Nikon 50mm f/1.2 vs f/1.8: Lens Comparison Guide

FULL VIDEO REVIEW:

Features

Nikon 50mm f/1.2:

1. Extremely Wide Aperture: The f/1.2 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and the potential for ultra-shallow depth of field, making it ideal for creating beautifully blurred backgrounds.
2. Premium Build Quality: A high-quality metal build ensures durability, giving it a solid feel suitable for professional use.
3. Smooth Bokeh: The wide aperture creates a softer, creamier bokeh, making subjects stand out dramatically.
4. Advanced Optics: Nikon’s premium optics minimize aberrations and enhance sharpness, especially when stopped down.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8:

1. Balanced Performance: With an f/1.8 aperture, this lens offers a decent amount of background separation and low-light capability, at a fraction of the weight and cost.
2. Lightweight and Compact: Much lighter and more compact than the f/1.2, making it more convenient for travel and longer shoots.
3. Sharp and Clear Images: Excellent sharpness, especially from f/2.8 and beyond, with a neutral color tone and minimal distortion.
4. Budget-Friendly Option: Significantly less expensive than the f/1.2 while still offering solid image quality for everyday use.

Reviews

• Nikon 50mm f/1.2: Users appreciate the 50mm f/1.2 for its ability to produce stunning portraits with incredible subject separation and a smooth bokeh that’s difficult to achieve with smaller apertures. The premium build is also favored by professionals. However, some find it heavy for daily use, and it’s significantly more expensive, which may deter casual shooters.
• Nikon 50mm f/1.8: Reviewers highlight the 50mm f/1.8 as an ideal everyday lens that balances quality with portability. It’s praised for its sharpness and value for money, making it a go-to for both beginner and intermediate photographers. Some note that it lacks the extreme bokeh and light-gathering capability of the f/1.2, but it performs excellently for most standard photography needs.

Pros

Nikon 50mm f/1.2:

• Exceptional bokeh and subject separation.
• Great low-light performance.
• Professional-grade build quality.
• Ideal for portrait photographers.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8:

• Lightweight and portable.
• Excellent sharpness and image quality.
• More budget-friendly.
• Great for all-around use, from street to portrait photography.

Cons

Nikon 50mm f/1.2:

• Heavier and bulkier.
• Higher price point.
• Not as versatile for casual or street photography.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8:

• Less background blur compared to f/1.2.
• Slightly less effective in low light.
• Build quality not as premium as the f/1.2.

Benefits

• The Nikon 50mm f/1.2 is ideal for photographers who prioritize portrait work, low-light conditions, and creating images with ultra-shallow depth of field. Its build and optical quality suit professionals who want top-tier results.
• The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is perfect for everyday shooting, providing a balance of quality, portability, and affordability. It’s a versatile choice for travel, events, and general photography, with an appealing price-to-performance ratio.

Conclusion

In choosing between the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 vs f/1.8:

• Go for the 50mm f/1.2 if you’re focused on portraits, low-light shots, and maximum bokeh with a premium, professional feel. It’s a great choice if budget and weight aren’t issues and you value background separation.
• Choose the 50mm f/1.8 for versatility, value, and portability. It’s the better option if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality lens for everyday use and don’t need the extra bokeh and light-gathering capability of an f/1.2 aperture.

For most general needs, the f/1.8 is highly recommended, while f/1.2 excels in creating a more refined, cinematic look for professional portraits.