Watch: Can a cheap vintage 50mm f/1.2 lens compare to a pricey modern one?

Many of us love our “nifty fifty” lenses. But modern 50mm f1/.2 lenses range somewhere between $1400 and $2300, and that’s quite a lot. But don’t sweat it – you can still afford a fast 50mm lens – go for a vintage one! In this video, Leigh of Leigh & Raymond Photography compares a $1400 Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens and a vintage Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS lens that you can find for under $400. How do they stack up? Let’s see.

Why f/1.2?

But first, the core question: is the extra cost of an f/1.2 lens worth it? Leigh highlights several advantages:

• Superior low-light performance: The wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, enabling beautiful photos even in dim environments without resorting to high ISO settings.
• Shallow depth of field: f/1.2 creates a stunning background blur, isolating your subject and adding a dreamy quality to portraits.
• Faster autofocus (with modern lenses): Modern f/1.2 lenses like the Sigma benefit from the extra light for faster and more accurate autofocus.

And now, for the comparison!

Vintage vs. modern 50mm f/1.2

Leigh and Raymond used both lenses on Lumix S5II camera bodies ($1,797.99). Of course, they adapted the vintage lens for use on the mirrorless system. The vintage Nikon lens turns out to offer some significant perks:

• Film-like aesthetic: At f/1.2, the images were softer, similar to classic film photography. This softness can be a desirable effect, adding a touch of nostalgia and a unique character to your photos. I also noticed this with my old Helios lens, and even though the images are digital, they still have a different feel.
• Manual focus charm: The physical aperture and focus rings provided a tactile connection to the shooting process, something often missed in modern autofocus lenses.

However, the vintage lens also presents some limitations:

• Lower sharpness: Compared to the modern Sigma, the vintage Nikon can’t compete in terms of overall sharpness, especially wide open at f/1.2.
• Limited autofocus options: The advantage of manual focusing is also a disadvantage. Being a vintage lens, it lacked autofocus entirely, requiring manual focusing – which isn’t everyone’s favorite.

The modern Sigma lens, on the other hand, clearly shows the advancements in lens technology:

• Impressive sharpness: Even at f/1.2, the Sigma shows exceptional sharpness across the frame.
• Digital perfection: According to Leigh, stuff like in-lens corrections and communication with the camera body result in images with superior color accuracy and reduced aberrations. Just like advertised, I guess.
• Fast and accurate autofocus: If you’re not a fan of manual focusing, this lens is definitely a better option, showing quick and reliable focusing.

The final verdict

As I mentioned, modern fast lenses can be pretty pricey. But Leigh emphasizes that f/1.2 lenses are no longer a rarity. With options from vintage markets and third-party lenses, there’s a wider selection at more attainable prices.

The key takeaway is that fast lenses like f/1.2 are a viable choice for photographers who need exceptional low-light performance and artistic control over depth of field. But like everything in life, choosing between a vintage and modern f/1.2 lens boils down to your priorities and budget.

If you you’re on a budget and/or crave the film-like aesthetic and enjoy the manual focus experience, a vintage lens might be the perfect fit. But if you prioritize ultimate sharpness, autofocus convenience, and digital corrections, maybe save up for a modern f/1.2 lens. The good news is you now have a wider range of exciting options to explore.