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Comparison

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4

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 Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 Olympus OM lens made 1972-1980s, valued at $70 to $280 used.

Specifications side by side

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S and Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationNikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-SOlympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Native mountNikon F (AI-S)Olympus OM
Production years1981-2020s1972-1980s
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$600$130
Value range$400 to $950$70 to $280
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 Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $130 against $600, a gap of $470 (roughly 4.6x). Ranges: $70 to $280 versus $400 to $950.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1972 against 1981 for the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S (1972-1980s versus 1981-2020s).
  • They use different mounts, Nikon F (AI-S) and Olympus OM, 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 Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S for the 0.4 stops of extra speed. Choose the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 for the $470 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 and Olympus OM