Dreamy Portraits on Nikon Z8: Z 50mm f1.2 and Z 85mm f1.2

[@antoineverrue986]

This is so great to see you shooting with Nikon gear ! They truly came back from behind with these lenses and cameras, keep doing it !

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, it’s been really nice getting to test their new gear!

[@chandankalita3856]

​@@juliatrotti Please review Sony fx30 & tamron 17-70💛

[@davidellis5141]

An excellent shoot 📷 Julia ! The setting was beautiful & the model very lovely & the results , spectacular. Fine work 😊.

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much!

[@albertjimenez7896]

First and foremost, the photographer captured some fantastic photos. Second, I'm not shocked Nikon has exceeded expectations again, and don't be surprised if Nikon optically dominates.

[@anniaisse]

I love how your mastery of light and composition turns a quite normal location into such a cute and dreamy setting for portraits! You're truly an inspiration ✨️

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@michael007ish]

I love what the 50mm 1.8 z does on my Zf but these lenses are definitely on the wish list. Beautiful shots as always and it really sounded like you had lots of fun with this one. The last few shots were my faves. 🥰

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much and I did! Perfect weather, great gear and an amazing team - can’t ask for more than that 🫶 I have a video with that 50 1.8 on the Zf as well! It’s a great combination!

[@julioaponte3197]

Wow that Bokeh on the 85-1.2 is way out of this world. Thanks for sharing!

[@juliatrotti]

Yep, it's so stunning!

[@jonathanwang1643]

Julia these are STUNNING! You are so crazy talented

[@juliatrotti]

Ahh thank you!! That means a lot!

[@KentOlpenda]

NIKON with 85mm 1.2 and also those shots GOSHHHHH 😄😍😍🤩

[@juliatrotti]

Thank youuu!

[@KentOlpenda]

@@juliatrotti my gosh you notice me!!! :) :)

[@lil-hawk3]

she’s too good at photography 11/10 👌🏼

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!!

[@flashspotlight]

Great shots! I just got the 50 1.2 and I can’t wait to use it. The depth of field from the 85 is one of a kind. Probably Nikon’s best modern lens

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Nah, that crown 👑 goes to the Z Plena

[@juliatrotti]

Enjoy! I agree, I absolutely love this 85

[@michalborkowski2132]

Agree. Compared the 85 to the 135 Plena and found that the 135mm was just too long for me.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@karyleianawildernesscapesnahhh

[@caninesofcork]

I rented the 85 f1.2 before and I currently shoot on the Z8. Absolutely love the 85, behind the Plena it’s my favorite lens in the lineup

[@LeeZavitz]

The 50mm is so nice but it's also so chonky. Great shots :)

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you Lee!

[@m0nztam0nk]

Amazing images...Nikon is really pushing some nice stuff there... Their files come out quite balanced with your preset... smooth Highlights, excellent skintones and gorgeous bokeh...oh boy

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much! Yeah, the files were a joy to work with :)

[@jaylenscales6399]

You made the best video for this camera you definitely got my interest with this video

[@XtremeLinkProduction]

Wow Z8 is amazing!!! wish u showed us in the review how the lcd works when doing portraits for focus or some of the Z8 features with their fps next time maybe

[@MrKeith57]

The 85 was a real stand out for me. Looking forward to you revisiting that lens with the Z6iii

[@juliatrotti]

I loooove this 85. Hands down my fav lens from Nikon!

[@Nipun.The.Lawyer]

Maybe a dumb question... why were you at iso 640 and 1/2000? To freeze human slow movement couldn't you have been practically at iso 100 and 1/250? Genuinely asking as an intermediate shooter.

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

Best combination i would say..❤❤🎉

[@reznoire]

Crazy coincidence. I rented both of these for a trip I'm going to next month. Your photos are divine.

[@juliatrotti]

They are some nice lenses to use, enjoy your trip!

[@JustinBradleyPhotographer]

Professional photographer, videographer and lifelong Nikon shooter. I always used to say that Nikon shooters work harder but the results are worth it. Referring to the auto focus. I got good at manual fast because I got tired of missing shots with my D7500 and even with my D780. That all changed with the Z8. We finally get to have our cake and eat it too. t

[@mrdarryljones1]

Magic work as usual!👍🏾

[@audirachmanadiklana2968]

Amazing shoot 📸 Julia, i like your review

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much!

[@vaskoobscura_]

Another awesome video. Really enjoyed this one.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@brianasealy6257]

Great video as always!! Love seeing your videos pop up I immediately click and watch them! 😊

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much, that makes me so happy to hear!!

