I don’t care which. I want a really fast lens. These are Nikon’s fastest lenses. Canon and Leica make faster at F1.0. Unfortunately, Nikon’s bayonet mount limits the fastest speed to f1.2 which is still ok way with me. Choices:
- 55mm F1.2 in AI and non-AI can be found relatively cheap.
- 50mm F1.2 in AI and AIS are more expensive (newer than the 55mm).
- 58mm F1.2-Noct is super expensive. Corrects coma.
One Comment
I use the 55mm f/1.2, which I love, especially after the focusing helicoid loosened up a little
Due to the narrow depth of field - giving a great super telephoto look is a standard/portrait field of view…
Of course the bokeh is amazing, but with one major caveat related to your comment about the Nikon mount. Because of the mount’s size limitation, and the rear elements need to be huge, the effective “hole” wide open is not quite totally circular, due to a small part of the elements edge being bevelled and blacked. So out of focus highlights are more oval shaped.
Given a choice, I’d go for a perfect circle (like on my Nikkor 35mm f/1.4mm) every time.
Not sure about the circularity of the other f/1.2’s, but this one point is a potential deal breaker… well for the bokeh nuts anyway… Awesome Blog!