Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens represents a significant addition to Nikon’s Z-mount lineup. Its fast aperture promises exceptional low-light performance. The build quality feels robust and professional. This review will delve deep into its capabilities, exploring its strengths and weaknesses across a range of photographic applications, from portraiture to low-light street photography.

Image Quality and Sharpness

Sharpness is a key selling point of the 85mm f/1.8 S. Even wide open at f/1.8, the lens delivers impressive detail and clarity. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 results in exceptional sharpness across the entire frame, making it ideal for capturing intricate details in portraits or landscapes; The images produced are remarkably crisp and free from noticeable distortion.

Furthermore, the lens exhibits excellent micro-contrast, resulting in images with a three-dimensional pop that adds depth and realism. This is especially noticeable in portraits, where it helps to separate the subject from the background. The color rendition is also noteworthy, producing accurate and vibrant colors that are true-to-life. There’s a natural saturation that avoids looking overly processed or artificial.

Bokeh and Background Blur

The pleasing bokeh produced by this lens is another area where it shines. The smooth, creamy background blur is particularly captivating, effectively isolating the subject and drawing the viewer’s eye. This quality is crucial for portrait photography, where a beautifully blurred background enhances the subject’s appeal. The transition from sharp focus to the blurred background is remarkably smooth, free from harsh edges or distracting artifacts.

The circular aperture blades contribute to the pleasing aesthetic of the bokeh. Even at wider apertures, the out-of-focus areas appear smooth and natural, devoid of harsh lines or distracting elements. This smooth bokeh effect is a significant advantage for photographers who value a pleasing aesthetic in their images.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system is quick, accurate, and reliable. In most shooting situations, the lens locks onto the subject swiftly and precisely, even in challenging low-light conditions. The focus tracking is also impressive, capable of maintaining sharp focus on a moving subject with minimal hunting or hesitation. This makes it suitable for various types of photography, including sports and wildlife.

The autofocus system’s responsiveness is noteworthy, especially when shooting moving subjects. The lens rarely misses focus, ensuring that critical moments are captured sharply. The speed of the autofocus is a considerable asset, particularly in fast-paced environments where quick reactions are essential. This makes it a versatile option for a variety of subjects.

Build Quality and Design

The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens boasts robust build quality. It feels solid and well-constructed, exuding a sense of durability; The metal mount and weather sealing contribute to its resilience. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

The control ring is a welcome addition, offering intuitive manual control over aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. This allows for quick adjustments without needing to access the camera’s menu. The overall design is sleek and professional, reflecting Nikon’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Low-Light Performance

The f/1.8 aperture is a game-changer in low-light situations. It allows for shooting with faster shutter speeds and lower ISO settings, reducing noise and motion blur. Even in dimly lit environments, the lens produces sharp, well-exposed images with minimal noise. This capability extends the usability of the lens significantly.

The lens’ ability to perform well in low light is a key advantage. It opens up creative possibilities for night photography and shooting in challenging lighting conditions. The image quality remains consistent even with higher ISO settings, minimizing the appearance of digital noise.

Versatility and Applications

The 85mm focal length is incredibly versatile. It’s a classic portrait lens, providing a flattering perspective that emphasizes the subject’s features. However, its uses extend far beyond portraiture. It’s equally effective for street photography, capturing candid shots with a natural feel. Furthermore, it’s suitable for product photography, offering sharp detail and excellent background separation.

• Portrait Photography: The shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh make it ideal for isolating subjects.
• Street Photography: Its compact size and fast autofocus enable candid shots in bustling environments.
• Product Photography: The lens’s sharpness and detail reproduction are perfect for showcasing products.
• Landscape Photography: Although not primarily a landscape lens, it can capture detailed images of specific subjects within a landscape.

Comparison with Other Lenses

Compared to other 85mm lenses on the market, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S stands out for its combination of sharp image quality, fast autofocus, and pleasing bokeh. While some competing lenses might offer slightly better low-light performance at very high ISO levels, the overall package offered by this lens makes it a compelling choice.

The price point is competitive considering the features and performance. While some alternative lenses might be slightly cheaper, they often compromise on image quality, autofocus speed, or build quality. The Nikon lens offers a well-balanced combination of these crucial aspects.

Pros and Cons

Like any lens, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S has its strengths and weaknesses. A balanced perspective requires acknowledging both.

• Pros: Excellent sharpness, beautiful bokeh, fast and accurate autofocus, robust build quality, versatile focal length, competitive price.
• Cons: Some minor chromatic aberration at wide apertures (easily corrected in post-processing), relatively large size compared to some prime lenses in other systems.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens is a high-performing optic that delivers exceptional image quality and a satisfying user experience. Its strengths lie in its sharpness, bokeh, and fast autofocus system. The build quality is excellent, and the lens is versatile enough for various photographic applications. While minor drawbacks exist, they are easily outweighed by its numerous advantages. Overall, this lens is a strong recommendation for photographers seeking a top-performing 85mm option. It represents excellent value for its price.