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Sample Gallery: Nikon 1 V3 and the Nikkor 32mm f/1.2

Nikon ups its mirrorless game with the new 32mm f/1.2 and Nikon 1 V3.

Credit:
Jackson Ruckar
Written by Jackson Ruckar

Updated February 19, 2015

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Nikon has been steadily improving its mirrorless camera offerings over the past year, introducing a couple of fast, new lenses and its new flagship, the Nikon 1 V3. We had a chance this past weekend to take out the V3 along with Nikon's new 32mm f/1.2—easily the most exciting Nikkor 1-series lens yet. With a 35mm equivalent of 86.4mm and such a fast maximum aperture, this 32mm actually makes for an excellent portrait lens, giving you the ability to shoot with shallow depth of field in low light.

After taking some test shots with the new Nikon 1 V3 and giving them a little post-processing love, it's pretty clear: This is a top-end lens that enthusiasts can feel justified lusting after. Of course, lust ain't cheap, which is why the 32mm f/1.2 also rings the till at $899.95. But does it justify those costs? Is it worth shelling out nearly a grand for a Nikon 1 lens?

First Impressions

The Nano Crystal Coat cuts even direct flare rather effectively.
From a design perspective the 32mm f/1.2 is sturdy and compact while keeping the weight well-balanced, especially on the V3. It's the first 1-series lens to feature Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat, which greatly reduces flare while shooting without the need for a lens hood. It sports an easy-to-use manual focus ring with a built-in manual/auto setting letting you focus automatically and make minor adjustments from there. While focusing, the V3 displays a helpful focus scale on the right side of the LCD. The lens can focus as close as 0.45 meters, which helps by providing depth of field closer to what you'd get with most 85mm lenses on full frame. The only real drawback to the lens is the focus ring lacks hard stops, though this is typical of most modern DSLR lenses. Looking past the lens for a moment, the V3 has also impressed us so far. It's got a more streamlined design compared to the V2, with an improved (detachable) electronic viewfinder, new Expeed 4A processor, and an 18.4-megapixel CX format sensor. We'll have a full review as soon as the V3 can make its way through our labs, but so far it seems like the V3 is a marked improvement over its predecessor.
### Samples Below are the first few sample shots we've taken with the Nikkor 32mm f/1.2. They were taken on the Nikon 1 V3 and adjusted with the exact same sharpness settings in Photoshop CC. We encourage you to view the full resolution images that are linked to get the full view of what this lens is capable. In particular note the shots taken at f/1.2, which are sharp and provide superb bokeh on a 1-inch sensor.
Close up of Boston Terrier on his back playing with owner.

Great accuracy when focusing on moving subjects.

Aperture: f/2.5 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/800 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Boston Terrier having his belly rubbed by owner.

Recommend full size here to see even the reflections in the eyes.

Aperture: f/2.8 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/640 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Boston Terrier chomps away on branch after fetching it.

Great detail at 2.8

Aperture: f/2.8 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/500 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Shot of street sign with sun flare from behind.

The flare is minimal due to the Nano Crystal Coat.

Aperture: f/1.4 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/1000 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Downtown Boston shot at f/16.

Downtown Boston shot at f/16.

Aperture: f/16 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/50 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

2 men kayaking in the Charles River.

Surrounding water is fairly sharp even at 2.8 from afar.

Aperture: f/2.8 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/500 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Close up shot of a Bee pollenating.

Pleasing bokeh, especially from a 1-inch sensor.

Aperture: f/1.4 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/1600 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Close up of a bee pollenating a flower.

Although not a macro, you get the reach for similar shots.

Aperture: f/1.4 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/1600 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Alien graffiti on rich colored wooden wall.

Compare with shot below for wide open vs a deeper depth of field.

Aperture: f/1.2 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/1600 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Alien graffiti on rich colored wooden wall.

Same shot as above, at f/5.6.

Aperture: f/5.6 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/50 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

Close up shot of an old fire call box.

The shallow dof gives good bokeh and a soft look.

Aperture: f/2.8 Focal Length: 32mm (2.7x) Shutter: 1/320 ISO: 160 Download Original Size Version

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