Nikon Z8 + 85mm f1.2 and 35mm f1.8 Behind the Scenes

All photos edited with my new Dulce Lightroom Preset Pack: www.digitalfilmactions.com/li...
Hey everyone! Today I am doing a portrait photoshoot with the Nikon Z8 and 2 Nikon lenses: the Nikkor 85mm f1.2 S and Nikkor 35mm f1.8 S. This is actually my first time properly using a Nikon camera body for photography, the last time I used the Nikon Z5 I was capturing self portraits. So it's really nice to be behind the camera this time and getting to see what the Z8 is capable of. Let me know what you think in the comments and if you want to see more Nikon videos in the future!
Thank you to Nikon Australia for loaning me the Z8 and lenses! This video is NOT sponsored, all thoughts and opinions are my own. They do not review this video before it is posted.
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Thank you for watching!

[@juliatrotti]

All photos edited with my new Dulce Lightroom Preset Pack which is available now: www.digitalfilmactions.com/lightroom-presets#/dulce-lightroom-preset-pack/ Thanks so much for watching! Can't wait to upload my next Z8 behind the scenes soon :)

[@BinaPiksel]

Hye julia. May i i know what picture profile are u using for this photoshoot?

[@mizshellytee]

Being a long-time Nikon shooter, it's so cool to see you give the Z8 (and Nikon generally) a go!

[@juliatrotti]

Me too! Can’t wait to try more of their gear, I really enjoyed this set up

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

I was going to comment almost exactly the same thing haha! #TeamNikon

[@dicekolev5360]

Every famous youtuber now uses all the brands because views and views means moneeehh

[@lewcehjitl3282]

@@juliatrottiSony a7iv vs Nikon z8 😊. But be aware Nikon fan boys will deny facts and unsubscribe. 😅

[@borlach321]

@@lewcehjitl3282 That's usually what Nikon fan boys do.

[@emptyskullify]

Please do more Nikon portrait shoots!! ❤

[@OkwyUgonweze]

The Z 85 1.2 was the only lens I picked up and feel the same joy I felt with the 200mm f2 . I can do great damage with both lenses for portraits .

[@Awesomeboyscout]

But you can build muscles out of shooting with 200 the whole day.

[@bettyeverett8089]

Great review of the Nikon Z8, the color and sharpness is on spot. Love my Nikon.

[@Azeemmerchant]

Beautiful Nikon Colors ❤🙌🏻

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you Julia. Really does look like a fabulous camera. I loved the 85mm lens, great skin tone. Many thanks.

[@RemyOrtiz]

Thank you for giving some love to Nikon! For portraits, also check out the 70-200 f/2.8S. It’s a big boy but it’s Nikon’s best overall lens, to date.

[@RemyOrtiz]

I stand corrected! The new 135mm f/1.8S Plena is now their #1 lens!

[@user-tb4yl8zf7q]

Followed Julia for more than two years, first time saw Julia using Nikon, great test video, same for portraits, love it❤

[@redspotaquashrimps]

She is Sony shooter. She is only use Nikon to get Paid by Nikon 😂

[@yinetgonzalezgomez1054]

I love watching your videos!! Thank you for giving Nikon a try! I shoot the z8 with those same lenses and can't wait to see more content about it from you 🥰 Beautiful images as always

[@seeyah2221]

Dang! Stunning shots! Great review, Julia! This made me wanted to switch to Nikon line.

[@aldeen1982]

Is there a reason you shoot 1.8 all the time instead of 1.2?

[@shankargoyat4793]

Because she exchange 85mm 1.2 from 35mm 1.8 and she didn't change the aperture values after changing the lens

[@terrydoestech]

Eyelash focusing is exactly why I keep my fast lenses at no wider than f2.8. I normally open them to 1.8 when there’s little to no light, or as a stylistic choice. But as someone that starting to do shoots professionally missing focus is my biggest fear haha This z8 is impressive tho! Really makes me rethink Nikon as a whole these days.

[@Travel_Photography_Dude]

I just did my first portrait shoot with the z8 last night!!! It was awesome!

[@karthiksathya2418]

I love this video, I feel like Nikon Z8 is best camera in market right now. Some of your photos just looks brilliant.

[@redspotaquashrimps]

Yes Z8 is really good in term autofocus and color skin tone much better than Sony and Canon.

[@jimwlouavl]

Great video. Your easy rapport and that amazing 85mm lens were the perfect combo. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mr09260]

Thanks so much Julia >> love your reviews and now a Nikon Camera I am looking at !! Respect

[@madst7521]

Lens roadmap has a 35mm and a 135mm S-line lenses listed as arriving this year. The expectation is that they will be f/1.2 and f/1.8. The 50mm f/1.2 is also pretty magical.

