LOL! A year later and I purchased the Nikon 50 mm f/1.2 S, just WOW! Incredibly sharp, amazing/creamy backgrounds at f/1.2, such a character filled and fun lens. I walked around Oakland last weekend taking photos with it, a lot of favorites! For those on the edge (like I was), I am finding the f/1.2 is so worth the extra bank.

The Canon and Sony 50 1.2 lenses are great, but the Nikon 50 1.2 is a masterpiece. It's nearly perfect and it comes with AF. Those who want the best will choose this one.

No matter what happens... No matter I end up homeless... I'm buying this one... People say it's heavy... No problem I'll lift some weights, join gym... But I'll buy it...

This is the best "Real World Review" I have seen in a long long time. Exceptional photography, and outstanding presentation and content. Your hard work and creativity are second to none. Truly inspirational. Thank you Sir

Who ever does your video and editing is the best out of all of the photog channels I watch (Fro,Jackson Taylor,Matt G,etc...)

So agree with your comments re getting out and being inspired. Sadly, here in the UK we are still locked down and being heavily restricted on what we can a nd cannot do. Living in the country has its pleasures and rewards but it makes it impossible to take the colourful cityscapes you are taking after dark in your beautiful city. So envious!! Thanks for another great video.

This is why I love Nikon, it's because they produce such high quality. People can always find some stat to justify why one brand is 'better' than another, but quality is what actually matters in the photos. Who cares if its slightly heavier or takes 3ms longer to focus. The actual end product is what you're going to be looking at for years. The Tasmanian wilderness photographer Peter Dombrovskis carried massively heavy equipment for weeks in the bush, so he could produce the highest quality images. We are so spoilt these days, with such light and high quality equipment. Some reviewers go on about a lens being a few grams heavier. Honestly! I really enjoy seeing your real-world photos and getting a professional photographer's perspective on this equipment.

Great Video Matt. Really well done. Congratulations on such a good edit.

Awesome review! Love the video and images quality! And also the enthusiasm!

Just found one at my local camera store this afternoon! I'm picking it up tomorrow!

What a review!! Thanks a lot, the best Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S review on KZfaq, as i see

That's an awesome shoot. Technically complex, masterfully edited, and so enjoyable to watch. Love what you shoot. Love what you do. 👌🏻 That's my next lens, as planned. 😊

I think you've inspired me to finally add a 50 Z to my bag - I'll likely go for the 1.8 this summer. Cool vid Matt, thanks!

MATT-- I being a retired Barber, in which I cut hair for 48 yrs and by the way Matt your wearing the Best haircut you've had in months! I have the 50mm 1.8s which is teriffic and your video was teriffic as well! Randy Bocksnick(Montana)

great video matt... suuuuppper cinematic

I have and love this lens. It's great for street, I use it a lot for events and it's also good at landscapes. I'm not even a fan of 50mm so wanted something different from the 50 1.8 S so got this. The lens definitely renders everything well and is sharp wide open. Quite glad I got this. If one works indoor events it's almost an essential person unless they're put off by the size of it.

Just got the 50 f1.2S and love it. I purchased it partly due to your great videos like this, Matt.

great work there Matt ,waiting for my 50mm1.2S and Nikon Z6II .......with your reviews and others,it sure help the individuals help them decide on what to expect with there tools of usages.

Amazing lens! Thank you for leading us to the magic!

Awesome review as always!

Just love your photography, Matt!

Hi Matt, the colour and bokeh is so rich, so creamy, it offers such mood and voice to these cityscape night shots of yours. Love it. Am coveting it.

Thanks for your insight. Looking forward on getting my own copy next month

HI Matt....always love your content! I actually just received my 50 1.2 a few days ago and absolutely love it. With out question, this will be one of Nikon's legendary lens. It has such a great low light performance and just renders beautifully ….with it's own character. I find it's results just inspiring to shot even more! The only other lens I felt this excited about in the past few years was the 105 1.4 E. If the rumored 85, assuming it will be 1.2, is on the same level as this 50 1.2 it will be a new chapter for Nikon for sure. For me, these new lens are like a rekindling of creativity....they just convince you to capture more and more images to see the new surprises that have been missing for a bit. I find myself just wanting to shot all day with this lens:-)

Had the Z6 for a week after upgrading from the Z50. I'll have the 50mm 1.8 tomorrow, this will, by far, be the fastest lens I've ever owned. Looking forward to it. Love these cameras.

