ArtraLab Nocty-Nonikkor 50mm f1.2 is a pretty new lens to the market. It was announced in early October 2024. While some may view it as a bold imitation for photographers looking for a Nikon Noct-like experience at a more affordable price, I see it as an opportunity for photographers a chance to experience a taste of that legendary optical character using other systems to mount a beautifully designed lens on their cameras.
Besides the Fuji X-mount, it is available in Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount.
Design and Build Quality
Like the ArtraLab 24mm f1.7 and 35mm f1.4, the first look at this vintage aesthetic lens shows that the design is strongly inspired by classic Nikkor lenses. Similar design elements include colorful aperture values (for your information, they are painted by hand) and the manual focus ring design, which remains with the “blocky rectangular and stripe-like pattern.”
Right: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 without lens hood
Speaking of the aperture ring, it is still clicky and it is an enjoyable experience.
At 560 grams, this lens is heavy by all means and it is probably the heaviest manual lens I have tested thus far. As for lens handling, it might not be the most comfortable for small hands. However, it comes with a pretty small filter size, only 52mm. And, it shares the same filter size as the 23mm and 35mm as well. This is a surprise for me.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/120″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, I have mixed feelings about this lens. During the day, wide-open shots tend to be soft, lacking in contrast and sharpness. The sharpest part of the image is at the center. I’m not saying this is inherently good or bad, as some photographers actually prefer these characteristics. However, I don’t personally fall into that camp.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/90″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
If you prefer sharp images, the image quality improves as you increase the aperture value. In my opinion, the results from f2.8 are more usable.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 500 . Nostalgic Negative . 6-Point Stars filter
However, this lens performs quite well at night. The image quality at f1.2 is more usable than that in the day. To my surprise, vignetting is pretty mild and isn’t that obvious in most situations. Chromatic aberration is also controlled quite well. One good surprise is how well the background blur renders. Somehow I feel that it gives a good moody rendering and not those hard and harsh background blur.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f5.6. 1/4400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
As for the sun star, it is okay. Nothing impressive or to shout about. The lines are fine, but not well-defined.
Focusing
The focus throw is likely longer than what I’ve experienced, with about 200° of rotation from end to end. While it feels a bit “extended or far,” the benefit is a more precise and controlled focus. This is something I appreciate, though I also find it a bit “tiring” after prolonged use.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 640 . Nostalgic Negative
Nevertheless, I love the dampness of the manual focus ring. It just weighs nice to rotate.
As for lens breathing, it is pretty significant between MFD and infinity. For videographers who wish to use this lens for videography purposes, please take note.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/600″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Minimum Focus Distance (MFD)
The 35cm MFD was a pleasant surprise for me—much shorter than I expected for lenses of this focal length. It allows the photographer to get closer to the subject for more intimate shots. However, it’s worth noting that the image softness is even more pronounced when shooting wide-open.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/340″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
Oh yes, the lens protrudes at its maximum length when it is at MFD.
Price Point
At 545 USD, it is priced cheaper than the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (629 USD). (And even cheaper if you buy from B&H – 398 USD). But it is more expensive than most third-party autofocus lenses like Sirui Sniper 56mm f1.2 (279 USD) and Meike 55mm f1.4 (200 USD).
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 160 . Nostalgic Negative
Others
This lens comes with an unusual metal lens hood. There is a small silver screw-like knob that requires loosening and tightening after you have positioned it to your desired position. The rear lens cap is a nice gesture to the Fuji X logo.
ArtraLab also sent me two filters to try out: a Black Mist 1/2 and a 6-Point Stars filter. Both are magnetic, which eliminates the need for the usual screwing and unscrewing method—just attach or remove them easily with a simple snap. Another great feature is that, since the lenses share a common 52mm filter thread, I can use these filters across multiple lenses.
Right: ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 with 6-Point Stars filter
Who is this for?
This lens is designed for those who appreciate vintage and nostalgic aesthetics. Plain and simple.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/80″ . ISO 320 . Nostalgic Negative . Black Mist 1/2 filter
The 75mm focal length (in 35mm equivalent) is versatile, making it suitable for a range of genres, including portrait, street, product photography, and more.
Conclusion
This lens has a nostalgic charm, and I really appreciate its look, design, and build quality. it gives a very distinctive look, unlike others in this modern generation of lenses.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f2. 1/1250″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
However, it doesn’t quite perform as well as I had hoped. When it comes to image quality, I have mixed feelings. While I’m not fond of the softness in wide-open shots during the day, this lens truly excels in low light and indoor settings.
Right: Fuji X-T5 . ArtraLab 50mm f1.2 @ 50mm . f1.2. 1/5400″ . ISO 125 . Nostalgic Negative
If you’re after a lens with personality and aren’t solely focused on technical perfection, the NOCTY-NONIKKOR 50mm F1.2 is definitely worth considering.
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
2. Most of the shots are straight out of the camera with some shots edited via In-Camera Raw Processing.
3. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.
4. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.
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Alwin Kok 