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How to extract the best from the Nikkor 50mm f1.2 AIS?

Steve@f8

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May 5, 2017
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342
Location
UK
Format
35mm
Definition of ‘best’ is difficult, but I'm thinking along the lines of sort of dreamy using the lens wide open. Why else buy an f1.2 and not use it fully open?!
It’s related to distance, focus point, subject and background. Any tips and example photos to share?
Thanks.
 
If you want "dreamy", shoot with it wide open -- WITH a 2x tele-converter attached (the cheaper the better). This is perfect for portraits, and many other subjects as well.
 
Steve@f8 said:
Why else buy an f1.2 and not use it fully open?!
Click to expand...

If you shoot in low light, or just indooors without a flash, an f/1.2 lens can be helpful, and the resulting lack of depth of field may or may not be an advantage. Even if you never shoot your f/1.2 lens wide open, if another photographer notices you have an f/1.2 lens, he will go "ooo" and "ahh". Just imagine the cacophony of "ooos" and "aahs" you will garner if you take your f/1.2 lens to camera club. Not to mention an f/1.2 lens is a great conversation starter. Think of all the penetrating discussions you will have about bokeh. Lots of reasons to buy a f/1.2 lens.
 
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I’ve just returned from a misty cold walk down the lane from where I live, using my summilux 50mm f1.4 asph. Everything more or less shot wide at f1.4 with a 2 stop ND. I think I’ve got the look I’m after, courtesy of the mist.
 
I just picked up one of these lenses and it does have nice out of focus rendering. Here is a photo of some frost in the morning this week.
 

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jimjm said:
Here's an example with this lens at minimum focus distance and wide-open. Tiny depth of field here.

View attachment 327237
Click to expand...

It's a great example if you only want the eyes and not the ears or nose in focus. It may look cute on a cat, But how often will it look cute on humans?
 

Your pictures are very nice. But you didn't mention what f stops you used. The DOF on most don't seem to indicate f/1.2.
 
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