[@joshsantiago4397]

Okay the model is so gorgeous. My gosh

[@tedwarkentin2211]

Just received my Nikon Z8 last week, it's fantastic! Love it!

[@robert_may]

I've got the 35mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/1.8 and they're really nice lenses - I've got no idea why the focus rings are so huge but they are at least nice to use 😆 The 85mm f/1.2 is quite chunky but seems like a great lens. I'm on the Z9 myself and in general the AF is excellent, but I also find it hits the eyelashes sometimes (though on birds, for me). I think it's caused by the AF point used by the camera being too large for the iris, and it focuses on the closest object inside the point, which is usually the eyelash (and on birds, often the cheek). It would be nice to see that tweaked in a future firmware update. As for ISO, I happily shoot it up to ISO 25600 for wildlife and they clean up really well using the Lightroom AI noise removal. It doesn't suffer from any colour shifting or loss at high ISO, which is awesome. And yes, the backwards lens mount rotation continues to flummox me every single time too 😅

[@steveosaur]

Great video! Fyi you can change the direction of the manual focus ring on the Z8 if it bothers you. Menu -> Custom Settings -> f8: Reverse Ring for Focus

[@adden2242]

The model is such a beauty!! and I love the 85mm, so much Bokehh!! 🥰

[@MarkG998]

The full body shot with the 85mm is stunning, makes me want it!

[@flickrchannyuk4396]

I really like the look of your photography, so beautiful and artistic.

[@studiophoto4869]

Cool video! Please be honest, you forgot the F stop at 1.8 and not tried the the 85mm at it’s widest aperture? 😉

[@Dave_Andre]

Yeah it's weird she didn't use it at 1.2

[@doogieham]

Nice video, Julia. I’m super pleased you are sharing your experiences with the Z8. I find the SOOC images really helpful. What did you think of the IBIS on the camera? Also, I’d love to see you try out the new Nikon 70-180/2.8 on some portrait shoots.

[@stripes_in_raw]

Check out the Z8 & 400mm f4.5, a really lightweight and enjoyable wildlife combo for a prime lens.

[@Chrsly]

I have the 85/1.2 with the z9 and it's a MONSTER. Big and fairly heavy, but has wonderful transitions and is crazy sharp. I've not experienced the front-focusing you described, so I wonder if there's a difference between the z8 and z9. I love your videos and your photography, please keep the great content coming!

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah it’s such a beautiful lens! I would be interested in trying the Z9 as well in the future and thank you 😄

[@DPhotos]

Showing some love to the Nikon! Love to see it!

[@caleidoo]

Why are you looking at the dark & shiny LCD - the model is non stop looking at your crossed eyes, like at 9:19 - instead of the super bright, clear & sharp EVF that is closed off from surrounding stray light and reflections? The EVF is one of Z8/Z9's stand out features. You can also zoom in and check almost on pixel level whether the camera focussed on the iris or the eyelash, instantly. Plus, holding the camera against your body makes it more stable and less heavy.

[@johnmcnaughton6808]

You always produce great videos and make them easy to understand and interesting. As a sports photographer moving towards portrait photography and using a D850 and recently purchased the Z8 do you change any settings in live view on Z8 using off camera flash I had to turn live view off on my Z6II.

[@user-vq1gs1fu4b]

yes! been waiting for you to do a review on the z8

[@rhykko77]

Love the 85 1.2 look .

[@lilylewis5399]

so excited for this! i would love to see using the a sigma lens with the ftz adapter on either the 8 or the z7ii!

[@philgrabmiller3764]

Shooting the Sigma 150-600mm with the ftz adapter on the Z7II for an upcoming trip to Africa. Works great.

[@felm.974]

Let's gooooo Nikon! :) Thanks for this beautiful review! More Nikon stuff please :)

[@photogalleryonline]

Hi Julia, always love your videos and reviews. Curious what frame rate you shoot in for portrait with the 35mm and 85mm. I typically shoot 3fps or 4fps so I don't end up with too many shots, but curious what rate you use or recommend for single portrait?

[@Jack-qn6vy]

Really nice demonstration. Makes me want to shoot portraits!

[@2011troya]

Been shooting Nickon D750 for quite some time. Love the colours on it! And the battery is completely outstanding

[@jonathanfang9612]

from all your 85mm 1.2 lens that you have used, which one is your favorite?

[@Eveningme]

Such an amazing portrait photo😯

[@user-cn4sr2mu9v]

Love the lut applied to this video can I ask what lut it is?

