is Nikon's speed king — one stop faster than the f/1.4, and built for professionals who needed every photon they could capture. It was never as popular as the f/1.4 due to cost and size, but for low-light specialists and bokeh chasers, it was essential. The f/1.2 aperture offered a look the f/1.4 couldn't match.