Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens Officially Announced

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Nikon has officially announced the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4, a fast prime lens designed for Z-mount cameras that covers the classic 50mm focal length. This new addition complements the recently released Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4, sharing the same dimensions—87mm in length and 75mm in diameter—and weighing only slightly more at 420g (14.8 oz). Despite the similarities, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 is priced slightly lower than Nikon’s own 50mm f/1.8 S lens, suggesting a different approach to design philosophy.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens (Nikon Z) at B&H, Adorama.

Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/1.4
  • Fast, Lightweight Walkaround Prime
  • STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 14.5″
  • Customizable Clickless Control Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Construction

The new lens is built with 10 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical element, and features a 9-bladed aperture. This optical design is simpler than the 50mm f/1.8 S lens, as it lacks the Nano Crystal Coating found in the premium model. With a minimum focus distance of 0.37m (14.5 inches) and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.17x, it offers versatility in various shooting scenarios. The lens also includes a manual focus ring and a customizable control ring, which are not found in the ‘S’ version.

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 is geared toward both photography and videography, thanks to its smooth twin STM motors, minimized focus breathing, and a clickless control ring—features that make it particularly suitable for video work. Nikon has designed the lens to be drip and dust-resistant, ensuring durability in challenging conditions. With a suggested retail price of $499, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 is expected to be available in late September.

Press release:

The Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4 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.

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.