[@r.k.manandhar7271]

Of course !!! Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S 👌❤👍

[@jbmedia8882]

Why is the weather so perfect in your videos? 😂 Good video….

[@juliatrotti]

Because we usually only shoot when the weather is good 😂 makes it better for the team, especially the models since I love shooting with dresses. Australia also usually has pretty good weather :)

[@jbmedia8882]

Makes sense. I did notice your models only have dresses on.

[@SuperCaballero32]

Just wow❤❤

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@ramyaramasubramanian2873]

85 1.2 is amazing. Wish Sony comes out with one soon

[@99unclebob]

Thx you very much Julia, another great video, thats a ton nice Nikon gear the bokeh on the 85mm in the light was other worldly, never ever seen it before, this gear is beyond my skill set, however i like the Sony 85mm 1.4 and will look for a nice used version of it, new pricing is bit much for me 👍

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! I have that Sony 85mm f1.4 too, it's a great lens! Even though it's a little on the older side now, it still does a great job on location.

[@kennygeorgeonline]

You used that backlighting in crazy ways! Very nice! How about the 135 f/1.8 to compare with the 85 f/1.2? I'm old school. In the 70's, the Nikon 85 f/1.8 and 105 f/2.5 ruled for portraits. I can't get used to the idea of 35's and 50's for portraits. But your video opened my eyes a bit!

[@tosin.junaid]

I Julia, amazing work as always. What do you use to record your camera screen?

[@ManuelDLC-h4u]

Your shots are amazing ! What focus settings did you use here ? And do you always use specific focus settings on the Z8 for portraits?

[@SUPERSTARSSTYLE1YOUTUBE]

85 so magical

[@Timeless_gw]

Love your work Julia, one of my favorite Portrait Photographers. I have a question for you, when you record your monitor on the Nikon Z8 (in this video for instance) are you using the Ninja V? and if so are you recording in ProRes 422 or HQ? I've had some difficulty using the Ninja V to record my screen (Attempted to record in ProRes RAW but I don't think the z8 has a video output resolution higher than 1920..) so any help would be appreciated!!

[@lorenzo82art]

1.2 😱 oh my gosh. I have a LUMIX S5ii with an 85mm 1.8 and for me is already amazing, I can’t imagine f1.2

[@felm.974]

Nikon all day, every day! And physics dictate what lenses can do and can not do, small lenses have become better but they can't reach the excellence of bigger lenses because of physics, maybe one day, but they are not there yet, and it is ok, smaller cameras or lenses doesn't equal better, this is for those who constantly complain about wanting everything to be smaller lol :)

[@hukmai]

The 85mm 1.2 is a beast, I love the 85mm focal length I did opt for 50mm 1.2 since it can simulate a " 75mm 1.8" in crop mode Dang now I'm eyes the 85mm 1.2 Could you test the sigma 35mm 1.2 e mount with z mount adapter?

[@JuanRojas956]

Love your portraits and the colors on your edits! Do you ever use any flash on your outdoor photoshoots?

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much! Very rarely for portraits, but I do sometimes for weddings :)

[@KumarPrashant27]

Great video!! Insigtful!! By the way, how do you record the screen of your camera?

[@matterickson6345]

Do you think we’ll see the Z6III soon? I’m soooooo close to buying the Z8 but want a slightly smaller form factor!

[@dpie4859]

Great video! The model is stunning. No tattoos, humble attitude, very feminine. Wow.

[@OscarOlar]

Hello Julia, I love your videos, keep up the good work, I want to gift my wife a EVF recorder, do you have any budget recommendations?, I remember you used to use something like a wireless transmitter but in this video you are using a wired one. Thanks!

[@FT-xe2xo]

Waiting for the Z6 III, hopefully we will get some of the best features of Z8 for the half the price, like a let’s say Z8 Lite haha

[@mjr333]

Adding the Smallrig grip to the Zf makes a world of difference, but Z8 grip is on another level!

[@juliatrotti]

I wish I had the chance to try it with the grip! It's similar to the LUMIX S9 which Smallrig also made a grip for.. makes a really nice difference.

[@SergioPineda-v7q]

amazing

[@margot6041]

Which bokeh is nicer, 50 1.2 or 85 1.2?

[@loudmotion5639]

Julia just waving at spider webs in the world's most dangerous spiders country ;) would love to see how they compare to the Gm 50mm f1.2 ;)

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Hopefully the Z6III gets announced this summer (winter in AU). The Z7 series might be finished, there is very little room for a Z7III between a Z6III and Z8, considering price or features.

