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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S — S-Line · f/1.2 · Premium glass
Nikon

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

S-Line · f/1.2 · Premium glass

95
/ 100
From $2,099
VS
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM wins by 1
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — Full-frame · 950 g · Pro portrait
Canon

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Full-frame · 950 g · Pro portrait

96
/ 100
From $2,299
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lands at 95 and Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM at 96. That puts Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S if…

  • ✓Best 50mm f/1.2 AF lens we've tested
  • ✓Internal focus + silent STM
  • ✓Edge-to-edge sharpness wide open

Pick Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM if…

  • ✓Breathtaking bokeh
  • ✓Sharp wide open
  • ✓Weather-sealed L build
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Build

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM leads on build (98 vs 96).

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S 95
vs
96 Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Score breakdown

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
95
sharpness 98
af 95
build 96
bokeh 96
value 80
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
96
sharpness 98
af 94
build 98
bokeh 0
value 82

Specs side-by-side

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S versus Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Mount
Nikon Z
Canon RF
Focal length
50 mm
—
Aperture
f/1.2 to f/16
f/1.2
Construction
17 elements / 15 groups
—
Min focus
0.45 m
—
Filter
82 mm
—
Weight
1090 g
▲ 950 g
Filter size
—
77 mm

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Pros
  • +Best 50mm f/1.2 AF lens we've tested
  • +Internal focus + silent STM
  • +Edge-to-edge sharpness wide open
Cons
  • −Heavy at 1090g
  • −Pricey
  • −Massive front element (filter 82mm)

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Pros
  • +Breathtaking bokeh
  • +Sharp wide open
  • +Weather-sealed L build
Cons
  • −Heavy at 950 g
  • −Expensive
  • −Breathing present

FAQ: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S vs Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Which is better, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S or Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S worth the price? +

At $2,099, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM worth the price? +

At $2,299, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S or Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S or Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — leads on build (98 vs 96). Compared on the build sub-score.