[@_planejoe_]

So excited to see you review a Nikon! What do you use to record the screen?

[@davetv8171]

How do you like the ergonomics and tilt screen compared with your Sony?

[@williamsolis1]

Thank you for this video. Looks nice.

[@JosefFoti]

So nice to see you shooting on a Nikon camera as well. As for the way of changing lenses, I had the same feeling when I switched from Nikon to Sony last year but now I think I'm already used to Sony and I would be confused if I had to shoot on a Nikon camera again 🙂

[@fangli]

im nikon user who change to sony because of the sony hype wwkwk after all i coming back to nikon again ,

[@amermeleitor]

​​​@@fangli too... I sold all my Sony gear an went with Nikon because I enjoy more shooting with Nikon. I was with Sony because Nikon's first attempts in mirrorless wasn't perfect and Sony have much more lenses and all kind of aftermarket. But three things make me go back to Nikon: 1) More third party AF lenses for cheap now (Viltrox, TTartisan, Yongnuo, Meike, Sigma, etc) and more adapters and all kind of aftermarket things for Nikon Z, like rigs, manual lenses, skins, etc 2) Nikon seems to be a trusty, supportive committed brand. My humble Z50 is on the 2.05 firmware and it's a better camera now 3) The Z8 (and Z9) a shutterless camera with 8K raw video and ultra fast photo shooting without overheating. Nikon is innovating and sooner or later that tech will be in lesser models

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Yay, finally some Nikon love on your channel! 🙌🏾📸✨️ I've shot Nikon my entire photography life/career. From the D7200 to D810 to now Z9 + Z8. Nikkor glass, particularly in the Z-mount is superior. I say that slightly biased 😅 but truly. Even the hard core Sony/Canon/Fuji etc photogs all say the same about Nikkor lenses. That Z 85/1.2 is incredible! I tested it at a camera shop & was pretty bummed to give it back lol! Ill own it one day, but Im also waiting on the Z 35/1.2 & the Z 135/1.8...supposedly coming out towards the end of this year.

[@youknowwho9247]

Yeah, no. As far as mirrorless glass goes, pretty much everyone agrees that Nikon takes third place after Canon in second and Sony first. The GM lenses beat their Nikkor competitors in absolutely every way. Better focus motors, sharper, lighter, fewer aberrations, cleaner bokeh - just everything.

[@mlai2546]

​@youknowwho9247 I think Sony shooters will say Sony lenses are the best. Ie Fro and Tony. Canon shooters will tell you Canon is the best. I look at DXOMark and most of the Z lenses are either top of the chart or 2nd place. It makes sense since the Z mount is largest of the 3 manufacturer. In addition, you can put a Sony or Canon lens on a Nikon camera. That's a huge advantage for Nikon.

[@joostmak]

Great video as always .... I understand you test different camera branches with the same basic settings to have test results comparable through time, but I experience my z8 en 85 mm 1.2 more accurate for most things I do in af-c with human-eye tracking on and also use a lot of times the 3d tracking. Very happy I had the opportunity to buy them and not any regret ( so far 😊😊) ......

[@pascalr.14]

These lenses gave some really awesome results. I have a Z5 currently with a 24-70mm f4S. I'm really considering either getting the 24-70mm f2.8 or adding a prime lens to the collection. Perhaps a 50mm, 35mm or an 85mm with a wider aperture. Any suggestions ?

[@jacksmith-kw9ex]

it depends on what u r going to shoot. For portrait get a 85, for general shoot get 35/50. They are all great and inexpensive, you can also try to rent one and get the decision.

[@julianmclean3869]

Wow!; a lot to process there Julia; two questions, what was the Camera you were using to film yourself / model? (was very cinematic); also, is there are point where the lens / camera capabilities are "too good"? and need to be adjusted in a backwoods step?

[@naten2462]

Great video. Makes me want a z8 now. Their colors are great straight out of camera

[@Eliehbk]

Hi Julia! any reason you would shoot ISO 400 at 1/2000 with a model who's barely moving?

[@FotosyMas.]

Because she is a KZbinr, not a photographer.

[@victorcandia]

exactly my thoughts..

[@hans6304]

Maybe the scene was too bright and no ND filter?

[@bsc001]

@@hans6304 Z8 has a base iso of 64. She could drop 3 stops on the iso, and slow down shutter by 3 stops to compensate. Your ‘suggestion’ doesn’t make sense.

[@hans6304]

@@bsc001 what suggestion, sorry?

