Nikon's Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens Evaluation
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens has made a significant impact in the 85mm lens market, offering a balanced combination of features, performance, and price for users of the Nikon Z mirrorless system.
Key Features
The lens boasts 12 optical elements in 8 groups, including two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. Unlike many of its competitors, it does not incorporate aspherical elements, a choice that enhances bokeh quality over distortion correction.
Coatings on the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S include Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating, which effectively reduce ghosting and flare. The lens also features a 9-rounded blade aperture, contributing to smooth and appealing bokeh.
One of the standout features of the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is its weather sealing, making it a durable choice for use in varied conditions, a feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors. The filter size is 67mm, smaller and more manageable than many competing 85mm primes, facilitating easier use of filters.
Performance
The f/1.8 aperture provides excellent subject isolation, sharpness, and beautiful bokeh, ideal for portrait photography. Autofocus is fast, quiet, and accurate, meeting modern expectations for mirrorless lenses. The lens is relatively lightweight (around 660g) and compact, making it more comfortable for extended use than heavier professional alternatives.
Price Point
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is competitively priced at approximately $749, making it a mid-range to high-quality 85mm prime lens. This price point makes it accessible for serious photographers wanting excellent image quality without the premium lens cost.
Comparison with Other 85mm Lenses
| Lens | Max Aperture | Weight | Filter Size | Price (USD) | Notable Features | |------------------------------|--------------|-----------------|-------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------| | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8 | 470-660g | 67mm | ~$749 | Excellent bokeh, weather-sealed, light | | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S | f/1.2 | 1,140-1,160g | 86mm | $1,199 - $2,800| Ultra-wide aperture, professional grade | | Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (DSLR lens) | f/1.8 | 480g | 77mm | ~$699 | DSLR lens, lighter, less expensive | | Zeiss 85mm lenses | Various | Heavier (1,210g)| 77mm | $1,799+ | High-end manual focus, premium optics |
Summary
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S offers a compelling balance of advanced coatings, strong optical performance, weather sealing, moderate size/weight, and an accessible price for Z-mount users, making it excellent for portrait and general photography. Its relatively small filter size and weather sealing add to its versatility compared to some competitors.
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is less expensive and lighter than the flagship Z 85mm f/1.2 S yet delivers sharp images with beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for serious amateurs and professionals who do not require the widest aperture.
This lens is generally considered a top recommendation for Nikon mirrorless portrait shooters who want premium quality without the very high cost or bulk of the fastest 85mm lenses on the market.
- The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens, a valuable addition to the 85mm lens market, features a balanced combination of features, performance, and price for users of the Nikon Z mirrorless system.
- The lens boasts 12 optical elements in 8 groups, including two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, a choice that enhances bokeh quality over distortion correction.
- Coatings on the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S include Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating, effectively reducing ghosting and flare.
- The lens features a 9-rounded blade aperture, contributing to smooth and appealing bokeh.
- One of the standout features of the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is its weather sealing, making it a durable choice for use in varied conditions.
- The filter size is 67mm, smaller and more manageable than many competing 85mm primes, facilitating easier use of filters.
- The f/1.8 aperture provides excellent subject isolation, sharpness, and beautiful bokeh, ideal for portrait photography.
- Autofocus is fast, quiet, and accurate, meeting modern expectations for mirrorless lenses.
- The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is competitively priced at approximately $749, making it a mid-range to high-quality 85mm prime lens.
- This lens is generally considered a top recommendation for Nikon mirrorless portrait shooters who want premium quality without the very high cost or bulk of the fastest 85mm lenses on the market, providing a compelling balance of advanced coatings, strong optical performance, weather sealing, moderate size/weight, and an accessible price for Z-mount users.