I am not a 50mm lens user and do not foresee being one for some time to come. I photograph birds and wildlife, but, you make your videos so interesting and involving that I watch them through and admittedly, did even for a brief moment consider buying this lens to check it out on my Z6 II. Thank you Matt!

great review, love your video and the photos.

That magic!!

This really is a spectacular lens. I haven't been able to rationalize purchase yet, but I did test it out recently and it is WOW! with, as you say, something "medium format" in its characteristics. I was never big on 50mm until I bought the Z-mount 1.8 with my first Z6. Until then, I'd gravitated towards wider primes and, like you, hadn't been impressed with the F-mount 1.4G, which I liquidated to buy my first mirrorless camera, 5 years ago. But I'd heard rave reviews of the 50 1.8S and I haven't been disappointed. In fact, it has turned me into a fan of the focal length in general. I am equally or perhaps slightly more enamoured with the 85mm 1.8S, so I can imagine what a 1.2 might offer. The only downsides are weight and bulk. But I found the 50 nicely balanced, from my brief test. Great street shots, Matt.

Hey Matt In the real world situation I too have found the identical set up to be superb! I love your passion and beautiful colourful images All the very best

Shooting 64 iso at night!! So dope 🤩🤩 I finally found one online and bought it! It’s sold out everywhere!! 📸🙌🏽

Fabulous honest review.

Gorgeous images! Inspired me to go use mine again, mainly been using the 14-24mm f/2.8 S.

Great review! Thank you for the fantastic content. I've got the 1.8 and am very pleased. Considering 85 1.2, the coming 105 x.x or 70-200 2.8 for my next purchase. The 24-70 2.8 is great, so let's see what's announced next 😁

Matt could you possibly do a side by side of the 50 1.8 and 1.2. Looking at DoF and bokeh in particular.

Another great unbiased evaluation. As you know Matt, I already own this lens, and it is undoubtedly the best 50mm lens I’ve ever owned. I’m looking forward to the 85mm f/1.2S to round out my lenses for portraiture. I think I already mentioned that Nikon has applied for a patent for a 100mm f/1.4. This would be a killer lens for portraits as well. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to your next video!

One of your best yet. Production is stellar, graphics just the right place at the right time, and of course there's the dreamy Melbourne at night! I bought the 50 mm F 1.8S, and am very happy with that. This 1.2 is delicious, but I'm saving up my shekels for a Z8 (will be a nice upgrade from Z7). Fingers crossed that things continue to open up everywhere, looking forward to taking that 50 along with some other Z glass on my Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train trip in just a couple months after Canada opens. Cheers!

I recently bought the Z 24-70mm f2.8 s for my Z6 II, absolutely love it. Hopefully your real world review for that lens is coming soon!

Great video and great review! I agree with you 100%. It's My favorite lense I ever owned. I am usually an 85mm shooter. But this lense is so good, that it made me be a primary 50mm shooter. I like to combine it with a black pro mist 1/8 filter to give a few extra stops of character. Since I been into the vintage vibes lately lol. I can't wait for Nikon to release the 85 1.2. And hopefully next they put out a very fast 35mm. I think many would flock to the system if they had one!

🤚🏼 happy to try 3d print mount idea!

I just picked one of these up, based in part to this review. My previous experience was with the F mount 50 1.8 which was sharp. This lens is on a whole different level and is F ING awesome! I know it''s pricey but if it's in your budget, you can't go wrong with this choice.

Honestly with the Z system I've been blown away with the quality of images from the 14-30, 24-70, and 70-200 they've all been noticeably better than my f-mount gear. 50mm is one of my favorite primes. I got the 50 z f1.8, and have been really happy with it's rendering. I am strongly considering this lens to pair with the Sigma 105 f1.4art for my portraiture.

Great vid, Matt! Saving my pennies now... I have the z mount 24-70 and 70-200 f2.8 lenses, but some really low light capability would be great! By the time I have saved enough cash, the 85mm will probably be available (and that might be a preferred option for portrait). The f2.8 lenses are excellent, incidentally...

Hi Matt, awesome video about this masterpiece lens! :) Had only one short shooting with it and it delivers, as you said, some magic! If I could have only one lens, without a thougt, I'd pick the 50 1.2 :) Cheers, Martin

I love the separation of the 50 1.2 !

I like your choice of music. I can't wait to try some of your idea downtown here this summer in Denver. I think your city has great looks to it and you get a lot out of it of course.

