Nikon NIKKOR Z 85/1.8 S Lens (85mm f/1.8)

Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85/1.8 S Lens (85mm f/1.8).

Overall Rating:

This lens is 6 years old and made in China. It features two ED elements — a first for any Nikon 85mm lens which have never had this glass before. Nikon have a long history of making sharp 85mm lenses just none with ED glass. It features a stepper autofocus motor which is silent for video usage. Being an S line lens, it receives Nikon's best optics and weather sealing to protect it against the elements. It's a modern lens design made for today's high resolution sensors. It is expensive at $800 (USD) (2020). This lens was introduced when 45MP cameras were modern.

This lens is good for a more natural perspective given its reach and only 0.8 meters (2.6 ft) closest focusing which means it is good for people. For pet portraits try the Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S which focuses closer for a dramatic, exaggerated perspective.

Performance

This is one of the best lenses on the market right now. Period. It is certainly the best 85mm lens Nikon have ever made.

There is no color fringing. There is some vignetting wide open, and is nearly gone at f/2.8-f/4. Barrel distortion at less than 0.2% means it has none.

Color fringing detail at 3-to-1:

Lens is sharp wide-open and sharpest at f/4-f/5.6, It is hard to see a difference between f/1.8 and f/5.6. This lens is that good wide-open.

There is a little focus breathing. Try a depth of field calculator with it. Coma is "fair" with only a little.

This lens does not have the best maximum reproduction ratio at only 1:8.3.

Infrared

Infrared performance not tested.

Bokeh

The bokeh is nice making for a good portrait lens.

Ghosting & Flaring

This lens exhibits very little ghosting when photographing a subject on a bright background like into the sun. It has no flaring and produces a nice star at f/16.

Compatibility

Because this is a Z-mount lens designed for Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras, it is not compatible with older DSLR cameras.

Specifications

Focal length	85mm
Maximum aperture	f/1.8
Minimum aperture	f/16
Lens construction	12 elements in 8 groups
Angle of view	28° 30'
Maximum reproduction ratio	1:8.3 (0.12×)
No. of diaphragm blades	9 (rounded)
Filter-attachment size	ø67mm
Accessories	HB-91 hood
Diameter × length	Approximately 75 × 99 mm/3 × 3.9 in.
Weight	Approximately 470 g/16.57 oz.
Price	$800 (USD) (2019)

Images

Filter Lens Ratings