Is this lens worth it over the 85mm f/1.2 S?

The f/1.8 S is smaller, lighter and still very sharp, so it suits most portrait shooters. The f/1.2 S gives a brighter aperture and more background blur for those who need it.

Does it work on APS-C Z cameras?

Yes. On a DX body it gives a tighter field of view, roughly equivalent to 127mm, which suits headshots.

Does it have image stabilization?

No. It relies on the in-body stabilization of Z cameras that have it.

The lens and a 64GB SD memory card are included.

Is the autofocus quiet enough for video?

Yes. The multi-focus stepping motor is quiet and smooth, which makes it usable for video as well as stills.

What do buyers say about the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 931 ratings.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card

Best price now

$718.51at Buy Direct & SaveChecked Nov 7

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Buy Direct & Save

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card

Best price now

$718.51at Buy Direct & SaveChecked Nov 7

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Buy Direct & Save

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Price facts

Last seen at $718.51 at Buy Direct & Save on Nov 7.

Our take on the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card

The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is Nikon's full-frame portrait prime for Z-mount cameras. It pairs a bright f/1.8 aperture with two extra-low dispersion elements and Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings, which keep images sharp and control flare and ghosting. A multi-focus stepping motor drives autofocus quietly, and a programmable control ring can be set to aperture, ISO or exposure compensation. It suits portrait, event and low-light shooters who want a dedicated short telephoto without the size and weight of the f/1.2 version.

Best forPortrait and headshot photographersEvent and wedding shootersLow-light and indoor workZ-series full-frame owners building a prime kit

Pros

Bright f/1.8 aperture for shallow depth of field and low light
Two ED elements and Nano Crystal coating for sharp, clean images
Quiet stepping motor autofocus suited to photo and video
Programmable control ring for quick exposure changes
Compact and light next to the f/1.2 S portrait lens

Cons

No optical stabilization; relies on the camera body's IBIS
Not weather-sealed to the standard of Nikon's S-line zooms
The f/1.2 S version offers a brighter aperture for more money
Fixed 85mm focal length limits framing flexibility

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card prices at every store

Buy Direct & SaveNew
In stock
$718.51Checked Nov 7
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Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card price history

Lowest price we've seen: $718.51 on Nov 7 at Buy Direct & Save. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 7.

What reviewers say

5 / 5931 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, praising its sharpness wide open, smooth background blur and quiet, accurate autofocus. Most consider it one of the best-value primes in the Z lineup.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedOwners say it is sharp wide open and stays crisp stopped down.
BokehPraisedReviewers like the smooth background blur for portraits.
AutofocusPraisedThe stepping motor is described as quiet, fast and reliable.
StabilizationCriticisedSome note there is no lens-based stabilization and it depends on the camera body.
BuildMixedHandling is well liked, but a few find the accessories basic for the class.

From Buy Direct & Save

Z-Mount lens, FX format
Aperture range f/1.8 to f/16
Two extra-low dispersion elements
Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings
Multi-focus stepping motor AF system
Programmable control ring

Returns: 15-day return policy
Packs: Bundle with 64GB SD memory card
In the box: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens, 64GB SD memory card

About the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a Z-mount lens for FX-format cameras. Its aperture range is f/1.8 to f/16. It comes with a 64GB SD memory card.

The optical design includes two extra-low dispersion elements. Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings are applied to the lens. Autofocus is driven by a multi-focus stepping motor system.

The lens has a programmable control ring.

Mount: Nikon Z-mount
Format: FX
Focal length: 85mm
Aperture: f/1.8 to f/16
Optics: 2 extra-low dispersion elements
Coatings: Nano Crystal and Super Integrated
Autofocus: Multi-focus stepping motor AF system
Control ring: Programmable
In the box: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens, 64GB SD memory card

Specifications

Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16

Questions and answers

Is this lens worth it over the 85mm f/1.2 S?: The f/1.8 S is smaller, lighter and still very sharp, so it suits most portrait shooters. The f/1.2 S gives a brighter aperture and more background blur for those who need it.
Does it work on APS-C Z cameras?: Yes. On a DX body it gives a tighter field of view, roughly equivalent to 127mm, which suits headshots.
Does it have image stabilization?: No. It relies on the in-body stabilization of Z cameras that have it.
What is in the box?: The lens and a 64GB SD memory card are included.
Is the autofocus quiet enough for video?: Yes. The multi-focus stepping motor is quiet and smooth, which makes it usable for video as well as stills.
Where is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card cheapest?: At Buy Direct & Save, for $718.51, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens with 64GB SD Memory Card?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 931 ratings.