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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
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S wins by 5
Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Prime/Zoom

90
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lands at 95 and Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR at 90. That puts Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S ahead by 5 points — a decisive 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 Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

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

Build

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S leads on build (96 vs 94).

Sharpness

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S leads on sharpness (98 vs 90).

Autofocus

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S leads on af (95 vs 89).

Value for money

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $2,099).

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S 95
vs
90 Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Score breakdown

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
95
sharpness 98
af 95
build 96
bokeh 96
value 80
Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
90
sharpness 90
af 89
build 94
bokeh 0
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S versus Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Mount
Nikon Z
—
Focal length
50 mm
—
Aperture
f/1.2 to f/16
—
Construction
17 elements / 15 groups
—
Min focus
0.45 m
—
Filter
82 mm
—
Weight
1090 g
—

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)

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Which is better, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S or Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR? +

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. 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 Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR worth the price? +

At $1,699, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S or Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR 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 Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR? +

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S — leads on build (96 vs 94). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S or Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR? +

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S — leads on sharpness (98 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.