Nikon Nikkor-H Non-AI 50mm f/2 Lens
The Nikon 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $60.18 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor-H Non-AI 50mm f/2 Lens
Used Nikon 50mm f/2 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 50mm f/2
Key Features — Nikon 50mm f/2
50mm f/2 Prime: A standard focal length with a bright f/2 maximum aperture, well suited to everyday, street, and documentary shooting in varied lighting conditions.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover full-frame sensors, delivering consistent image quality across the entire frame on both film and digital bodies.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the long-running Nikon F mount ecosystem, spanning decades of Nikon film and digital bodies.
Non-AI Design: Pre-AI coupling ring means metering compatibility with modern Nikon bodies varies — buyers should confirm their camera supports Non-AI lenses before purchasing.
Manual Focus Only: Features a fully manual focus ring suited to deliberate, hands-on shooting workflows on film bodies or live-view digital shooting.
Compact 250g Build: Lightweight construction makes it an unobtrusive daily carry lens that adds minimal bulk to any camera kit.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 50mm f/2
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Camera System | Film SLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 50mm f/2
The Nikon Nikkor-H Non-AI 50mm prime lens is built around the Nikon F mount and is designed to cover a full frame image circle. It features a maximum aperture of f/2, giving photographers a reasonably bright option for working in varied lighting conditions. As a manual focus lens, it requires the photographer to engage directly with the focus ring, making it a natural fit for those who prefer a more deliberate, tactile shooting experience.
The lens sits in the standard focal length range, offering a perspective that closely mirrors natural human vision. At 250g, it is light enough to pair with a camera body without adding significant weight to a kit. The 52mm filter thread is a practical standard size, compatible with a wide range of readily available filter options.
Prospective buyers should note the Non-AI designation, which affects metering compatibility with many contemporary Nikon camera bodies, and should confirm compatibility with their specific body before use.
Pros — Nikon 50mm f/2
- ✓Bright f/2 maximum aperture provides useful light-gathering capability
- ✓Standard 50mm focal length on full frame delivers a natural, versatile perspective
- ✓Lightweight at just 250g, easy to carry for extended shooting sessions
Cons — Nikon 50mm f/2
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support for fast-moving subjects
- ✗Non-AI design limits metering compatibility with many modern Nikon DSLRs
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a challenge in low light at slower shutter speeds
Videos — Nikon 50mm f/2
THE SHARPEST NIKON LENS EVER! | 50mm f/2 | Nikon Nikkor H Auto | (ca. 1965) | Vintage Lens Review — Ryan Ellis
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 50mm f/2
What camera mount does this lens use?+
The Nikon Nikkor-H Non-AI 50mm f/2 uses the Nikon F mount. It is designed for Nikon F-mount cameras and covers a full frame image circle.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No, this lens is manual focus only. There is no autofocus mechanism, so the photographer must focus manually using the lens's focus ring.
Will this lens meter correctly on modern Nikon DSLRs?+
Because this is a Non-AI lens, metering compatibility with modern Nikon bodies is not guaranteed. You should check your specific camera body's documentation to confirm whether it supports Non-AI lenses before purchasing.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 52mm filter thread, which is a common and widely available size, making it straightforward to find compatible filters.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 250g, making it a relatively light and compact option that is comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
Does the lens have image stabilization?+
No, the Nikon Nikkor-H Non-AI 50mm f/2 has no image stabilization. Photographers should be mindful of shutter speed when shooting handheld to avoid motion blur.