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

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Introduction

April 2007

This 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 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 Noct Nikkor can be found on ebay, they usually sell for more than $3000 USD, compared to the new price of about $1000USD when they where still in production. 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 tough 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. More information about the f/1.2 lenses can be found @ mir.com.my

Specifications

Lens Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups

Picture Angle: 43° (35mm)

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-6 or HS-3

Included accessories: Front cap, Rear cap

Size and weight: L49,5mm Dia73.5mm, 420g

Diaphragm: 7 bladed

Price From: Discontinued

Price paid: $ 90 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

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 IMO . 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

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

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D From: $129.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D From: $319.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G From: $464.95 USD

Zeiss 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: $199.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D From: $349.95 USD

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

Prices are subject to change. Listed prices is from July 26, 2009

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.