I think of the 1.4 as an old school nifty 50 which I keep on my Z6III for practice and casual shooting. But if I’m getting paid, then the 50 f1.2 sits next to the 85 f1.2 and I choose based on available working distance and how I want the lens to impact final appearance of the subject. Some faces work fine at 50mm but some capture far better at 85. And yes I really should have the Plena, but that budget went to the video kit!
The Nikon 50mm f1.2 S is in my opinion unnecessarily large and heavy. The Sony 50mm f1.2 GM proves that such lenses can be made much smaller and lighter. The Nikon's autofocus is also not the fastest or the quietest. Optically, however, it is very good.
Great video. The 1.8S is incredibly sharp even at f/1.8 with pleasing background blur. It is the sharpest lens in my collection. Also it is the only S lens I can justify paying a premium for, but I can see why it is given the S designation. A remarkably well engineered lens.
The 50mm macro 2.8 is exceptional for top shots when shooting still life/food when it’s on a tripod or studio stand. The quality is exceptional and it means you don’t need to be in the clouds. I have used it extensively for many years and the quality under studio conditions is really excellent.
Great video. In my opinion, the lens that renders the prettiest faces and skin tones and has the most dimensionality is the new 1.4 version. I have the 1.2 and the 1.8 and they are great lenses technically, however, I prefer the 1.4 every time. Love it so much I’m selling the other two.
I grabbed the 35 1.4 when that came out and enjoyed it so much that I couldn't resist the 50 1.4. both fab if you understand what you are getting. Perfect for weddings. Here's to an 85 1.4 in 2025 👌 Also, Man Mo Temple ❤
Thank you for the informative shoot out. I have the Z MC 50mm F2.8. I was considering if I needed another 50mm lens and now I understand the differences. Also I was a little confused about the aperture readings on the Z MC and now I understand what is happening. Question: Is this common to all macro lenses or just some of them?
I personally have no reason to stop using my everyday 50mm S lens, I love it it’s never let me down and I picked it up used for 400$ Canadian, I did enjoy this video a lot
Granted the 50 MC IS a 50mm lens, but I don't really (personally) consider it to be one of the "trilogy" of 50's personally, since it's intended purpose is macro (even though you can use macro lenses for portraiture, and many people do, especially for those who want a dual purpose lens). For me, the 1.2's are too pricey and since I Don't do paid work, I can't justify them. The 50 MC is a bit too short for macro, so I've just stick with my trusty 50 1.8 S lens. Same for the 35mm (I am planning to get a 35mm but the 1.8 S version, since I sort of favor the sharpness over "character" for the most part, but the 35 1.2, when it comes out next year it will be a pricey (and large/heavy) lens. (Someone I know suggested that it may in fact need 95mm filters or Nikon might do something similar like they do with the 14-24 and have a special filter attachment to attach 112m filters -- not as likely -- but that's a separate discussion in itself). I think the likely reason they are dooing the 1.4's (and this sounds very obvious) is because the 1.8's and 1.2's are expensive (although the 50 1.8 has been on sale for about $200 off making it a bit cheaper than the 50 1.4, but at regular price it's a bit more). Same with the 50mm MC macro lens (although I was still expecting them to do a 60mm instead of a 50mm, but maybe they felt more people would buy the 50 if it had "dual purpose" -- portrait and close-up, whereas a 60mm most people would just use for close-up since that's what they would identify it as based on the history of 60mm macro lenses. I also feel that Nikon wanted a cheap, but good 50mm since people probably got used to cheap 50mm lenses that were "good" (not just in Nikon, but other brands too like Canon and Sony who all have 50 1.8's that are around/under $250-$300) but since NIkon's was $600 (and worth every penny of it to be honest), they felt they needed a more budget optin, so they did the 1.4, but it also gave people the speed advantage (at the cost of optics) for a lower price (even though it would be difficult probably for Nikon to make a decent 50 1.8 or 2.8 lens that was like the older F-mount G lens which was quite cheap, about $230) and they probably considered that if someone was on that tight of a budget, they would just get the older 1.8G and adapt it.
I doubt I'll buy any more Nikon primes, now we have credible alternatives for so much less from companies like Viltrox, Meike, Yongnuo etc. I do still love my 50mm f/1.8 AFS though, but usually use my Viltrox 40mm if I'm just out for a walk and not shooting seriously. Nikon still rules at zooms, though, but I suspect they will soon get some serious competition there too...Happy Xmas Matt!
