Nikon Nikkor-S 55mm F/1.2 Pre-AI Review

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April 2007

This Nikn 55mm f/1.2 is from 1967, and it was the fastest F lens in their lineup. This lens has been upgraded allot over the years, of the 55mm version there is supposedly more then 6 versions out there. It came to an end in 1978 when it was replaced by the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. The f/1.2 lenses are excellent in low light situations, allowing you to take hand-held shots at night even. Nikon has also made a lens for night photography the Nikon Noct-Nikkor, but its not likely you will ever get your hands on one of those unless you are willing to pay about $ 3000 USD, as there was just about 12.000 lenses made. The 50mm lens is said to be the lens that comes closest to the human eye`s perception of distance and depth, Thus labeled as a normal lens. This does not apply to a APS-Cc type camera tough, like Nikons DX sized digital SLR`s. Even though this is a 55mm lens, it is still considered a "normal" lens. On a DX sized DSLR the lens becomes a 82,5mm f/1.2, which is more of a portrait lens then an all round lens like a 50mm. Nikon has an updated version of this lens still in their lens lineup the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2

Specifications

Positives

• DOF/IR markings.
• Build quality.
• Performance.
• Sharpness/contrast, not bad for a lens from 1967.

Drawbacks

• Price, it costs to have a f/1.2 lens, even second hand the 55mm f/1.2 is quite pricey
• Hard to focus without a split prism, @ 0.6m there is less then 6mm that is in focus.

Verdict

This is actually a solid performer, true it is a bit soft at f/1.2 but it is still usable in my opinion. Sweet-spot of the lens is between f/2.8 and f/8. The performance of this lens actually came as a shock to me, as I wasn't expecting very much from it, since the lens has several marks on both the front and rear element. The newer version the 50mm f/1.2 is supposedly allot better then this old dinosaur.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links on the prices takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S From $679.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D From: $289.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G From: $429.95 USD

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Price From: $459.95 USD

Zeiss MF 50mm f/1.4 ZF Planar T* Price: $550.00 USD

Sigma AF 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Price: $499.00 USD

For an equivalent normal lens on a DX camera:

Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* Price: $826.00 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Price From: $194.95 USD

Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S From $999.95 USD

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $439.00 USD

** Prices are subject to change. Listed prices is from May 8, 2010

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.