Comparison
Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S
The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 M42 lens made 1971-1975, valued at $70 to $240 used. The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S is a 50mm f/1.2 Nikon F (AI-S) lens made 1981-2020s, valued at $400 to $950 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 | Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Production years | 1971-1975 | 1981-2020s |
| Optical design | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss, thoriated rear glass | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $130 | $600 |
| Value range | $70 to $240 | $400 to $950 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S is 0.4 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/1.4.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $130 against $600, a gap of $470 (roughly 4.6x). Ranges: $70 to $240 versus $400 to $950.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1971 against 1981 for the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S (1971-1975 versus 1981-2020s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Nikon F (AI-S), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Both use 7 elements in 6 groups.
Which one to buy
Choose the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 for the $470 lower typical price. Choose the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S for the 0.4 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.