Artra Lab Nonikkor-Nocty 50mm f/1.2

The Artra Lab Nonikkor-Nocty 50mm f/1.2 is a manual focus standard prime with a very fast aperture and a retro-styled metal body. It is aimed at photographers who like the look of fast vintage-style optics on a modern mirrorless camera. According to Artra Lab, it is offered for Nikon Z, Sony E and Fujifilm X and is specified as a full frame lens. The Nikon Z version went up for pre-order in August 2024 after an announcement in late July 2024.

Optical design

Artra Lab lists 8 elements in 6 groups, an 11-blade diaphragm and an angle of view of 46 degrees. The maximum aperture is f/1.2 and the smallest is f/16. The company describes the lens as having a vintage look combined with a low reflective multilayer coating. The 46 degree angle of view corresponds to a normal 50 mm focal length on full frame. On Fujifilm X it acts like a short telephoto, because of the APS-C crop.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is entirely manual, and there are no autofocus motors or electronic contacts mentioned in the specifications. The minimum focus distance is 0.35 m, which is close for a 50 mm f/1.2 and allows tight portraits. The front takes 52 mm filters, which is a modest size for a lens of this speed.

Build and size

The body is aluminium alloy with a brass mount, according to Artra Lab. The lens is 72 mm in diameter and 83 mm long, and it weighs 560 g. That is compact next to autofocus f/1.2 designs, but it is a dense, solid lens for its size.

Where it fits

The Nocty is a character lens rather than a replacement for a native autofocus 50 mm. In this database, the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2 offers the same focal length and aperture on many of the same mounts. Artra Lab's own Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 lenses are the maker's wider option in a similar style. Native autofocus 50 mm lenses from the camera makers are the choice when speed of handling matters more than rendering.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Very fast f/1.2 aperture for shallow depth of field and low light
• Close focusing at 0.35 m
• 11 aperture blades
• Metal body with a brass mount
• Available for three mounts

Cons

• Manual focus only
• At 560 g it is heavy for a manual 50 mm
• No weather sealing is mentioned in the specifications
• Smaller maker with limited long-term support information

Verdict

The Nonikkor-Nocty gives users of Nikon Z, Sony E and Fujifilm X a fast, solidly built manual 50 mm with a deliberate vintage styling. It suits portrait and available light work where the photographer is happy to focus by hand and values the look of the lens over automation.