Why get such a fast 50mm? 50mm f1.2 vs f1.4

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I once owned a Rikenon f1.2 with a Pentax screw mount. It was notable for having a sector of the rear element cut away to avoid fouling the aperture activation pin. I found that it was OK at full aperture, for which read "better than nothing in available dark", but pretty poor once you stopped down past f8.

That cured me of using anything past f1.4.

 

[Timestep]

The surprising phenomenon with the F/1.2 ( In my case 50mm Nikkor AIS ) is that diffraction at smaller F stops is the same as the "slower" alternates. Absent the Aspheric Noct- Nikkor, which is optimized for wide-open use, the 1.2 stop is a last-ditch feature.
but at F/1.4 and F/2, the lens outperforms those of that nominal speed.

Essentially, the F/1.2 is a general use lens, compromised only by its price and physical size.

 

[sanmich]

The surprising phenomenon with the F/1.2 ( In my case 50mm Nikkor AIS ) is that diffraction at smaller F stops is the same as the "slower" alternates.

If I'm not mistaken, that shouldn't be much of a surprise since the physical diameter of the aperture is equal, the ratio open area vs area plagued by diffraction should be exactly the same at given aperture in different lenses.

but at F/1.4 and F/2, the lens outperforms those of that nominal speed.
.

Are you sure?
the Nikkor f/2 lenses are really, really good..

 

[Francis0729]

I'm thinking in selling my Nokton F1.1 50mm to purchase the zeiss zm 50/1.5.

The main reasons for doing it is because I think sonar produces a better bokeh and it's a lot lighter.

Also I think nokton is wonderful at night, love the colors and contrast, but for average use, I have days shots living in the 2.8+ scale.

What do you think guys? Any comments will be appreciated.

Thank you

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[Shade]

Personally? Just for DOF.