Today Nikon announced a highly anticipated full-frame portrait lens for its Z mount, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. After the release of the high performance primes like the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S and Z 50mm f/1.8 S (which we praised for their stunning optical performance in our reviews) we know that Nikon is not going to disappoint with this release. Thanks to its advanced optical formula comprising of 12 elements in 8 groups (2 of which are Extra-Low Dispersion), as well as Nikon’s latest coatings, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S should be a stellar choice for portrait photography, delivering superb sharpness and bokeh characteristics.
In addition, the lens shares most of the features of its f/1.8 Z mount counterparts, with a fast and quiet stepping motor, a nine-blade rounded aperture, dust and moisture sealing and similar controls. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S also shares a similar look and feel as the other two primes. Due to the larger front element, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S has a slightly larger filter size of 67mm vs 62mm on Z 35mm f/1.8 S and Z 50mm f/1.8 S, and it comes with a larger hood as well.
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is priced a bit closer to the 35mm f/1.8 S at $799 MSRP, which is significantly more expensive than its Nikon 85mm f/1.8G counterpart that retails for $479 today. While this might sound upsetting for Nikon shooters, keep in mind that the new Z mount lenses deliver a completely different level of optical performance compared to Nikon F lenses.
I have gone over these differences in my reviews of the Z mount lenses, but just to reiterate, take a look at the MTF chart of the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S and compare it to the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G:
Look at the two blue lines on the Nikon Z and compare them to the ones on the 85mm f/1.8G. See how much higher they are in comparison? That’s a sign of extreme sharpness wide open at f/1.8! In addition to this, we can expect the Z 85mm f/1.8 S to deliver superb contrast, as well as bokeh (see how to read MTF charts).
Now let’s compare the MTF charts to the classic Nikon 85mm f/1.4G “cream machine”:
I know what you are thinking – sharpness is not critical for a portrait lens. And I certainly agree! However, keep in mind that with the increase of camera resolution in the future, Nikon’s 85mm lenses are going to have a hard time resolving enough detail. Unfortunately, megapixel wars are going to continue whether we like them or not, and if Nikon does not address these gaps, someone else will. That’s why Nikon’s strategy with the Z mount is to bring a new generation of future-proof glass that will be good enough for many years to come.
In fact, the MTF charts of the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S look even better than those of the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4, which is the most expensive 85mm lens on the market for DSLR cameras, thanks to its $4500 price tag.
In short, we are not just getting “yet another f/1.8 lens”. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a whole different animal…
I am personally very excited about this portrait lens. We might need to wait for the Z 85mm f/1.4 S version to get a real “cream machine”, but at the moment, it looks like Nikon has managed to make yet another killer lens for the Z mount.
To find out more about the lens, check out the Nikon Z NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 S page from our lens database.
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Press-Release
Below is the official press release for the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S:
MELVILLE, NY (July 31, 2019 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens, bringing a fast prime with a classic medium telephoto focal length to Z series full-frame mirrorless cameras. Ideal for headshots, fashion, wedding/event photography and tight video shots, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is designed to take full advantage of the wider, brighter and faster Z mount. This new addition to the S-Line delivers exceptional sharpness all the way to the corners of the frame, even at f/1.8, while integrating the latest NIKKOR optical technologies for intense rendering capability. Nikon Z series photographers and videographers who want to bring striking clarity to a subject’s eyes or who demand shallow depth of field and beautiful, natural bokeh will find the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S a welcome addition to their kit.
“The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens is so sharp, yet the background blur is so natural; the incredible detail captured with this lens is nothing short of striking,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “For fashion and portrait photographers, to wedding shooters and all types of videographers, now is the time to discover why the new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 will be an indispensable asset for those creatives who are familiar with the outstanding performance of the Nikon Z series.”
