Introduction
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens Overview
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is a premium addition to Nikon's Z series of lenses, designed for the Z-mount mirrorless camera system. Known for its exceptional optical performance and versatility, this lens is highly regarded among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
Importance of the 85mm Focal Length for Portrait Photography
The 85mm focal length is considered a classic choice for portrait photography due to its ability to produce flattering perspectives and achieve beautiful bokeh. With its medium telephoto range, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens excels at capturing stunning portraits with a natural-looking compression and smooth background blur.
Brief History of Nikon's NIKKOR Lens Lineup
Nikon's NIKKOR lens lineup has a rich heritage dating back to the early days of film photography. Renowned for their optical quality and precision craftsmanship, NIKKOR lenses have consistently set industry standards for performance and innovation. The introduction of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens continues this tradition of excellence, offering photographers a cutting-edge tool for creative expression.
Technical Specifications
Lens Construction and Design
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens boasts a sophisticated construction and design that ensures exceptional image quality. With a combination of advanced optical elements, this lens delivers sharpness, clarity, and beautiful rendering across its focal length.
Maximum Aperture of f/1.2 for Stunning Bokeh
One of the standout features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is its maximum aperture of f/1.2. This wide aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and enables photographers to achieve stunning bokeh effects, making subjects stand out against beautifully blurred backgrounds.
Compatibility with Nikon Z-Mount Mirrorless Cameras
Designed specifically for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens offers seamless integration and optimal performance. The Z-mount system ensures high-speed communication between the lens and camera body, resulting in fast and accurate autofocus, as well as enhanced overall image quality.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S - Extra-large aperture portrait lens
Capture stunning portraits with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, designed with an extra-large aperture for impeccable clarity and detail
Product information
$2,369.95
Product Review Score
4.8 out of 5 stars
202 reviewsProduct links
Weather-Sealed Construction for Durability
Built to withstand various shooting conditions, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens features a weather-sealed construction that provides protection against dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. This durability allows photographers to confidently use the lens in challenging environments without compromising performance.
Performance and Image Quality
Sharpness and Clarity
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity across various apertures. Whether shooting wide open at f/1.2 or stopped down, this lens produces crisp and detailed images with minimal distortion.
Bokeh Quality and Background Blur
One of the standout features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is its beautiful bokeh quality and smooth background blur. The wide f/1.2 aperture allows for stunning subject isolation and creamy bokeh, making your subjects pop against a dreamy, blurred background.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
With its advanced autofocus system, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S excels in both speed and accuracy. The lens quickly locks onto subjects, ensuring sharp focus even when shooting fast-moving subjects or in challenging lighting conditions.
Low-Light Performance and Handling of Chromatic Aberration
In low-light situations, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S shines, delivering impressive performance with minimal noise and excellent detail retention. Additionally, the lens effectively controls chromatic aberration, producing images with true color accuracy and high contrast.
Shooting Experience
Ergonomics and Handling
When it comes to the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens, the first thing you'll notice is its impressive build quality and sleek design. The lens feels solid in hand and balances well on the camera body, making it a joy to use for extended periods. The smooth focus ring and customizable control ring add to the overall ergonomic experience, allowing for precise adjustments with ease.
Portraiture and Photography Genres
The 85mm focal length of this lens is ideal for portraiture, capturing stunning close-up shots with beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh. Beyond portraiture, the lens excels in other photography genres such as street photography, landscapes, and even some types of sports and wildlife photography. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any photographer's kit.
Manual Focus Control
For photographers who prefer manual focus control, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens offers a smooth and responsive manual focus ring. This feature allows for precise focusing adjustments, especially useful in situations where autofocus may struggle, such as low-light conditions or when shooting subjects with complex backgrounds. The manual focus control adds a level of customization and creativity to your shooting experience.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S - Extra-large aperture portrait lens
Capture stunning portraits with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, designed with an extra-large aperture for impeccable clarity and detail
Product information
$2,369.95
Product Review Score
4.8 out of 5 stars
202 reviewsProduct links
Comparison with Other 85mm Lenses
Contrast with Nikon's previous 85mm lenses
When comparing the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens to Nikon's previous 85mm lenses, it is evident that the newer lens offers significant advancements in optical quality, autofocus performance, and overall build quality. The faster f/1.2 aperture of the NIKKOR Z lens allows for stunning bokeh and improved low-light performance compared to its predecessors.
Comparison with similar offerings from other brands
In comparison to similar offerings from other brands, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S stands out for its exceptional sharpness, smooth bokeh rendering, and precise autofocus capabilities. While other 85mm lenses may offer similar apertures, the optical performance and build quality of the NIKKOR Z lens make it a top contender in this focal length category.
Unique selling points of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens
The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens boasts several unique selling points that set it apart from other 85mm lenses on the market. These include its ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture, which allows for incredible subject isolation and beautiful background blur. Additionally, the lens features advanced optical design with high resolving power, making it ideal for portrait photography and capturing intricate details with stunning clarity. The robust build quality and weather-sealing of the lens further enhance its appeal to professional photographers seeking a reliable and high-performance 85mm lens.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens offers exceptional image quality with its wide aperture of f/1.2, allowing for stunning bokeh and excellent low-light performance. The lens is well-built with weather sealing, making it suitable for various shooting conditions. Its fast and accurate autofocus system ensures sharp and crisp images, especially for portrait photography. Additionally, the lens provides excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion, making it a versatile choice for professional photographers.
Limitations or drawbacks to consider
Despite its impressive features, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens comes with a few limitations to consider. Firstly, the lens is quite heavy and bulky, which may not be ideal for photographers looking for a lightweight setup. The price of the lens is also on the higher end, making it a significant investment for some photographers. Additionally, the wide aperture of f/1.2 can result in a narrow depth of field, requiring careful focusing techniques to ensure accurate subject placement. Lastly, some users may find the autofocus performance slightly slower compared to other lenses in its class.
Pricing and Availability
Retail Price and Value Proposition
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is priced at $2,799, positioning it as a premium offering in the market. Despite the higher price point, this lens delivers exceptional value with its superior optical performance, fast aperture, and advanced features. Photographers looking for top-notch image quality and excellent low-light performance will find the investment in this lens worthwhile.
Availability in the Market and Potential Discounts
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is currently available for purchase through authorized Nikon retailers and online stores. While discounts may not be readily available due to its premium status, photographers can keep an eye out for promotions, bundle deals, or special offers that may provide savings or additional accessories with the purchase of this high-end lens. It is recommended to check with local retailers or Nikon's official website for any ongoing promotions.
Conclusion
Key Points Recap
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is a top-of-the-line choice for photographers looking for exceptional image quality and performance. With its fast f/1.2 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions and offers beautiful bokeh for stunning portraits and creative photography.
We discussed how the lens's advanced optical design, including ED and aspherical elements, delivers sharpness, clarity, and minimal distortion. The customizable control ring and smooth, silent autofocus make it a versatile tool for both professionals and enthusiasts.
Recommendation
For professional photographers seeking the best in image quality and versatility, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a must-have lens in their kit. Its exceptional performance and build quality make it ideal for portrait, wedding, event, and creative photography.
Amateur photographers looking to elevate their work and explore the capabilities of an 85mm prime lens will also find great value in investing in this high-quality optic. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S will help them achieve professional-level results and unlock new creative possibilities.
