"new" 55 f1.2

[Petr sheepeck Jůza]

Thank you guys.
I usually try to shoot these fast lenses fully open even though their sharpness could be improved if closed down a bit.  :-)
Looking forward the time when our anticorona rules are lifted and people outside will again walk freely so I can carry camera around and ask some interesting strangers for few frames.  :-)
Until then I will search websites and dream about some new lenses. Duh... :-D  Nikkor 135 2 being my possible next target.

[golunvolo]

Beautiful photographs, I find the last one specially sensual.

[Petr sheepeck Jůza]

During weekend I got out with this lens again and tried some "product photo"  :-)
And already started searching web for 50 1.2 and cannot decide if ai or ai-s.

[Airy]

And already started searching web for 50 1.2 and cannot decide if ai or ai-s.

They are virtually identical.
Same optical formula. Same coatings. Same results (I made some extensive tests), except for the OOF dot shapes when stopped down: 7 vs. 9 straight blades, but in this particular case it does not really matter.
Externally, the AI outer diameter is larger by 2mm and it looks more like a Noct, while the AIS is a bit more "cylindrical".

Rendering, at medium apertures, is quite vivid - that elusive "3D pop" effect seems to apply, but is probably subjective. This is why I often use it for sreet shots (esp. demos or festivals), first because the FL is adequate, second because I get lively scenes despite unpredictable and/or messy surroundings. Clean images at f/2 also help. f/1.2-f/1.4 are more for the fun; here the Noct is definitely superior, but I do not want to put it at a risk!

I guess there is more variability across copies than across lens types (AI/AIS) here, so look for the best deal.

[Petr sheepeck Jůza]

Thank you for input.
I think you are right - deal and condition of the lens will be the key for decision.  :-)

[Roland Vink]

One more difference: the AI has a longer focus throw, 180° from infinity to 0.5m. The AI-S gets there with just 110° turn of the focus ring. If you need to focus quickly, the AI-S may be preferred. If you shoot at wider apertures with very shallow DoF, the slower more precise focusing of the AI may be useful.

[Petr sheepeck Jůza]

Oh, yes - that I also considered. I'm not into street photo or anywhere where the speed is needed. I shoot maily portraits and things which doesn't move as the photo above illustrate. So I could be OK with any of those options probably.

Oh - one more difference between those lenses I found.
Colour of the aperture numbering.  :-)
f16 number is either in blue or orange colour. Important thing to ponder.  :-D

[Erik Lund]

Build quality, internals the Ai is more solidly build compared to the Ais version, 30 grams more material on the focus system, threads and guides!

[Petr sheepeck Jůza]

Note taken. Thank you.

[longzoom]

Bokeh is better on the AIS version, due to 9 blades. As well as color, not much, but visible.  LZ

[Roland Vink]

The blue f16 on the AI version seals the deal for me

[Erik Lund]

The blue f16 on the AI version seals the deal for me

Hehe

These colors of the Ai aperture values on the aperture ring and corresponding markings on the lens barrel have revived for some fancy tools, brands like Wera which make some amazing screwdriver bits and accessories, use a similar color coding for the size of tools, very useful if you are good at remembering colors and values, especially for us who are now entered the reading glasses age 

[Hugh_3170]

Sounds OK to me - colour coding of the values of electronic componentry has been around for many decades.  So why not f-stops? 

Hehe

These colors of the Ai aperture values on the aperture ring and corresponding markings on the lens barrel have revived for some fancy tools, brands like Wera which make some amazing screwdriver bits and accessories, use a similar color coding for the size of tools, very useful if you are good at remembering colors and values, especially for us who are now entered the reading glasses age 

[Erik Lund]

Yes also in the electronics industry  They even also have the Gold ring versions 

[Hugh_3170]

Quite so.  And silver.