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| Image: Nikon |
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4, a fast, normal prime lens for Z-mount cameras that covers the classic 50mm focal length.
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The new lens is a virtual twin to the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.4 prime that Nikon announced just three months ago in June. The two lenses share the exact same dimensions, at 87mm (3.4″) long by 75mm (3″) diameter, and the new lens weighs in at 420g (14.8oz.), just 1% heavier than its 35mm sibling.
Notably, the new lens is slightly less expensive than Nikon’s own 50mm F1.8 S prime, which is part of Nikon’s premium ‘S’ series of lenses. It was suggested to us that the non-S lens prioritizes character over clinical sharpness.
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The Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 mounted on a Nikon Z6 III Image: Nikon |
Optically, the lens comprises 10 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical element, and has a 9-bladed aperture. This makes it optically simpler than the F1.8 S lens and it lacks that Nano Crystal Coatings of the premium model. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.37m (14.5″) and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.17x.
Other features include a manual focus ring and a customizable control ring, which the ‘S’ model lacks. According to Nikon, the lens should be well-suited to video work thanks to a smooth, twin STM motors, suppressed focus breathing and the clickless control ring. Nikon describes the lens as designed to be drip and dust-resistant.
The Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 has a suggested retail price of $499 and will be available beginning in late September.
Press release:
The Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 is Nikon’s Latest Affordable and Fast Prime Lens for the Nikon Z System
Classically Captivating Focal Length and Large f/1.4 Aperture is the Simple Formula for Breathtaking Creativity
MELVILLE, NY (September 10, 2024) Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4, a lightweight prime lens with a wide and bright f/1.4 aperture. This affordable lens is compact enough to take anywhere, while offering a versatile and classic focal length that’s ideal for portraits, landscapes, street snaps, travel, still life and more.
“The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is a modern take on a classic lens design, giving creators the benefits of the latest imaging technology and optical innovations at a very appealing price,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President, Nikon Inc. “With the recently released NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4, photographers and videographers now have access to a great pair of fast, affordable primes that will help them to take their creativity further.”
The large f/1.4 aperture of this lens affords users the ability to create images and video with three-dimensional emphasis and naturally soft backgrounds that draw the viewers’ attention to a subject.
The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens features a compact, comfortable and lightweight design, measuring approximately 2.9 in x 3.4 in (74.5 × 86.5 mm) and weighing only 14.8 oz (420 g). The lens is engineered with a premium feel and superb handling, featuring a dedicated focus ring and customizable control ring.
Additional Features of the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4
- Close minimum focus distance lets users get as near as 14.5 in (0.37 m) from the subject, which is great for flowers, still life and food photography.
- Nine-blade diaphragm helps to create a natural, circular bokeh for a pleasing out of focus area.
- Focus breathing is effectively suppressed to minimize the shift of the angle of view when adjusting the focus.
- Near Silent operation for video production, with a click-less control ring and near silent lens drive thanks to the use of STM motors.
- Weather Sealed and designed with careful consideration for dust- and drip-resistant performance*.
Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 will be available in late September 2024 for a suggested retail price of $499.95** For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the extensive lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire range of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.
Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
*Thorough dust and moisture-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations.
**SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 50 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Aperture notes | Rounded diaphragm opening |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Special elements / coatings | 1 Aspherical Element |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.37 m (14.57?) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.17× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 420 g (0.93 lb) |
| Diameter | 75 mm (2.95?) |
| Length | 87 mm (3.43?) |
| Filter thread | 62 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
Our DPREVIEW Tribute:
After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
Cheers DPReview – thanks for the great work and content that guided photographers, videographers and techno junkies the world over!