Nikon Adds Bright 50mm Full-Frame Z-Mount Lens

2024.09.10

A third normal Full-Frame Z-Mount prime lens was just added to the Nikon lineup. Slotting itself between the Z 50mm F/1.8S and the ultra-bright Z 50mm F/1.2S, there is now a new 50mm lens with a bright F/1.4 aperture, the Nikkor Z 50mm F/1.4 to provide a range of possibilities for this popular focal-length.

The new Nikkor Z 50mm F/1.4 is a standard series lens that captures a natural 47° angle-of-view. This

is often used for casual photography, group or environmental portraits. The bright F/1.4 maximum aperture is extremely desirable to isolate subjects from their backgrounds. It can be used for journalistic and street photography due to how natural the captured perspective appears.

This lens sports a large focus-ring that is customizable plus a control-ring that can be configured to control some parameters, depending on the attached camera. It accepts 62mm screw-on filters and a lens hood. A minimum focus distance of 37cm gives the Z 50mm F/1.4 a magnification of 0.17X. Lenses this bright are rarely used for close-ups because the depth-of-field becomes incredibly thin.

Even though it not part of the S-line, this lens is made to a high tolerance and is weatherproof. There is virtually no focus breathing with this lens as the focus mechanism is internal. Since it does not feature the premium optics used in S-line lenses, Nikon managed to make this F/1.4 lens, virtually the same weight as the F/1.8S. At a mere 420g, it is quite light for such a bright lens.

The new Nikon Z 50mm F/1.4 is scheduled to be available by the end of this month for $500 USD or $680 CAD. It is already possible to place pre-orders at Adorama and B&H Photo.

• Lens