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
With the addition of the new 85mm f/1.8 S, Nikon Z series photo and video shooters now have a native Z mount option for capturing incredible portraits, fashion photography, event images, tight interview shots or B-roll footage that add emphasis to any scene. This is also the latest lens to join the NIKKOR S-Line, representing pinnacle in optical superiority and construction.The NIKKOR Z 85mm’s fast f/1.8 maximum aperture allows users to confidently shoot in low light and capture gorgeous, shallow depth of field that adds dimensionality and character to high-resolution images and 4K video footage alike. Helping to provide a natural look is a lens diaphragm consisting of nine rounded blades, which produce smooth, natural bokeh that gently leads the viewer’s eye to the subject of the frame. With the addition of Eye-Detection autofocus included in the recent release of Firmware 2.0, the Nikon Z series cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses offer even more control and capabilities when capturing stunning portraits and candids.
This lens uses an all-new optical design of 12 elements in 8 groups and features the industry-leading lens technology consumers have come to expect from NIKKOR glass. Two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements help ensure minimal aberration, while Nikon’s patented Nano Crystal Coating offers superior control of ghosting and flare. Additionally, the high-speed Multi-Focus System realizes superior resolving power at minimum focus distance. These cutting-edge features are protected from the elements by Nikon’s professional-grade dust and drip resistance.
As with all NIKKOR Z S-Line lenses, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is crafted to cater to the needs of videographers as well as image-makers. The lens features ultra-quiet focus motors, minimized focus breathing, a customizable control ring for smooth adjustment of aperture or exposure compensation, and full compatibility with the in-body 5-axis VR found in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 full-frame mirrorless cameras.
NIKKOR Z S-Line
The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S joins the superb “S-Line” of NIKKOR Z lenses. Designed alongside the revolutionary Nikon Z mount system, S-Line lenses boast superior resolution, beautiful bokeh rendition, exceptional point-image reproduction, enhanced video recording performance and unmatched edge-to-edge sharpness, even when shooting at the maximum aperture.Born out of Nikon’s heritage of optical excellence, the S-Line sits at the cutting edge of imaging technology and innovation and represents a new potential for image expression.
Price and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S will be available in September 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $799.95*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Pre-Order Links
If you would like to pre-order the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S, please consider using the links below to support our efforts:
Hi Nasim,
Appreciate your reviews. I find them the best of the bunch. Do you think you’ll be reviewing the Nikon Z 85 1.8? Thanks in advance.
you cant compare it to the 1.8G version, thats a consumer lens..S lenses are meant to be superior, highest quality…so you have to compare them to TOP gold line nikkors…thus 1.4G
Maybe this is just a amateur question. But I am still learning, so I will ask. Hopefully someone else will have the same question.
What’s the big deal with wide open and having camera with a low F stop? I have a Nikon 50mm 1.8. Maybe my technique is not refined, but when I try to shoot portraits wide open, the depth of field is too narrow for the portrait. I end up having to use an aperture somewhere around 4 or 5 to give satisfactory results. Is this an issue with technique, or just a property of physicists? But then I hear of portrait lenses that are 1.2. What is the benefit, if most of the time I stay around 4 or 5 anyways?
Hi G
Your Q is very good. And yes in many day to day jobs, I also shoot f4.0 way much more than f1.8. As an example if you are making portraits of more than one person, you might even not consider the 85mm but rather the 50mm and then f4.0-5.6 depending on the picture environment of course. A reportage portrait will most likely call for a even higher f number like f5.6-f8 to include details from the location rather than the dream (bokeh).
But then how do we explain the hype around f1.8! well for the first time in (forever) with only a few good exceptions do we now get the chance to shoot with an awesome f1.8 not just an mediocre f1.8.
As an example I just love the 50mm f1.8 G FX lens cause its sharp, but at f4.0, NOT at f1.8 (where it does not shine).
But thats just fine, cause I use it at f4.0 anyways for group portraits and multilayer sceneries. (Rooms e.g.).
The new 85mm 1.8 S will if it is as good as the all the hype says it is will reintroduce the single person dreamy sunday morning all is great and creamy wonderful portraits, that will go great for instagram happy people, and also more or less any kind of magazine that have single person stories.
(The current 85mm f1.8 G FX lens is by the way really awesome at f1.8 as one of the few).