[@WeddingStoriesByRakesh]

When you are shooting against the sun or backlit portraits, do you underexpose, overexpose or there are multiple exposures?

[@marcusrahmel3121]

I am also interested in the answer 😉

[@juliatrotti]

I go a little on the underexposed side and bring it back in post with shadows and exposure sliders. Not too much though as I don't want it to look HDR, a little bit of bright highlights are okay! I don't ever do multiple exposures with portraits because there are too many variables/moving parts (me, background, model) to be able to edit that in any efficient or even realistic looking way.

[@CharlieChalkFaeDundalk]

​@@juliatrottiThe shots turned out great Julia, I love your work. Can I ask if you ever use fill in flash in these situations? Might it lighten the load in post processing if you were filling in the shadows with some flash while underexposing the background a little?

[@michaelcliffordphotos]

@JuliaTrotti Wow. Those are both such amazing lenses...with an amazing review! I am so in love with the 85 1.2 (Sony...hurry up, we want one!) I wish that Nikon had a greater focus on weight in its bodies and lenses though. My body would definitely complain if I tried to shoot with them for too long. Where are the tiny little rainbows hiding? I looked for them in the bokeh, but I couldn't find them It would be really interesting to see how the Nikon, Sony, and Canon 50 1.2 and 85 1.2/1.4s compare with each other on roughly comparable bodies. Hope you are enjoying the Fall!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, I appreciate it! Ugh I know right, I am dying for a Sony version! You can see the rainbow at 10:44 right above the word 85mm :D I probably desaturated it a little too much in my editing looking back on it haha. And yeah that would be a super interesting video comparing the 50mm f1.2 against brands! I've used all of them at separate shoots and can confirm they are all beautiful. But it would be nice to see them side by side too

[@michaelcliffordphotos]

@@juliatrotti I see the rainbow!!! (It was hiding out amongst the wild bokeh!)

[@gunsentry8349]

What in camera settings wee you using please?

[@MarkG998]

I like the 85mm! Also, looks like Centennial Park?

[@juliatrotti]

Me too and yes!

[@spsphotography]

The Nikkor 50mm 1.2 S is my bread and butter lens for my cosplay photography work since 2022. It's an amazing lens.

[@juliatrotti]

I really love it! I do wish it was a bit smaller, but the photos is produces are stunning!

[@FrancisAlbert1990]

How's the autofocus of the Z8? I'm planning to get one.

[@Chriskeyrose]

Hi what do you use to capture your camera screen?

[@photorox]

Thanks for sharing. What about the eyelashes issue you had in the previous video ? Was there any Z8 firmware update to fix it?

[@johnmuscat8731]

Hi Julia I’m in Sydney what park is that looks like a nice location

[@sritchie.7215]

Nice images but why would you shoot at ISO 640, 1/1250 on an almost stationary subject. You could use base ISO 64 and still be good on the SP, JMO though :)

[@GaryInSoCal]

I can get very close to the same results with my D750 and 85 F1.8 at 1/4 the price.

[@KABimagesgraphics]

You're smart bro🎉

[@HitEmUpru]

Its nikkor 50 1.2 or nikkor 50 1.2 s?

[@imtiazmahmud5302]

Excellent photography. Nice VDO as well. Keep going.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@usmaanali7]

Are we gonna get a pixel 8a photography video

[@juliatrotti]

Unfortunately I don’t think so!

[@davidlandrum]

The algorithm brought me here after purchasing a Sigma 85mm. Proof that you don’t need fancy gear. Just skill is needed.

[@juliatrotti]

I completely agree!

[@szilard.ph1]

How did you record the evf ?

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

Anyone else see the infocus bokeh balls and shapes in the 85mm shots? I don't know if I've seen that in bright lenses like this before.

[@juliatrotti]

Do you have a timestamp to an example? If you are talking about what I think you are, this usually happens when there are lots and lots of layers creating bokeh in the location, so it'll kind of start merging together sometimes and reflecting textures into the bokeh

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

7:20, 7:38 and 7:51 have it. Multiple layers and lower angle light from magic hour does make sense as to when it happens.

[@juliatrotti]

@@edshotsdotcodotuk okay cool that’s what I thought! I think also because the bokeh is so big it’s easier to see those textures reflected in it too

[@mizshellytee]

I'm also waiting for a Z6III. Similar to you, I don't think I'd like the ergonomics of a ZF, and the Z8 -- while I love its specs -- may be more on the bulky side for me.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Hopefully the announcement is coming soon!

