Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) is 200mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) for telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 200mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 1090g (2.40 lb) it's lighter than the 1588g (3.50 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S opens to f/1.2 vs the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) is 200mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) is $1,999, $100 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 1090g (2.40 lb) vs 1588g (3.50 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) is 200mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) for telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 200mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 1090g (2.40 lb) it's lighter than the 1588g (3.50 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S opens to f/1.2 vs the Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF (Nikon Z)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 200mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 12.3° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 150 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $2,099 |
| Filter Size | 105mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | − | 89.5mm |
| Length | − | 150mm |
| Weight | 1588g (3.50 lb) | 1090g (2.40 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
