Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens

A delight to work with. Optical precision at the highest levels. Fast, silent AF. Video work is beautifully rendered, whether with the Z-driven AF touch screen or using MF focus ring. Fabulous for product photography, subject isolation, beautiful portraits. I think it's perfectly suited for the Z6ii, actually. Even though it is obviously "Large for a 50," most who consider this lens already use a Trinity zoom lens and will have no objections to the size and weight on a Z. And at F/1.2 its like no other 50 I've ever used, gives you creative courage.

This lens does what slower lenses and equally fast lenses cannot do. That's why I have it. It is sharp and renders great contrast at f:1.2. It is very large and heavy for a 50mm prime, so using it is a thought-out commitment rather than an afterthought. Like the Z Nikkor 50mm f:1.8 S prime, I think it's destined to be a classic due of its superb performance.

Incredible quality
Z Mount allows for the Nikon to design a lens that does everything write. End to End sharpness and close to optically perfect you ever seen. While I'm loving the lens there is one drawback, it's a beast of a lens both in quality but the weight is a consideration. But this 50mm Z is a worthy investment and you won't go wrong.

My favorite prime lens is a 50 mm. Over the years I have owned three along with a close cousin, a Micro-Nikkor 55 mm f/3.5K. Good lenses all, but hands down the Z 50 mm f/1.2 S is tops. And not just tops among my 50s; it is far and away the best Nikkor I own.

The Z 50mm f/1.2 S quickly became my go-to lens. It is solid and it easily earned my trust to deliver what I ask it to. Superior image quality. Fast and accurate focusing. Intensely acute even wide open. Out-of-focus areas melt into the background with fluid smoothness. The resulting bokeh isolates the main subject clearly and adds exquisite beauty. Edge-to-edge acuity makes it perfect for group portraits as well as for full height and ¾ to ½ length individual portraits - think maternity. Coupled with a Z 7II, the 50/1.2 renders gorgeous colors, especially at ISO 64.

In my experience as a stills photographer there is one knock on this lens: the control ring moves too freely to prevent unintended input. I set the control ring for ISO control (can also control aperture and exposure compensation) but, even trying consciously not to, I was constantly changing my original setting when hand-holding the lens. This became frustrating to the point I reset the control ring to have no function. However, videographers probably praise this easy movement because they can adjust aperture so very smoothly.