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

[Steve@f8]

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.

 

[xkaes]

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.

 

[faberryman]

Why else buy an f1.2 and not use it fully open?!

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.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

At 8 feet and f/1.2, you have +3" and -3" DOF from the focus point. Your subject better have a small nose and small ears.

 

[Steve@f8]

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.

 

[jimjm]

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

 

[AnselMortensen]

Great example!
Beautiful cat.

 

[Huss]

Taken at f8:




Taken at f4:





Taken at f 1.2:

 

[Steve@f8]

Nice pics jimjm and Huss.

 

[blee1996]

I carries only one lens and one camera this summer during a month long trip, and the single lens is Nikkor AiS 50/1.2. Of course it works well during the day, but my favorite was using it handheld indoors and at night with Kodak Vision 3 500T cine film.

Flickr Search — “500t nikkor”

flickr.com

 

[jimjm]

Thanks Steve and Ansel!

 

[Craig]

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.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

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

View attachment 327237

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?

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I carries only one lens and one camera this summer during a month long trip, and the single lens is Nikkor AiS 50/1.2. Of course it works well during the day, but my favorite was using it handheld indoors and at night with Kodak Vision 3 500T cine film.

Flickr Search — “500t nikkor”

flickr.com

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.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Taken at f8:

Shades of Walker Evans.