Thanks Matt for the real world comparisons and Reblum! What a quick way to get product completed. If you have one, could you test the Sony GM 50 1.2 with the Megadap on a Nikon for comparison to these? I don’t think we need the focus speed for portraits and the size would be an asset compared to the Nikon if the sharpness and contrast remain. The Sony 50 1.4 would be similar, though I suspect the Nikon 50 1.8 S would be better in real world shooting. Thanks again for great and fun content.
These days if you were deciding upon a hybrid camera system for street, architect, travel would you select Nikon (Z8 or Z6iii), Sony a7R5, or Canon R5 Mk2?? Happy Holidays
For street, architecture and travel, I'd choose the A7CR. It is a compact version of the A7R V, thus ideal for street, travel, etc. A small, less noticeable camera is a bonus for these scenarios, provided you are ok with giving up the joystick, and 2nd card slot. Plenty of native or third party compact lens offerings available for this one, too. With 61MP, you may even attach smaller APS-C lenses and effectively transform it to a 26MP camera.
Encore une vidéo en anglais, alors que le titre est en français 😡 😡 Désactivez la traduction automatique ! Si je veux voir une vidéo en anglais, je clique sur un titre en anglais ! En plus, c'est une google trad pourrie, c'est incompréhensible. Aller hop, un pouce vers le bas pour le foutage de gueule 👎
Naughty & Nice and PATREON: linktr.ee/mattgranger
Reblum Free Trial: geni.us/reblum50
I think of the 1.4 as an old school nifty 50 which I keep on my Z6III for practice and casual shooting. But if I’m getting paid, then the 50 f1.2 sits next to the 85 f1.2 and I choose based on available working distance and how I want the lens to impact final appearance of the subject. Some faces work fine at 50mm but some capture far better at 85. And yes I really should have the Plena, but that budget went to the video kit!
Question. Does the Nikon z 50 f1.2 focus slow in comparison to the z 50mm f1.8?
The Nikon 50mm f1.2 S is in my opinion unnecessarily large and heavy. The Sony 50mm f1.2 GM proves that such lenses can be made much smaller and lighter. The Nikon's autofocus is also not the fastest or the quietest. Optically, however, it is very good.
Thank you for an excellent comparison video! 50mm f/1.8 S is my personal favorite for both videography & photography.
Your comparison videos are excellent!
Glad you think so!
another thing to note about the 50MC is that the focus is super slow and will often hunt in low light. image quality is great though.
Great video. The 1.8S is incredibly sharp even at f/1.8 with pleasing background blur. It is the sharpest lens in my collection. Also it is the only S lens I can justify paying a premium for, but I can see why it is given the S designation. A remarkably well engineered lens.
Great video Matt 😊
The 50mm macro 2.8 is exceptional for top shots when shooting still life/food when it’s on a tripod or studio stand. The quality is exceptional and it means you don’t need to be in the clouds. I have used it extensively for many years and the quality under studio conditions is really excellent.
I use it for digitising old negatives, shooting top down on a light box. Works a treat.
Great video. In my opinion, the lens that renders the prettiest faces and skin tones and has the most dimensionality is the new 1.4 version. I have the 1.2 and the 1.8 and they are great lenses technically, however, I prefer the 1.4 every time. Love it so much I’m selling the other two.
I grabbed the 35 1.4 when that came out and enjoyed it so much that I couldn't resist the 50 1.4. both fab if you understand what you are getting. Perfect for weddings. Here's to an 85 1.4 in 2025 👌
Also, Man Mo Temple ❤
Thank you for the informative shoot out. I have the Z MC 50mm F2.8. I was considering if I needed another 50mm lens and now I understand the differences. Also I was a little confused about the aperture readings on the Z MC and now I understand what is happening. Question: Is this common to all macro lenses or just some of them?
The Nikkor 50mm f1.4 G lens was their $300 budget lens. I loved it. Not sharp, but so full of character.
Model of the year - Felisha👑😍😍😍
I personally have no reason to stop using my everyday 50mm S lens, I love it it’s never let me down and I picked it up used for 400$ Canadian, I did enjoy this video a lot
50, 85, or 105mm, which is best for portraiture? Also, which camera do you grab?
depends on the look i am going for, I use them all. Usually Z8 or Z9
Don't forget about 135mm f1.8. They all performe great.