Love the 50mm 1.2 S - great lens! Use it for portraiture and fashion shooting - where size and weight of a lens do not matter. I think where the 50mm 1.8 S shines is for event style shooting or travel where size and weight do matter. I find both versions of the Z mount 50mm to be spectacular - the 50mm 1.8S is one of the sharpest lenses you'll ever use and the 1.2 is perhaps even a little sharper. They are both sold performers and it comes down to use case as I have mentioned above. If you do not need the extra stop and a third of light and ultra-shallow DOF that the 1.2 provides then definitely get the 1.8 - you will be just as happy and spend much less. When it comes to other 1.2 glass for the Z mount - yes we need the upcoming 85mm to be a 1.2 and it will be - Nikon is not stupid - Canon has done this and they must follow suit to stay in the big leagues - they already have a stellar 85mm 1.8 for Z mount - again great for events etc. I would definitely like to also see a 35mm 1.2 S lens - this is something that the competitors are doing and it makes sense to make wider glass with the Z mount. I don't know if a 20mm 1.2 is possible or if it would just be so big as to make it inconvenient to use. In the F mount they never made anything faster than 1.8 for 20mm to my knowledge (although I could be wrong and would love to hear from someone who knows differently). My guess is that wider than 35mm 1.2 becomes prohibitively and longer than 85mm it probably does as well. It would be awesome if Nikon could surprise us and make a 105mm 1.2 S to replace the amazing F mount 105mm 1.4E but somehow I doubt this will happen - we'll see. In the meantime the 105mm 1.4E for F mount works like a charm on the Z cameras by way of the FTZ adaptor - I could keep using it forever this way if necessary - it is a pleasure to shoot this lens with IBIS (3 axis - still better than none) and focus points to the edge of the viewfinder - it has breathed new life into this incredible lens - same goes for my 58mm 1.4G lens. In short, Nikon, if you are listening - the more fast glass the better. When the Z mount was introduced you promised fast glass - even boasting about 0.95 apertures. Lets see a line of 1.2's that are second to none and some novelty focal lengths like what Canon did with the 28-70 F/2 lens. A 135mm 1.4 S would be stellar as well. Dare to dream :)

Great video as always. Had mine since December and absolutely love it. Like all great Nikkor glass, it has that something special that gives the images character above and beyond the technical brilliance. Can't wait for more primes in this series. 20mm or 24mm would be unbelievable for Astro. I prefer 35mm over 50mm. Size is not an issue. It's bigger than the others but it's not so big I don't bring it along everywhere.

My goodness. This lens is one I want more than my upgrade of the 70-200S which is a fantastic lens. I want the 50 1.2 to complete my set up.

Yes i want to get this not waiting for different lengths.

Epic review!

Thx for this vidéo !

Hi Matt. I purchased this lens after your review. It will arrive in days and as soon as I use it I will let you know my impressions, although I am sure it is a real monster. I subscribed to your channel and hope to see you again in some other discussion. I salute you and hug you from Naples. Gianni

Great review with amazing images! Definitely makes me crave the 1.2. Real question is whether it's worth almost 4 times as much as the 1.8? It all comes down to priorities (and budget).

Thanks Matt. Some of those night time shots were mind blowing. And speaking of mind blowing - I've just got the "cheapie" f/4 24 - 70 and the f/1.8 50 and 85, and I have to say that every time I edit the images from the Z6 II and these S-line lenses I'm amazed. Clean, crisp images that are somehow buttery smooth. (Does that make any sense??) Anyway, I can only imagine what it's like to use Nikon's good stuff! :-)

I have 1.8 version. I so wish I could justify the 1.2, as it looks amazing. You inspired me to get the Z6II, and that turned out well. Keep showing it off and you may wear me down Matt. Hehe.

As a true hybrid shooter the minimal focus breathing is what makes this excellent lens a must have investment for me but I think I might wait to see the results of the future 85mm F1.2 as that focal length is better suited to my portrait needs!

