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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 SNikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020December 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in fifteen groups12 elements in nine groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elementsTwo ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coat; Nikon USA also specifies Super Integrated CoatingNano Crystal Coat; the maker does not list a fluorine coating for this model, despite Photography Blog describing one
Aperture detailf/1.2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/1.8–16; electromagnetic aperture control
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 75 mm lens on full frameNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.4 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two stepping motors moving two smaller focusing groups, according to Nikon USAStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.45 m measured from focal planeMinimum 0.4 m measured from the focal plane; internal focusing
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.15×Maximum 0.15× according to Nikon Japan's specifications
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation, as Camera Labs confirms; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisationNo lens optical VR; uses in-body stabilisation on compatible cameras. Nikon UK quotes up to five stops under CIPA standards for the original compatible camera system, not every Nikon Z body
Video featuresNikon describes quiet focusing, reduced focus breathing, stable exposure and smooth aperture adjustment through the control ringNear-silent autofocus, reduced focus breathing and smooth aperture changes
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter89.5 mm76 mm
Length150 mm86.5 mm
Weight1,090 g415 g
ControlsFocus ring, separate programmable control ring, L-Fn button, A/M switch and DISP button; OLED shows aperture, focus distance and depth of fieldCombined focus/customisable control ring and AF/manual switch; no distance scale, as Photography Blog notes
Filter detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceSeals around moving barrel parts and rubber sealing around the metal mount, according to Nikon UKMount and moving barrel parts sealed against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof rating
Dimensions detailApproximately 89.5 × 150 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flangeApproximately 76 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1090 gApproximately 415 g
Lens hoodHB-94 included, reversible for transportHB-90 included
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-94 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-90 hood and CL-C1 case
Release detailNikon USA specifies December 2020 availability; month precision retainedAnnounced August 2018. Nikon Japan's updated November notice confirms 7 December 2018 local availability after an earlier planned date; earliest exact global and UK day unconfirmed, so December precision retained. ePHOTOzine's 2022 review introduction does not describe the original launch chronology

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