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Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens First Look Review

There’s nothing quite like a ‘standard’ prime lens, which is simply a fixed focal length lens that offers a field of view similar to what our eyes see. Nikon has made countless popular standard lenses over the decades, and they're showcasing their expertise with the release of the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4.

This model expands the range of full-frame mirrorless Z mount lenses with a competitively priced compact option, which is ideal for both stills and video content creation. In our Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 lens first look review, we explore key specs, how it compares to other standard Nikkor models, and whether it might just become your perfect everyday lens.

Let’s get stuck in and find out when it was released and pricing.

How much does the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 cost?

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 costs £499.00, which is excellent value considering its wide aperture, fast autofocus system and compact design. In comparison, the premium Z 50mm f/1.2 S is priced at £2,299.00, while the slightly narrower aperture Z 50mm f/1.8 S is £579.00.

These three native Z mount lenses provide three broad options of f/1.2, f/1.4, and f/1.8 apertures, giving creators plenty of choice depending on their specific requirements. Check out the comparison table further below for a detailed breakdown of specs, or continue reading to discover the 50mm f/1.4’s key features.

Sample 01 Taken with Nikon Z6 III. Camera settings: 1/250 sec. f/1.4. ISO 100

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 Key Features

Where lenses like the Z 85mm F/1.2 S throw any requirement to be compact out of the window, the  Z 50mm f/1.4 lens showcases the Z mount’s potential for compact yet effective optics. Aside from weighing a very reasonable 420g it also features:

• An aspherical element for great image quality
• A wide maximum aperture with shallow depth of field
• Good levels of sharpness even when close focusing to 0.27m
• A multi-focusing system for silent and quick AF
• Customisable and clickless control ring
• 9 (rounded diaphragm opening) aperture
• Compact 62mm filter thread

As is common with standard primes you won’t find any optical stabilisation, however, most Nikon Z mount cameras offer proficient in-body stabilisation to help maintain sharpness when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Sample 02 Taken with Nikon Z f. Camera settings: 1/400 sec. f/5.6. ISO 100

What is a 50mm lens good for?

With a popularity that spans many decades the merits of 50mm lenses are well documented. The appeal lies partly in the versatility of this standard focal length, allowing you to capture almost any subject. If your eyes can see it, a 50mm lens can capture it!

Aside from being a brilliant ‘everyday’ lens, you can also capture:

• Events, weddings and live concerts
• Portraits
• Family and group photos (if you stand further back from the subject)
• Landscapes and cityscapes
• Street photography
• Food, cars and general product shots
• Travel and walk-around snapshots
• Video

Comparable to a 35mm Lens, the 50mm is one of those primes that deserves a place in every photographer’s kit due to its compact, portable, and versatile nature. The Z 50mm f/1.4 ticks all of these boxes, while being more cost-effective than Nikon’s other 50mm mirrorless options. But does this come at the cost of image quality? Let’s explore that next.

What is Image Quality like?

Nikon has designed the mirrorless Z 50mm f/1.4 lens to deliver a combination of key attributes for pleasing image quality, including:

• Strong low-light performance thanks to its bright aperture
• Pleasing bokeh rendered by a 9-bladed aperture design
• Strong sharpness and detail, especially when stopped down
• A multi-focusing system enhances focus acquisition and tracking
• Crisp, vibrant colour rendering for impressive results

In terms of optical design this lens features one aspherical lens element, which is included in a 10 element design. The aspherical element maintains image quality while keeping size and weight low.

Autofocus (AF) capabilities

The rise in video recording led Nikon to develop a fast multi-focusing system, which offers quiet autofocus suited to video creators, while also being ideal for photographers. It delivers sharp results even at close distances of 0.37m and is fully compatible with Nikon’s Eye/Face/Body AF system.

Other models within the range that feature a similar AF system include the Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and Z 28mm f/2.8.

Controls, Build and Ergonomics

This Z 50mm f/1.4 features a streamlined no-nonsense barrel design with a customisable control ring that can be set to adjust ISO, aperture, exposure comp and other camera settings. The lens resists dust and moisture and balances well on a gimbal stabiliser for creative moviemaking.

Sample image no EXIF data

Nikon Z 50mm lenses specs comparison

With three 50mm lenses now available for Z system creators, many of you may be wondering what sets the models apart. Our table below highlights all of the specs in order to help you discover everything you need to know and choose between them.

Best Lens Accessories

With a compact 62mm thread you can screw on lens filters for every stills and video requirement. This is ideal whether for everything from a simple UV protection lens filter such as the Hoya 62mm UX II UV, or a more creative option for filmmaking like the Hoya 62mm Variable Density II.

It’s worth noting that you can add a step-up ring like the PolarPro Quartzline 62mm To 77mm or Quartzline 62mm To 82mm Step-Up Ring if you own larger filters, although some users may prefer not to increase the lens diameter.

Nikon Z users will be excited to know that a new Z 50mm f/1.4 option is now available for the system. It combines all the elements of a bright standard prime, including a portable design, fast AF, and excellent image quality.

Additionally, the fast aperture excels in low-light situations, while the 9-blade design creates beautiful bokeh and impressive subject separation, reinforcing why this focal length is so timeless.

Order your Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 from our extensive range of Z mount lenses and see how it can elevate your stills and video content.

If you’ve got an unwanted lens or other equipment you want to sell, why not grab a free trade-in quote and discover how much you can save off the price of this fantastic Nikon Z lens.

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By Nick Dautlich on 10/09/2024