Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S: A Sharp and Versatile Portrait Lens for the Modern Photographer

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a prime lens designed for Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. It’s an ideal choice for portrait photographers, event shooters, and anyone seeking a fast, sharp lens with beautiful bokeh. This lens offers a compelling blend of optical performance, build quality, and affordability, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S.

Key Features and Specifications

• Focal Length: 85mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
• Format Compatibility: FX/35mm
• Angle of View: 28° 30′
• Minimum Focus Distance: 2.62 ft (0.8 m)
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.12x
• Optical Design: 12 elements in 8 groups (including 2 ED elements and elements with Nano Crystal Coat)
• Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
• Focus System: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: None (relies on in-body stabilization of compatible Z series cameras)
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Dimensions (Diameter x Length): 3.1 x 3.9″ (78 x 99 mm)
• Weight: 1.04 lb (470 g)

Build Quality and Handling

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S boasts excellent build quality. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, providing a solid and durable feel. It’s weather-sealed, protecting against dust and moisture, allowing photographers to shoot confidently in challenging conditions. The focus ring is smooth and precise, facilitating accurate manual focusing when needed. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

Image Quality and Performance

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S truly shines in image quality. It delivers exceptional sharpness across the frame, even at its widest aperture of f/1.8. Images are crisp and detailed, with excellent contrast and minimal distortion. The lens’s advanced optical design, which includes two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, effectively minimizes chromatic aberration and color fringing. The Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and flare, enhancing image clarity in bright lighting conditions.

Sharpness

Sharpness is a key strength of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S. From center to edge, images are remarkably sharp, making it suitable for high-resolution sensors. This sharpness allows photographers to capture fine details and textures, resulting in stunningly realistic portraits and other subjects.

Bokeh

The lens’s wide f/1.8 aperture and nine-blade rounded diaphragm contribute to beautiful, smooth bokeh. Out-of-focus areas are rendered with a pleasing blur, creating a sense of depth and isolating the subject. The bokeh is particularly appealing for portraiture, as it helps to separate the subject from the background, drawing the viewer’s attention.

Autofocus

The autofocus system in the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is fast, accurate, and silent. It utilizes a stepping motor (STM) that provides smooth and quiet focusing, making it ideal for both still photography and video recording. The autofocus performance is especially impressive when paired with the advanced autofocus systems of Nikon’s Z-series cameras.

Low Light Performance

The wide f/1.8 aperture of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S makes it an excellent performer in low-light conditions. It allows photographers to shoot with faster shutter speeds and lower ISO settings, reducing noise and maintaining image quality in dimly lit environments. This is particularly beneficial for indoor portraiture, event photography, and other situations where ample light is not available.

Compared to Other 85mm Lenses

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S competes with other 85mm lenses on the market, including those from Nikon’s F-mount lineup (with an adapter) and third-party manufacturers. While there are faster 85mm lenses available, such as f/1.4 options, the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S strikes a compelling balance between performance, size, weight, and price. It offers excellent image quality and autofocus performance in a relatively compact and affordable package.

Compared to adapted F-mount 85mm lenses, the native Z-mount design of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S offers several advantages, including improved autofocus performance and seamless integration with Nikon’s Z-series cameras. The Z mount’s wider diameter and shorter flange distance contribute to the lens’s excellent optical performance.

Real-World Applications

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of photographic applications. Its 85mm focal length is ideal for portraiture, providing a flattering perspective and beautiful background blur. It’s also well-suited for event photography, allowing photographers to capture candid moments and group shots with excellent clarity. The lens’s fast aperture and low-light performance make it a great choice for indoor photography and nighttime shooting. Furthermore, the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is also suitable for street photography and even some landscape applications where compression and subject isolation are desired. Its sharp image quality ensures that every detail is captured with utmost clarity.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional sharpness across the frame
• Beautiful bokeh
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Excellent build quality
• Weather-sealed design
• Relatively compact and lightweight
• Affordable price

Cons:

• No image stabilization (relies on in-body stabilization)
• Maximum aperture of f/1.8 (some may prefer f/1.4)

Who is this Lens For?

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is an excellent choice for:

• Portrait photographers
• Event photographers
• Wedding photographers
• Photographers who need a fast, sharp lens for low-light shooting
• Nikon Z-series camera users who want a high-quality prime lens

Alternatives to the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S

While the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a fantastic lens, there are alternatives to consider depending on your budget and needs:

• Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S: A premium option with an even wider aperture for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance. [See also: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S Review]
• Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G (F-mount with FTZ adapter): A more affordable option if you already have an FTZ adapter. [See also: FTZ Adapter Compatibility Guide]
• Third-party 85mm lenses (Sigma, Tamron): Offer competitive performance and features at various price points. [See also: Best Third-Party Lenses for Nikon Z Cameras]

Conclusion

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a highly capable and versatile lens that delivers exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and excellent build quality. Its relatively compact size and affordable price make it an appealing option for a wide range of photographers. Whether you’re a portrait enthusiast, an event shooter, or simply looking for a sharp and fast prime lens for your Nikon Z-series camera, the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is definitely worth considering. Its performance and value proposition make it a standout choice in the 85mm lens category.

Ultimately, the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a worthy addition to the Nikon Z system, showcasing the potential of the Z mount and delivering images that are sure to impress. Its balance of sharpness, bokeh, and handling makes it a joy to use, and its robust construction ensures that it will be a reliable companion for years to come.