Might the f/1.4 be built by Tamron?
Granted the 50 MC IS a 50mm lens, but I don't really (personally) consider it to be one of the "trilogy" of 50's personally, since it's intended purpose is macro (even though you can use macro lenses for portraiture, and many people do, especially for those who want a dual purpose lens). For me, the 1.2's are too pricey and since I Don't do paid work, I can't justify them. The 50 MC is a bit too short for macro, so I've just stick with my trusty 50 1.8 S lens. Same for the 35mm (I am planning to get a 35mm but the 1.8 S version, since I sort of favor the sharpness over "character" for the most part, but the 35 1.2, when it comes out next year it will be a pricey (and large/heavy) lens. (Someone I know suggested that it may in fact need 95mm filters or Nikon might do something similar like they do with the 14-24 and have a special filter attachment to attach 112m filters -- not as likely -- but that's a separate discussion in itself).
I think the likely reason they are dooing the 1.4's (and this sounds very obvious) is because the 1.8's and 1.2's are expensive (although the 50 1.8 has been on sale for about $200 off making it a bit cheaper than the 50 1.4, but at regular price it's a bit more). Same with the 50mm MC macro lens (although I was still expecting them to do a 60mm instead of a 50mm, but maybe they felt more people would buy the 50 if it had "dual purpose" -- portrait and close-up, whereas a 60mm most people would just use for close-up since that's what they would identify it as based on the history of 60mm macro lenses. I also feel that Nikon wanted a cheap, but good 50mm since people probably got used to cheap 50mm lenses that were "good" (not just in Nikon, but other brands too like Canon and Sony who all have 50 1.8's that are around/under $250-$300) but since NIkon's was $600 (and worth every penny of it to be honest), they felt they needed a more budget optin, so they did the 1.4, but it also gave people the speed advantage (at the cost of optics) for a lower price (even though it would be difficult probably for Nikon to make a decent 50 1.8 or 2.8 lens that was like the older F-mount G lens which was quite cheap, about $230) and they probably considered that if someone was on that tight of a budget, they would just get the older 1.8G and adapt it.
haha, yes well if you call it a trilogy, I guess the 50MC will be left out :)
I doubt I'll buy any more Nikon primes, now we have credible alternatives for so much less from companies like Viltrox, Meike, Yongnuo etc. I do still love my 50mm f/1.8 AFS though, but usually use my Viltrox 40mm if I'm just out for a walk and not shooting seriously. Nikon still rules at zooms, though, but I suspect they will soon get some serious competition there too...Happy Xmas Matt!
Thanks Matt for the real world comparisons and Reblum! What a quick way to get product completed.
If you have one, could you test the Sony GM 50 1.2 with the Megadap on a Nikon for comparison to these? I don’t think we need the focus speed for portraits and the size would be an asset compared to the Nikon if the sharpness and contrast remain. The Sony 50 1.4 would be similar, though I suspect the Nikon 50 1.8 S would be better in real world shooting. Thanks again for great and fun content.
Hey Matt, when is the last time you did a Strobe light video? Maybe a 1 Setup. Thanks
I was just thinking that today - I should do a strobe 10 minute challenge!
50mm 1.8s still expensive for 50mm, i choose the 40mm f.2 or the 3rd party like meike and ttartisan who have cheap 50mm
These days if you were deciding upon a hybrid camera system for street, architect, travel would you select Nikon (Z8 or Z6iii), Sony a7R5, or Canon R5 Mk2?? Happy Holidays
For street, architecture and travel, I'd choose the A7CR. It is a compact version of the A7R V, thus ideal for street, travel, etc. A small, less noticeable camera is a bonus for these scenarios, provided you are ok with giving up the joystick, and 2nd card slot. Plenty of native or third party compact lens offerings available for this one, too. With 61MP, you may even attach smaller APS-C lenses and effectively transform it to a 26MP camera.
@ unfortunately I don’t like the ergonomics of that camera body in my hands…
First… 😎
Encore une vidéo en anglais, alors que le titre est en français 😡 😡
Désactivez la traduction automatique ! Si je veux voir une vidéo en anglais, je clique sur un titre en anglais !
En plus, c'est une google trad pourrie, c'est incompréhensible.
Aller hop, un pouce vers le bas pour le foutage de gueule 👎