[@bananaman-zd4lq]

what picture control settings did you use?

[@juliatrotti]

Just standard picture profile, I didn’t change any settings since I shoot raw anyway!

[@megamastah]

Julia, what ergonomics issues of the Z8 did you notice?

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

I think she was talking about the Zf when she mentioned that comment about ergonomics.

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah I was referring to the Zf! The Z8 is extremely comfortable to hold and handle, albeit a little heavy for my personal preferences.

[@sgpork]

The before and after shot were great. Thing is.. after applying the preset. Do you still do alot of changes/touch up? Lol

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Yes I do skin retouching after the preset

[@hikertrashfilms]

Beautiful Photos, you are so talented. I'll never be able to shoot 85mm F1.2

[@jliang70]

I use Sony and Fujifilm. There is no autofocus 85mm F1.2 for the Sony, but on the Fuji side there is the 110mm F2.0, it is equivalent of a full frame 86.9mm F1.58 lens. The quality of the Fuji GF 110mm F2 is pretty much comparable to Canon's 85mm F1.2 and Nikon's 85mm F1.2.

[@Straight2daPoint0]

How do you record and take pics at the same time?

[@pkennethv]

The Nikon bodies support a "dirty HDMI output" ("dirty" means it keeps the settings/AF point overlays) and does not disable the built-in screens on the camera when also outputting via the HDMI port to an external video recorder (such as an Atamos). Canon & Sony disable the built-in screens on the camera when outputting via HDMI.

[@chandankalita3856]

​@juliatrotti Please review Sony fx30 & tamron 17-70💛

[@photoxouqphotography7976]

85mm f1.2 is the best lens

[@Mrbmxprorider]

anyone else notice eyelash focus and missing the eye? i think this was fixed in the early days of z8 with a body firmware update

[@Mr09260]

I love my Z8 ..lighter and smaller than the Best DSLR D850

[@kojack2469]

85 is king

[@thelaststandhdr]

I still missing the canon RF 85mm 1.2 + R5 magic here 😔

[@garyq]

I thought your sweater (jumper) was suffering from chromatic aberration -- purple and green fringing! HAHA

[@bngr_bngr]

I wish I could adapt Z lens to my Nikon D700.

[@sentralent1850]

Any word on why Nikon doesn't offer f1.4 Z lenses?

[@bngr_bngr]

I’m still using my old Nikon 50/1.4. Nikon has been putting outa lot of long glass.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

In the 5.5 years since the Z lenses were first released, they've been filling out the options gradually. They went with the f/1.8 and f/1.2 pairing. Now, it seems that they will either start producing the f/1.4 lenses or license those to Tamron/Sigma. The agreement with those third-party companies is to avoid direct competition.

[@pkennethv]

-Nikon makes f1.8 primes because they can be made a lot smaller physically than f1.4, so it's suits the narrative of one of the benefits of going mirrorless over DSLR is being more physically compact & lighter weight, while maintaining (or in most cases, improving) image quality. -Nikon makes f1.2 primes because it suits the narrative of the Z mount being larger & having a shallower flange distance compared to f-mount, which enables them to make very large aperture lenses while maintaining hightimage quality. -Having f1.2 lenses helps justify those with top of the line f-mount f1.4 lenses upgrade to f1.2 Z prime lenses. -Since there are very good reasons for Nikon to have an excellent lineup of f1.2 and f1.8 lenses, it's hard to justify the $ into also creating a f1.4 lineup of primes, especially for a company like Nikon being much more financially constrained than Canon or Sony.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@pkennethv 💯 Some of the Z-mount f/1.8 primes are as good as, or better than, the F-mount f/1.4 lenses.

[@pkennethv]

@@UnconventionalReasoning I agree. For people who actually look at comparison tests, a Z 1.8 will be upgrade over an f mount 1.4 for most people, in most shooting conditions. But I would say "a lot" (possibly "most") photographers wouldn't actually look into these test results/images, and assume a Z 1.8 is a downgrade over f mount 1.4, hence why from a marketing perspective, it makes sense for Nikon to have Z 1.2 lenses available to tempt "those people" to upgrade

[@ciolakk]

Зачем фотографировать модель против солнца без дополнительного света (вспышки или отражателя), потом пытаться этот бледнозеленый цвет плоской ретушью заменить?

[@ktcool4660]

These f1.2s have 3D pop.

