Lens Lab
    Nikon Nikkor 55 mm f / 1.2 Ai
    Nikon Nikkor 55 mm f / 1.2 Ai

    Nikon Nikkor 55 mm f / 1.2 Ai

    55mm · f/1.2

    Overview

    The Nikon Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 Ai, Nikon's first f/1.2 F-mount lens (1965), offers a classic vintage look but is often considered the weakest of Nikon's f/1.2 ~50mm lenses. Optically, it has low contrast, spherical aberration, and coma wide open, cleaning up when stopped down. Build is all-metal, typical of Nikon Ai lenses. It suits photographers seeking a soft, dreamy effect at f/1.2 with shallow depth-of-field, but for sharpness or contrast, other lenses are better.