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Comparison

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S vs Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI)

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. The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is a 50mm f/1.4 Nikon F (pre-AI) lens made 1962-1974, valued at $60 to $220 used.

Specifications side by side

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S and Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) specifications compared
SpecificationNikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-SNikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI)
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Native mountNikon F (AI-S)Nikon F (pre-AI)
Production years1981-2020s1962-1974
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$600$110
Value range$400 to $950$60 to $220
Adapts toSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFTSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

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 Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is cheaper. Typical used value is $110 against $600, a gap of $490 (roughly 5.5x). Ranges: $60 to $220 versus $400 to $950.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is the older design; production began around 1962 against 1981 for the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S (1962-1974 versus 1981-2020s).
  • Both use the Nikon F mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
  • Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S, 7 elements in 5 groups for the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI).

Which one to buy

Choose the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S for the 0.4 stops of extra speed. Choose the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) for the $490 lower typical price. 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.

Full reference pages

Mount references: Nikon F