I'm really waiting for the 85mm 1.2... The 50mm 1.8 might be enough for me (and for my bank as well haha...). Thank you for this great video and for supporting Nikon ;)

The 1.2 looks spectacular. The 85mm 1.2 will probably make its way onto my wish list. The 85mm 1.8 hardly comes off the front of my Z5 lately, I'm really enjoying that focal length. I just currently don't see room in my bag for a 50mm... but never say never... gear acquisition syndrome is a real curse 😅

wonderful video. I love seeing you in the streets and actually using these fantastic lenses. It doesn't hep my GAS though ! LOL

Great review Mat, as I am late to the party reference S lenses as up until December 2021 last year my cameras were D5/D6 and a lot of F lenses, now that I have the Z9 since 23rd December I am looking at getting my first "S" lens and I am torn between the 85mm 1.8 s lens or the 50mm 1.2 s lens so so hard to decide but my gut feeling is saying get the 50mm 1.2 and then get the 70-200 s lens as I currently using the FTZ 2 with the very latest Nikon 70-200 F lens an its not bad at all. Tough choices. Regards, John

I already have the Z 50/1.8 which is a no-brainer for the little money it costs. The 50/1.2 is on my wish list, but not at the top. First I have to complete my equipment with one or two tele-zooms for wildlife and landscape - then we will see ... To answer your question Matt: A Z 85/1.2 would be great 🙏 Kind regards from Switzerland.

Matt, your are great. Your feeling is the same as mine. i love the z 50 mm 1,2 S. i think its a different as the 50 mm 1,8 S. The "look" its a explain for me!!

Matt great video. My need to invest in a prime lens.

Hello Matt, These image look amazing, what I nice bit of kit. Yes I know its £2200 in UK but it does look worth every penny. Keep well, keep safe and have fun. Just one thing I have a Fotodiax adaptor for my X1D and all my PCe lenses image area is OK not sign of vignetting. But the adaptor does not let you stop down so Yes it works but not as I would like.

Cant wait for the 85mm f1.2

I've just taken delivery of a loaner of the 50/1.2s from NPS to try out. I took it out the box and set it down and thought this is ridiculous, it's bigger, and far heavier than the 24-70/2.8s, why would anyone want this... But Ithen I put it on the Z7ii and I've taken it out on my daily walk this morning ( still being in lockdown sucks ) and you know what, I think I'm falling in love with it. Very seriously thinking of selling my 35 & 50 1.8's to part fund this beast. There's something about the images, things kind of 'pop' ( something I hate saying but I don't have another word to describe it ) and even just some simple blossom on a tree just looks sooooo good. Oh and as mentioned below. A motivational video wouldn't go amiss right now, need to get my mo-jo back after over a year in hibernation.

I used this lens for two days for some night street photography and I really liked the look of the images. If I had the money, I wouldn't hesitate too much. And I would love to try some night portraits in the city with it someday.

Great video, thanks! I originally skipped this, because I was happy with my Z f1.8 and didn’t want to be tempted...😂

Hey Matt, outside of your KZfaq channel, now that you are shoots Z bodies and lenses; are you taking more videos? I make no bones about being a 'stills photographer' but with all mirrorless systems getting better and better at videoing I'm curious to hear from you if you take/make more videos?

Spoke with my camera store favourite sales guy and let him know I was definitely buying the lens (was checking they had them on the shelf; they do) but was waiting to see your review, first. Guess I can look forward to some retail therapy tomorrow, thanks. :)

I picked up the 50mm f/1.8 S about 3 weeks ago and just got the 85mm f/1.8 S this week. I now have 3 lenses for my Z6ii. My third lens is the 24-70mm f/4 S. My next lens will either be the 14-30mm f/4, 14-24mm f/2.8 S or the 35mm f/1.8 S. My first, and maybe only, f/1.2 lens will be the 85mm f/1.2 S. I'll have to wait until I get the 35mm f/1.8 S to determine which focal length I like more between the 35mm and the 50mm. That will lead to my next f/1.2 purchase.

Matt, every time you bring up the “small medium format” possibilities of the Z mount it gets me very excited. I hope your thoughts on this become a reality!

85 f/1.2 would be nice. I would like to see the 70 - 200 done as something larger than the 2.8. Maybe a 58mm that is not so crazy expensive. Or Nikon just surprise us and give us a crazy fast lens, larger than a f/.95. Thank you Matt for the review. 👍👍👍

Hey Matt, I just realized that you use Capture One. I do too. I’d be interested to see your workflow. Please make a video on this!

I like this kind of video. Reminds me of Faymus media, I think the channel was called.

I am ordering this lens with the current discounts, I just cannot resist. I am not a pro, but we only live once...

The Nikkor AIS MF 50mm f/1.2 is my all time favourite lens (although I'm normally a 35mm guy). It makes deliciously beautiful images. In hand (esp. when focusing) if feels absolutely perfect: very solid, creamy smooth and perfectly balanced. And it is tiny compared to the new AF S version. I think of it as Nikon's answer to Leica M lenses . . . and actually prefer it to any of my Leica lenses in feel and image quality. (The Nikkor AF DC 105mm f/1.2 D comes in a close 2nd).

