Nikon 50 1.2, difference between versions?

[aleksanderpolo]

What's difference between the Ai and Ais version other than S? Optical formula? Focus throw? Coating? And are there difference versions within Ais with noticeable difference? Thanks.

[Esox lucius]

Nikkor Ai 50mm f/1.2 has 7 rounded blades, Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 Ai-S has 9 straight blades. At f/2 both form a near perfect circle.

Ai vs. Ai-S coating different - native evolution, contrast and color reproduction slightly improved with Ai-S. Some swear by practical difference for real World use, others see no difference.

See this for more info
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#50fast

[aleksanderpolo]

Thanks for the info. Do you know if there is a difference in focus throw like the Ai and Ais 50/1.4?

[Esox lucius]

I don't know. Both lenses (Ai and AiS) are designed the same way, the "whole assembly" moves with the helicoid.

[aleksanderpolo]

Thank you.

[Esox lucius]

[aleksanderpolo]

O great, I didn't pay attention to that column when I first read through it. Thanks a lot for point that out.

[spleenone]

[aleksanderpolo]

So "S" is for short focus throw kidding.

But that's a bummer... I prefer long focus throw

[nixland]

I have the Ais ... the short throw makes it difficult in wide open to get the precise focus on close object due to very thin DOF (I usually stop down a bit or using liveview focusing).

But the short throw is good for video

[spleenone]