[@JesseMunoz-n2f]

What HDMI Accord are you using to record the VF

[@goingfurther8092]

I think she uses the HDMI Civic

[@JesseMunoz-n2f]

@goingfurther8092 is that one capable for the Z8

[@goingfurther8092]

@ I use the hdmi Ridgeline, works well.

[@JesseMunoz-n2f]

@@goingfurther8092 that's for the Z8?

[@photo2000]

amazing that no rangers came and booted you out of centennial park! no permit.... NO SHOOT!

[@lauriewahlig2819]

When oh when will Sony get an 85mm 1.2?!?!

[@youknowwho9247]

I'd prefer them to make a version II of the 85 1.4 because I don't think the extra 3rd stop ever justifies the additional weight and cost a 1.2 would bring.

[@bruceinmyheart]

I thought their engineers were busy developing the 100mm f/1.4 to compete with Sigma’s 105mm?

[@99unclebob]

@@youknowwho9247 Agreed , i think a slight update on the current lens would do,The Nikon 85mm F1.2 is pricey $3500 $1100 more than the Sony 85mm F1.4 it is good, i don't know if it warrants the price difference, with adjustments in your settings i think you could get results that are almost as nice, then you also need an equal camera body to, I did rent the Sony 85mm F1.4 for a trip i took to Montreal in March this year and i was stunned by the results i got and i use an A74 ,it great, it is no Z8 ,maybe i was just lucky , I sure did get allot of good pictures 👍

[@bngr_bngr]

It’s a glaring hole in their lens line up. Even Nikon has the 85/1.2. Well at least the Canon EF 85/1.2 II can be adapted to the Sony. The Canon has a very unique signature. I’m looking to buy another mint copy just in case something happens to my current copy.

[@juliatrotti]

Right?!? 😫 I have a feeling they might release an f1.4 version before the f1.2 too!

[@youknowwho9247]

I really wonder why the Nikon version of the 50 1.2 is like twice as bulky as the Sony variant. I've been lucky enough to be able to side by side test the a1 and 50 versus the Z9 and 50 - good lord, no comparison. Quality of results is indistinguishable, but usability was worlds better with the Sony combo.

[@bngr_bngr]

Even my Canon 50/1.0 is way smaller.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Nikon worked to reduce focus breathing optically, Sony decided to do it computationally.

[@ScratThunder]

How much bokeh do you want? Yes!

[@juliatrotti]

All of it!! 😂

[@aleksandrtkachuk9286]

Цікаво, дякую )

[@alex-chicago-80]

Nikon just registered 4 new cameras and they seemed to be for 4 current models. So the upgrades are coming.

[@sentralent1850]

Z5 II?

[@bngr_bngr]

A crop body like the D500?

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@bngr_bngr A Z70 or Z80 would be very interesting. I think a lot of people liked the D7000 series as well as the D300/D500.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@UnconventionalReasoning my favorite is the D7200. I really love having a built in flash and two card slots in a crop body. I wish the D500 had the built in flash.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@bngr_bngr Yes, losing the built-in flash was a bummer. Though it did get me using off-camera flash almost exclusively.

[@arndtbc]

If you had to choose one, which one would you choose?

[@mjr333]

Both 🤣

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

I think the "misstep" with the Z 50/1.2 S was Nikon trying to pack alot into it...mainly that LED DISPLAY 🙃 that obviously contributes to the size + weight (+ price) of that lens & as weve seen, Nikon has done away with it on it's newer lenses since then. I dont like the 50mm look, so it's nothing to me, but I think Nikon should relaunch the lens WITHOUT the display in a "version/mark 2". I dream of owning that Z 85/1.2 S & the Z 135 Plena...& whenever they wanna drop the Z 35/1.2 S...perhaps a few more weddings & Ill be able to add one or 2 to my kit 😅🤞🏽

[@juliatrotti]

Yes I agree, while it may look nice it’s also not super helpful anyway. I will rarely look at my lens to see whatever settings I have that little display set to. I will always look for that info on my camera!

[@MikeT-yy3]

Hi Julia, love your photos but I find the eyes are a little dead, no catchlights and on the underexposed side. Would appreciate your views on my comments

[@juliatrotti]

You can use a reflector if you are taking photos of someone with darker eyes and you want that catchlight. I personally like the way it looks without! For me these photos are more about the atmosphere created rather than just the portrait.

[@mariamshamugia5257]

You are lier. I bought your present and it is different colors!! Give me my money back