And we were not waiting 10 years for this !

Can you make a video explaining the Z6 “rule of thirds” lay over the screen option? Or can you explain to me how you understand it when none of the lines indicate thirds? Figured you would be the guy to ask.

will be my first lens if I get Z8

Matt I'm struggling. I have the Z7II, the Z 2.8 trinity and the Z 105mm MC. I'm adding a faster lens for portraits and lower light and I'm really split on the 50mm 1.2 and the 50mm 1.8. I'm back and forth between the two on an almost daily basis. The 1.2 is a winner because it's much faster than anything else in my bag which is exactly what I want in that one go to lens but I keep wondering if the 1.8 is fast enough. Is that money better spent on the Z long glass or the Z9 upgrade. Is there a significant difference for 4X the price? Is the low light performance that much better considering the great low light performance of the Z system cameras? Ricci has a great comparison video and it just clouds the issue even more. It's like picking from two different degrees of perfect. Happy to hear some thoughts.

Last time I use a 50mm lens was when I bought a Nikon FG with one as a kit back on 1980 think it was.

And hello from france 🇫🇷

Ordered the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 lens this weekend, will arrive tomorrow …

what do you use to film on? It looks great.

"City is coming back to life" - Aged well Matt :) Those lock downs kicked in pretty soon after...

Regarding the image heights of lenses: You can look up the nikon patents online. I have checked quite a few and all I found listed an image height of [edit: at most] 21.7, which means that the diameter of the image circle is 43.4, which sadly only is full frame. I haven't found specific names for the patents, so it's quite hard to make out what lens they correspond to, but given that all I found were at most full frame, I wouldn't count on small MF as of yet :(

Great lens. I want it but not sure if I should hold out for an 85 1.2.

Great picture., but also fucus noise (acording to others KZfaqr) with video, but again it’s still a winner 👍 Cheers Jess

I have the Z 50 1.8 S as well as the Z 85 1.8 S and the 50 1:1.4D AF Nikkor. Well the Z 50 1.8 S is awesome, honestly my most beloved Z lens. It has a super soft bokeh, sharp as a razor blade and it is compact size and lightweight. Of course not that shallow depth of field, but that’s not such a difference as I use it, portraits, the subjects relatively close to camera. The only advantage would be the 1 stop more light the 1.2 catches for night shootings at ambient light only…

No fancy tech needed; just use a hat, bean bag or sand bag to hold the lens, use some paper (something stiff like card stock or foam board would be ideal, but frosted plastic might work too). Using bright subject, bring the paper up to the back of the lens and see what she throws. Get fancier; draw the full frame sensor on it, and the medium frame sensor on it. Oh, I think one word you were looking for was: Gobsmacked........ :^D Dang; I wish I had a use case for this lens. I think I'm more of an 85mm+ user though.

So, Nikons Z9 is twice the size of my A1 and their 50mm is too? What happened to mirrorless sizing…

The lens is optically perfect and flawless, one minus - the size. I used it for about 2 weeks rental. Still fighting with myself, buy, or not buy because of the size. Just don't want it became like my 200mm f2G most of the time in dry cabinet.

absolutely cracking photos too. I love shooting 50mm for street. This lens looks like a cracker, absolute top of the range. I do wonder though whether it would be worth nikon making an alternative, smaller option even if it had focus breathing like the sony

What camera and lens were used to shoot the video?

Matt, not trying to tweak your tail here but doesn't the FUJI GFX 100S fit your use case perfectly?

If only I could find one

It is a fantastic lens which I se for professional shoots, but I would never dare with it for street photography. I'd be a walking target and the opposite of discreet to capture moments? I'd prefer a 1.4, for size weight and a great medium

Such great content.... as always Matt! Matt, would you be able to help me (and maybe quite a few of your subscribers)? I've been locked down in the UK for goodness knows how long, and have just escaped, and arrived in Thailand with a brand new Z6 ii, complementing my D850. BUT..., for some reason now, the enthusiasm to get out there and create has totally vanished. Would it be possible for you to do a "motivational" video that kicks fans like me squarely up the butt, make us appreciate all that we have, and provoke us into action, releasing all that pent-up creativity. You have so much positivity Matt, you are a true role model. Respect.