Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50mm f/1.4
The Nikon 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50mm f/1.4
Get notified when one lists.
We'll text or email you the moment a Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50mm f/1.4 is listed on GearFocus.
Have a Nikon 50mm f/1.4 sitting in your bag?
You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.
Available Now on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Key Features — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.4 Maximum Aperture: Wide f/1.4 opening allows shooting in low light and provides strong background separation at close focus distances.
AI-S Manual Focus Design: Smooth, damped focus ring with clear depth-of-field markings supports precise manual control across all shooting scenarios.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the full range of Nikon F mount bodies, from classic film SLRs to modern DSLRs and mirrorless adapters.
Full Frame Coverage: Image circle covers 35mm full frame sensors and film, delivering consistent corner-to-corner performance on any Nikon F body.
Compact 230g Build: Lightweight construction makes this an easy everyday carry lens without sacrificing the fast aperture of a standard prime.
52mm Filter Thread: Common filter diameter keeps accessory costs low and makes it easy to share filters across a kit.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel, Night |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
The Nikon Nikkor AI-S 50mm f/1.4 is a manual focus prime lens built for the Nikon F mount, offering full frame coverage across Nikon's DSLR camera system. The f/1.4 maximum aperture puts it among the faster options in the standard focal length category, giving photographers meaningful flexibility when managing exposure without a flash. At a 50mm focal length, the lens sits squarely in the standard range, delivering a perspective that works naturally across many subjects and environments.
Weighing just 230g, it is a compact, easy-to-carry option that won't add significant bulk to your kit. The 52mm filter thread accepts a wide range of commonly available filter accessories. There is no autofocus and no image stabilization, making this a lens for photographers who are comfortable with manual technique and want direct control over focus.
Whether paired with a legacy film body or a modern Nikon F mount DSLR, this lens delivers a straightforward, hands-on shooting experience.
Pros — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
- ✓Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture delivers strong light-gathering performance
- ✓Lightweight at just 230g, making it easy to carry for extended shoots
- ✓Full frame coverage on the Nikon F mount suits a wide range of Nikon bodies
Cons — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support for fast-moving subjects
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady technique in low light
- ✗Limited specification data makes it difficult to compare finer optical details against alternatives
Videos — Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Is it a pre-AI, an AI or an AIS lens? How to tell. — Grays of Westminster