Atb, Sofus
The Adorama pre-order link is not working. (8/1 noon Eastern) Want to pre-order here, so your team gets a couple $$
Thank you for your support Jason! I just tested the link and it worked for me. Perhaps there was a temporary issue with Adorama earlier?
It is working now and the pre-order is complete.
Thanks for all the great info provided by PF!
85mm isn’t just a portrait lens. Glad it is sharp.
Matt, I agree, but that’s what the lens is primarily designed for, which is why I mentioned it in the article.
Very interesting to see that for the first time Nikon has used ED glass in this 85mm. All previous Nikkor 85s used just ‘regular’ glass with an aspheric, but this version has two large ED elements at the front, similar to the pro tele-primes. Should lead to great sharpness and better bokeh than aspheric systems, but does that lead to a better portrait??? Will anyone have the nerve to actually print a picture for comparison, rather than simply comparing MTF curves???
I would love to compare the 85mm f/1.8G with the new Z mount in a portrait – I think it would be a great way to see how different the lenses will look. I am happy to see that Nikon did not use an aspherical lens element, because it always leads to onion-shaped bokeh. ED glass is different, and based on the image samples, the bokeh rendering looks quite pleasant. Will need to research more, which I will do when my copy arrives.
“All previous Nikkor 85s used just ‘regular’ glass with an aspheric…”
Citation needed! I don’t know of any 85 mm Nikkor that contains an aspheric element.
Hi Nasim,
Are there some mistakes in the article ?
“Look at that almost flat red line on the Nikon Z and compare it to the one on the 85mm f/1.8G. See how much higher it is in comparison? That’s a sign of extreme sharpness wide open at f/1.8!”
=> I think you are talking about the blue line here ? Red line is for contrast ratio. To be fair, the 2 lenses do not have a significant difference.
But the blue line (sharpness) is far better yes. But not in the corners.
Also, probably the Z version has less coma and astigmatism, which is good for night photography.
Second mistake: you are comparing the Z @f/1.8 vs the G @f/1.4… This is not very fair ;-) You should compare with the Nikon G1.4 @f/1.8.
Mathieu, you are right and I was wrong when I initially published the article. The red line is contrast and the blue line is sharpness. I was exhausted after having little sleep and made a mistake, hope you can forgive me.
In regards to comparing the 85mm lenses at equivalent apertures, unfortunately, manufacturer-provided MTF does not have this data. However, take a look at the measured MTF of my 85mm f/1.4G review and you can roughly compare its performance at f/1.8 compared to the 85mm f/1.8G…
Very nice article
I am excited about this lens
“Look at that almost flat red line on the Nikon Z and compare it to the one on the 85mm f/1.8G. See how much higher it is in comparison? That’s a sign of extreme sharpness wide open at f/1.8!”
Could you remind again blue vs red lines? Are they both at 1.8?
This is from one of your articles
“contrast (red lines) and resolution (blue lines)”
photographylife.com/how-t…mtf-charts
Gus, I shouldn’t be writing articles when operating on a 4 hour sleep schedule at 2 AM in the morning :)
The red line is contrast. I meant to talk about the differences in sharpness, which is the blue line…
Excellent! It appears the Longitudinal CA is greatly reduced compared with the current F mount version.
Agreed, it looks really good! Looks like Nikon improved this 85mm in every way compared to its predecessors.
Do you think it would be worth it selling the current 1.4G for this new S lens?
If nothing else, this lens is almost 40% lighter than the 1.4g + FTZ combo. Based on the other S primes I’m confident the image quality will be excellent, but the 1.4 is so good it’s probably not worth switching just for that. Lightness, AF improvements of native lenses, and not needing an adapter will be enough to make me switch, though!
The (old) NIkkor 85/1.4 G suffers of CA and bokeh fringing wide open, which is why I replaced it against a Sigma 85/1.4 Art a while ago. Only reason to keep it: DSLR still in use. Else, the S-type will be better everywhere.
Chris, the 85mm f/1.4G is a great lens and I love the way it renders colors and bokeh. I personally decided to sell mine and go for the Z mount, because I want something lighter, sharper and less expensive when traveling.