Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 Announced for $500

Nikon has just announced their newest mirrorless lens: the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4. Like the Z 35mm f/1.4 that was announced a couple of months ago, this is not an S-series lens. Instead, it prioritizes a light weight and a lower price. Here’s what we know so far.

First, the top specification of this lens is the bright f/1.4 maximum aperture. It pairs nicely with Nikon’s existing Z-series 50mm lenses, offering a brighter aperture than the 50mm f/1.8 S or the 50mm f/2.8 Macro, while costing far less than the 50mm f/1.2 S.

I’m also encouraged by the lens’s relatively light weight of 420 grams (0.93 pounds). This is roughly the same weight as the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (which weighs 415 grams) while capturing 2/3 of a stop more light. Interestingly, the dimensions and weight are also essentially the same as those of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4. This may not matter much to photographers, but videographers will appreciate the ability to swap the two lenses while using a motorized gimbal, without needing to rebalance the camera.

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 on the Nikon Z6 III for scale

The price of the new Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 S is $500, which makes it even cheaper than the f/1.8 S-line version, a $630 lens (though currently on sale for $530). That follows the situation of the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4, which also is cheaper than the 35mm f/1.8 S.

What photographers may be wondering, then, is how the new 50mm f/1.4 performs. We all know that nothing is a free ride in photography, and a fast, less expensive, non-S lens may be ringing some of your alarm bells. And it’s true that I personally would be shocked if the image quality was quite as good as what the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S can offer.

However, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is already so sharp that even a less sharp alternative could still be in very strong territory. You’ll see in my upcoming review, but the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 outperformed my expectations. While it wasn’t quite at the level of the 35mm f/1.8 S, it was close enough for most purposes. If the 50mm f/1.4 is similarly good, I believe Nikon will have a winner on their hands.

Specifications

• Full Name: Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4
• Mount Type: Nikon Z Mount
• Focal Length: 50mm prime
• Angle of View (Full Frame): 47°
• Angle of View (APS-C): 31°30′
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
• Filter Size: 62mm
• Lens Elements: 10
• Lens Groups: 7
• Special Elements: 1 aspherical
• Image Stabilization: No
• Internal Focusing: Yes
• Control Rings: Focus, custom
• Function Button: No
• Switches: None
• Focus Motor: STM
• Minimum Focus Distance: 37 cm (14.6 inches)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.17× (1:5.9)
• Mount Material: Metal
• Weather/Dust Sealing: Yes
• Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 87 x 75 mm (3.5 x 2.9 inches)
• Weight: 420 g (0.93 lbs)
• MSRP: $499 (Pre-order here)

More Product Images

Official Sample Photos

NIKON Z6_3 + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 200, 1/80, f/8.0

NIKON Z f + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 250, 1/250, f/1.4

NIKON Z6_3 + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/800, f/1.4

NIKON Z f + NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 @ 50mm, ISO 100, 1/80, f/6.3

Where to Buy

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 is currently available for pre-order on B&H or Adorama for $496.95. It’s estimated to ship on September 26th. You can reserve your spot in line for it here:

• Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 pre-order at B&H
• Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 pre-order at Adorama

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Press Release

THE NIKKOR Z 50MM F/1.4 IS NIKON’S LATEST AFFORDABLE AND FAST PRIME LENS FOR THE NIKON Z SYSTEM

Classically Captivating Focal Length and Large f/1.4 Aperture is the Simple Formula for Breathtaking Creativity

MELVILLE, NY (September 10, 2024) Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4, a lightweight prime lens with a wide and bright f/1.4 aperture. This affordable lens is compact enough to take anywhere, while offering a versatile and classic focal length that’s ideal for portraits, landscapes, street snaps, travel, still life and more.

“The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is a modern take on a classic lens design, giving creators the benefits of the latest imaging technology and optical innovations at a very appealing price,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President, Nikon Inc. “With the recently released NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4, photographers and videographers now have access to a great pair of fast, affordable primes that will help them to take their creativity further.”

The large f/1.4 aperture of this lens affords users the ability to create images and video with three-dimensional emphasis and naturally soft backgrounds that draw the viewers’ attention to a subject.

The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens features a compact, comfortable and lightweight design, measuring approximately 2.9 in x 3.4 in (74.5 × 86.5 mm) and weighing only 14.8 oz (420 g). The lens is engineered with a premium feel and superb handling, featuring a dedicated focus ring and customizable control ring.

Additional Features of the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

• Close minimum focus distance lets users get as near as 14.5 in (0.37 m) from the subject, which is great for flowers, still life and food photography.
• Nine-blade diaphragm helps to create a natural, circular bokeh for a pleasing out of focus area.
• Focus breathing is effectively suppressed to minimize the shift of the angle of view when adjusting the focus.
• Near Silent operation for video production, with a click-less control ring and near silent lens drive thanks to the use of STM motors.
• Weather Sealed and designed with careful consideration for dust- and drip-resistant performance*.

Price and Availability

The new NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 will be available in late September 2024 for a suggested retail price of $499.95** For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the extensive lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire range of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.

About Nikon 

Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

*Thorough dust and moisture-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations.

**SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.