In praise of normalcy: 50mm/1.2 Nikkor AIS
Written: Apr 27 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fast, Sharp and Very Well Made
Cons: None
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| stonehousellc's Full Review: Nikon EF 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S Lens |
It wasn't that long ago that you never heard the words high quality and zoom lens in the same sentence. If you use a 35mm SLR today, you may never buy or use a fixed focal length lens. If not, that is a shame. Nothing tests the ability and creativity of the shooter like framing inside of fixed walls; making the image work within hardened parameters.
Over the years I have used almost every focal length lens available and depending on the requirements of the shot have learned what lens will give the best results. This attention to craft is a very real part of moving from beginner to serious amateur and, if it is what you want, on to professional assignments. Over the years I have come to believe that the best training one can have for learning to compose and frame a photograph well is to spend a great deal of time working with the Normal lens.
In 35mm photography the 50 mm lens is called Normal due to its field of view. At 45degrees +/-, the 50mm provides a view almost identical to what is seen by the naked eye. In those days before high quality zoom lenses, almost every new camera was offered with a 50mm lens as part of the deal. Today you most often find package deals that include a zoom of around 35-85mm or some similar range.
For use with my Nikon system I bought the 50mm/1.2 Nikkor AIS. This lens is extremely fast, meaning that the lens will open up to allow a great deal of light into the camera making very low light photography possible. This lens is slightly faster than any of Nikon's wide angle or moderate telephoto lenses and considerably faster than any of the available telephoto lenses. In a situation that might call for one of these specialized focal lengths, but where available light is a problem and use of artificial light is not an option, the use of this super fast Normal lens could mean the difference between getting the shot and another missed opportunity.
Like all Nikon lenses, this product is of superior quality in both manufacture and functionality. Images are sharp from corner to corner and edge to edge, a reflection of the super high quality of the glass used. A specialized coating on the outer surfaces of the lens also help in containing stray light which could cause less than pleasing effects in the finished image.
Focus and aperture rings are well spaced and large enough to afford easy accessibility and use.
Nikon offers a wide range of options for all their lenses, including correction and effect filters and hoods for blocking incidental light.
If you use or are looking into the Nikon manual focus systems, I would highly recommend that this lens be the first you buy and use.
Recommended:
Yes
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stonehousellc
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Location: Nashville, TN
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