Nikon Releases NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens – World’s Fastest Z-Mount Lens

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by Jakub HanOctober 16^th, 2019

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Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct manual-focus lens, which is currently the fastest lens for the Z-Mount and one of the world’s fastest lenses ever. It covers full-frame sensors, offers a function button, and comes with a dedicated case. This unique lens is now available for pre-order for slightly under $8,000.

NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct lens released. Image credit: Nikon

Nikon works hard to extend their mirrorless Z-mount lineup. The Japanese company recently announced the new APS-C camera Nikon Z50 along with two new budget DX lenses. Nikon also released an announcement including the fastest lens in the Z-mount lineup – NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens. Let’s take a look at its features.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is an ultra-fast, standard prime, manual-focus lens for the Nikon Z mount system’s full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless cameras – the Z 6 and Z 7. It takes advantage of the large-diameter (inner diameter of 55 mm) of Z-mount and 16 mm flange focal distance to realize an f/0.95 maximum aperture.

NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct lens released. Image credit: Nikon

In a way, this lens pays homage to the original AI Noct NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 standard prime lens, which was released in 1977 and so well received for its ability to reproduce sharp and clear point images. It was a lens named after musical compositions known as nocturnes and optimized for nighttime photography with a fast maximum aperture and very good point-image reproduction characteristics.

The optics for this lens are constructed of 17 elements in 10 groups, for which four ED glass elements and three aspherical lens elements are employed. These elements realize a high degree of correction for various types of aberration, including distortion and spherical aberration.

NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct lens optical structure. Image credit: Nikon

The lens is equipped with a lens info panel that can be used even in dark surroundings to confirm information such as aperture value, shooting distance, and depth of field. It has been designed with consideration given to dust- and drip-resistance, featuring a fluorine coat that effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt.

When it comes to coatings, Nikon used anti-reflection coatings, ARNEO Coat and Nano Crystal Coat. The combination of these two coating technologies effectively reduces ghost and flare generated by incident light for sharp and clear images. The lens features unique spatial expression with ideal blur characteristics as the degree of bokeh transitions smoothly and naturally with increasing distance from the focal plane.

NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct lens case. Image credit: Nikon

The lens is designed with machined metal exterior components and a yellow engraved “Noct” logo. It is equipped with focus and control rings that rotate smoothly for operation with a precision feel. The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct would really shine in portrait, night landscape, and starscape photography and cinematography. The lens comes with a dedicated trunk case bearing the Noct logo.

NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct – Key Specs

• Focal length: 58mm
• Aperture: f/0.95 – f/16
• Lens mount: Nikon Z
• Format compatibility: Full-frame
• Angle of view: 40° 50′
• Maximum magnification: 0.19x
• Minimum focus distance: 1.64′ / 50 cm
• Optical design: 17 elements in 10 groups
• Diaphragm blades: 11
• L-Fn (lens function) button with a variety of assignable functions
• Dust and drip resistance
• Focus type: Manual focus
• Image stabilization: No
• Tripod collar: Fixed and rotating
• Filter size: 82 mm (front)
• Comes with a felt-lined lens hood
• Dimensions (ø x L): 4.02 x 6.02″ / 102 x 153 mm
• Weight: 4.4 lb / 2000 g

Price and Availability

Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens is available now for pre-order. It should start shipping at the end of November 2019. Price has been set to slightly under $8,000 which only reflects the uniqueness of this lens.

The NIKKOR Z Lens Lineup Expansion to 2021

Along with the ultra-fast Noct lens, Nikon also released the following table showing their existing and planned lens lineup for Z-mount. Please mind, that information in this Lens lineup table, including release dates, are subject to change.

NIKKOR Z-mount lenses roadmap. Image credit: Nikon

What do you think of the new ultra-fast NIKKOR Noct lens? Would you invest in such a lens? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.