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I'm in my 60's and back in the 70's I used only fixed lenses. I've tried zooms, but unless you're going to be shooting wide one minute and tighter the next, a fixed lens like a 35, 40 or a 50mm is perfect because you just need to use your feet/move around to compose. A 100-400 zoom however, is the only time I'm really comfortable using a zoom lens because no amount of moving/footwork is going to give you a look that such a powerful telephoto zoom is all about. I also prefer the lightness and simplicity of a fixed lens.

I have the 50mm 1.8 and I absolutely love it ❤❤. Also have the cheap 40mm f/2 which is nice but not anywhere near the 50mm 1.8. I will never need that 50mm 1.2 for hobby photography but as you are a professional I totally get all your reasoning.

I’m impressed with the actually REAL criteria you’ve used for your decision. What you actually want, what you actually need, not driven by hype. I’m even more impressed with your recognition that options are not universally good. Finally, the fact that you prefer 35mm angle of view over 24mm: mad respect. 35mm (on full frame) is my absolute favorite and it gets no love these days

Your work is really clean

Nice video and your style of explanation but I don't like how in some situations skin tones and highlights wayyy overexposed, definitely not for my taste but I think its more yo do with Nikon cameras as they they lean to more exposed highlights and skintones

Just like everyone else, I'm so glad I found this video. I'm always so worried about losing or duplicating files so this definitely helped. Thankfully I've already got a rigorous file system in place on the SSD, so I'll be revising this on my next SD card dump. Thanks Luke :)

I use the 20mm diffuser on my SB910 during direct daylight so I can fill shadows (at -1/3 TTL) while reducing the harsh flash at the subject. Making it easier on their eyes. It’s not a Gary Fong but uses the same principles. Am I wrong?

Experienced photographers know that the shallowest the DOF don't mean better picture.

How does it perform outdoors in terms of weather protection? How does it fare against weather moist etc? Thanks

Where have you been all this years

For me the 50F1.8S is perfect. It offers a level of performance that is very satisfying . I like the price and weight difference. It works equally well with the Z6ii and Z9. For soft backgrounds etc. I think I would opt for the Plena rather than the 50 1.2. I understand the reasoning of looking more professional but I am not involved in making a living from photography. 135 is not a wedding photography lens but it is a lens you should take a close look at and use for a while. I have a 50 so I don’t need a second 50 no matter how great it is.

I need a 1.2 len right anyone has recommendations?

I'll be the outlier here...I would never use the f1.2, or pay the money. The depth of field at 1.2 is for me, useless. Can't say I've ever wanted so little in focus that the "look" is what I'm after. But, I'm not a wedding photographer.

Hi Luke, just to say I really like your videos! The way you shoot, talk and then edit them is so good to me. Really appreciate your work. Thanks for this!

Or you get the Megadap + Sigma 50 1.2 DG DN . The Z lens is just too large .

I feel about zooms vs. primes very similarly. Oftentimes it would be more _practical_ to have a zoom. ...and I HATE that. I don’t photograph because it’s _practical_. But because it’s _beautiful_. That said, there’s a time and a place for zoom lenses and sometimes I regret that I don’t even own one because it would allow me to take a shot that I may miss with the primes I have attached to my cameras. That’s my own fault then. :) So no hate for people who use zooms. To me it just feels completely wrong and kinda makes me hate photographing.

I have had the 50 1.2 for probably almost 3 years or something. It's such a no regrets purchase. If you cover events or do a lot of portrait work the 50 1.2 is a no brainer unless you're super concerned with equipment weight.

I am still quite new to wedding photography and i have the 50mm 1.8 and its a lot value for the money. I pair it up with my 24mm 1.8 and 40mm 2 as a backup. I also have a Tamron 35-150 for special situations. At the moment i cant justify the upgrade to the 1.2. But maybe one day since 50mm is my main lens.

I’m actually a little surprised that you’re not shooting events (i.e., weddings) with the Z8 given the much-improved EyeAF over the Z6II, due to the newer, faster processor. Even the Zf surpasses the Z6II is this respect (not sure if you like the retro styling).

