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Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens Reviews Roundup

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Here are the latest Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens reviews surfaced on the web.  The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a fast telephoto prime lens for full-frame Nikon mirrorless cameras. It is the most complex and highest-performance 85mm f/1.8 lens ever from Nikon. It’s also the biggest, heaviest and most expensive 85mm f/1.8. This lens is designed for outstanding optical performance rather than compact size and weight.

The lens has a total of 12 elements, including two ED elements, along with Nikon’s Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings. The 85mm F1.8 S has a nine-blade aperture, minimum focus distance of 0.8m (2.6ft – the same as the AF-S 85mm F1.8 G) and offers a maximum magnification of 0.12x.

Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens has a list price of $799. Check availabiliy at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama.

Reviews Roundup

From PhotographyBlog review :

In terms of value, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens is a little on the expensive side when compared to similar optics from Nikon’s own F mount line up, particularly the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G lens which you can pick up for around the half price.

However, given the newness of Nikon’s Z lenses, and the added sharpness which they promise to deliver, we still think it represents decent value for money if you want the best of the best.

Check out also the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Sample Images here. Full-size JPEG and Raw sample images taken with the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens mounted on a Nikon Z7 body.

From CameraLabs verdict :

Good points:

  • Very good resolution and contrast.
  • Very little longitudinal CA and purple fringing.
  • Good resistance against flare, glare, and ghosting.
  • Good Bokeh.
  • Minimal distortions (through lens profile).
  • Extensive weather sealing against moist and dust.
  • Fast and reliable AF operation.
  • Image stabilization of 3 stops (on a Z7 body).
  • Multi-function ring assignable to manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation.

Bad points:

  • FX-corner a bit soft at infinity
  • Relatively long lens.
  • Flimsy lens pouch.

From DigitalCameraWorld review:

We’re getting used to Nikon’s Z-mount primes offering unsurpassed image quality, and the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is no exception. With impressive centre sharpness and minimal distortion, this would make the perfect lens for any wedding, portrait or event photographer. While it would have been nice if the lens went down to f/1.4, the maximum aperture of f/1.8 delivers such a stunning shallow depth-of-field that we didn’t miss that extra 2/3 stop of light. If you’re looking for a high-quality portrait lens for your Z-mount camera, the Z 85mm f/1.8 S is it.

EPhotozine Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 SVerdict

What a cracker of a lens the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S has turned out to be. With outstanding performance, outstanding handling and its diminutive size and weight there is a lot to like, in fact a lot to find that is highly desirable. The cost is at the higher end of such lenses, although nowhere near the cost that an f/1.4 version would result in. It might be an inspired decision by Nikon to keep their lens to be smaller, lighter but to ensure the highest level of quality.

We started out by asking if Nikon could do it again. The answer is yes, and they did. The result is another well deserved Editor’s Choice.

Key Features:

  • Z-Mount Lens/FX Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
  • Two Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings
  • Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF System
  • Programmable Control Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Ideal for headshots, fashion, wedding/event photography and tight video shots, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens supports a focal length of 85mm and a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing users to enjoy taking advantage of beautiful blur characteristics (bokeh) with the recording of high-quality still images and movies.

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