Best review, thank you so much!

You guys loving 501.2S must have strong arms. The design of 501.2 totally ignores mobility , you take this len , you will be exhausted before you scare everyone .

I shoot medium format and Nikon 50mm f/1.2 is the closest you can get to that MF look and feel. Exceptional lens regardless the price, size and weight.

I bought the 50mm 1.8. Sold it, then bought the 1.2. Then? I bought the 50mm 1.8 AGAIN. They are very different tools. My EDC / travel kit is the Z8 with the 24-120mm f4S.

I love my 50 1.8 for portraits. If I get a 1.2, it will be when the 35 1.2 is released. The weight is a big concern for me so I’m anxious to see how big it will be.

I tried out the 50mm 1.8 and I actually found it to be heavy, maybe because I was comparing it to the 24mm 1.7 DX lens which I also was testing out at the same time, and what I found was that if you aren't crazy about sharpness and perfection, the little 24mm is actually a pretty cool little lens. The close focusing ability of the 24 allows for some interesting perspectives and the light weight and small size make it nice to carry around. Sure it crops on the z6ii so you only get like 10 megapixels but it was fine usually. I don't really care if a lens feels like a toy, I just care if I like my pictures. I found myself leaning back/backing up trying to get any extra distance I could with the 50mm, so the 1.2 seems like it would be tricky in small rooms/spaces. I think Nikon could have fit another control ring and a function button on the 50 1.8, I don't understand why the control ring is so big on it, but I guess there's a reason for it because it seems like it's even bigger on the 1.2. I was a bit disappointed with the 50mm, maybe because I heard such great things about it like it is so optically perfect but I still saw some chromatic aberration, I mean it's fixable but still, and then I heard the autofocus was so amazing but I didn't find it to be better than the 24-120. For my purposes, the 50mm wasn't worth double the cost of the 24mm, but I think "worth" always depends on your needs.

The 1.2 is amazing but my god it is heavy. I like to think I'm in halfway decent shape but after a 8 to 10 hour day lugging that thing around on a harness I definitely feel it in my back and shoulders.

Im here to say the 40mm f/2 isn’t bad for $300!!!!

Hi Luke, thanks for the advice. Nice polished video as usual 👍🏽😊

Great video, love hearing your thought process in the 1.2 lens

The second!!!

The first!!! 😂

Super helpful. Thank you!

great! I think the same Things. good words.

Hi Luke, and what about group photos?

Thanks for convincing me that the Z 24-70mm F4 is a great lens. Good review!

Have you shot with Gary Fong at night in open space? No ceiling, nothing to bounce light off of. I have, shot many events at night and I can assure you Gary Fong works and it does diffuse light.

I am not planning on buying it either. I already have the Plena 135mm & 50mm F1.2 and I get what I need done with those two. But of course, like you, I'd love to own it, just because.

i cant buy it wright now because im starting and have no clients.... but i will love to in the future. thanks for helping people that are useless in retouching like me.hahahahaha. all the bestfrom spain.

Hi, I see that payment is only possible with a credit card and not with PayPal or Apple Pay. I would prefer to pay via PayPal.

Thank you so so much for such a valuable piece of information. The video I was looking for. I appreciate how you put your settings on the screen.

Congrats man! I'm a huge fan of your work, tips and advice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience! Best of luck in this new adventure you're embarking upon. Greetings from Mexico!

Z6II is not too much different from the previous version which came out at Year 2018.

I love your videos - both the content and your delivery! You have the amazing talent of being able to talk to a camera as if you were talking to me.

This review is great. Definitely now I'm sure to buy the camera with this kit lens

It can also be an amazing lens, but it's not a 50 mm, due to its size. I think it has been very stupid by Nikon doing a 50 mm with this size.. And the price is really crazy. No words. K.

You can actually store the little Allen wrench tool in the included carrying case (there a small internal pouch), very helpful to avoid losing it while shooting!

I really hate this trend of putting video links in while the video is still playing.

Loved the video. Super helpful and makes it much more approachable.