[@josephryan5448]

Great video! Beautiful pictures as well.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@wukwinn]

Julia, could you share how to record your EVF? I see a cable coming out of the side but don't know what it connects to. I want to do something similar but don't want to use something big and heavy like the Atomos Ninja.

[@MrArunCochin]

Very nice LR preset you use. I like the Canon like color you attain with it. Would like to know which camera filmed this video?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Video was filmed on the Sony A7siii

[@Miichaellangelo]

Another thorough review thank you! Would love to see more men’s portrait photoshoot and tips, there’s a real lack of mens photoshoots on KZbin!

[@tiffannywilliams5150]

I love your video. I got Nikon z5 and 50 1.8S. I love it so much. It is a Game changer

[@hhz246]

Great review, thank you!

[@user-sx1hm3gq4w]

How much do you like EVF for portrait shooting?

[@user-uz5dj6yb8j]

Please check the camera settings! My younger model nikon z 6-2 focuses better on the model 's face ! You also have the priority of shooting animals, not people...

[@valerieclark858]

This is awesome how do you record in the camera with the settings showing that way

[@mnvshr]

what are the settings for you picture profile?

[@randomness7053]

Which time of the day you shoot this Julia? So amazing photos

[@EMPIRETV11]

Thank you for the review! How do you record your screen Julia????

[@TANZANIAFILMMAKINGTV]

have to admit Nikon color is insanely

[@QualityVideoService]

Did you have any problem with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 s fitting onto Nikon Z8 mount?

[@jigsbmx]

Hii I am looking to buy my first camera im confused between the fujifilm xs20 and Cankn r10 what shoukd I get?

[@benjaminmuller3289]

Nice video! FYI you can speed up the autofocus in video (it is set out of box to make it look smoother and more like a focus puller)

[@rbfndz]

I’m not sure if it is a disdvantage of Nikon- the focus is in eyelash. Canon RFs R5+85f1.2 from experience focus more consistently right on the eye

[@user-yq3po1wi2g]

Please share a link to the files for downloading and self-analysis

[@TheBeautyBusNYC]

What's the wire attached to the camera

[@lilnape2604]

Hope to see some ISO 64 (Base iso for Z8) and 85 @ 1.2 in next video

[@carlb401]

The 35mm f1.2 is on the way. Nikon France uploaded some astro shots to instagram and said they were taken on a Nikkor 35mm f1.2 Z lens.

[@jzsphotography]

I never used Z8.. I do use two z9 bodies for weddings, and very happy with z9

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

The best moment was when you saw the first pictures using the 85mm f/1.2. For a specific image, 4:05, the closer portraits. We've been somewhat spoiled with these kinds of images since the Nikon 105mm f/1.4E came out in 2016. It would be interesting to see what you think of that lens. Another "best Nikon portrait lens" contender would be the 200mm f/2G VRII. Yes, it's very different, but that often seems to be the point. Thanks. But please avoid reviewing any other Nikon cameras. You started with the best they have to offer, anything else would feel like a step down.

[@dance2jam]

For sure, and unconventional viewpoint and reasoning. I try not to make a habit of critiquing KZbin video makers or comments, but there are times I need to add some common sense. First off, while not specifically comparing all the same brand of lenses, Manny Ortiz already did a Canon 85mm f/1.2 against the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 video. He also did a video comparing the Sony 50mm f/1.2, Canon 85mm f/1.2, Nikon 105mm f/1.4, and the Canon 200mm f/2. If you own similar lenses, you know the comparison pros/cons were nearly identical to the Nikon 200mm f2. And the comments he made about the IQ were exactly what I see when I shoot it. Now, to the Unreasonable unconventional. Do you see the way Julia is holding the camera in both orientations? Typical of younger shooters, away from the body, using the LCD, and when in vertical, right elbow extended to the right. Not the way old or current Canon and Nikon manuals recommend (Sony doesn't include it in their manual). Holding the 200mm f2 is this style of shooting would not be a recipe for frequent success. Sure, you might get some keepers, but not as many as if you shot with a secure shooting style. The other thing I see often, and in this video, is with a high megapixel camera, the images shot this way are "shot to crop". Now I realize this is a gear review video, but why utilize or suggest purchase of a high megapixel camera - that really is designed for sports, action, wildlife - except for battery life - and be cropping the image and reducing the resolution right off the bat. Lastly, I didn't see any evaluation of shooting the 85mm f/1.2 with the Z8 in low light - with a specific look at AF speed, accuracy, and images of a stacked, high megapixel sensor image quality - now that's a test I would have liked to see. It would have been nice to see this 85mm referenced against the Canon and Sony versions, but alas, some channels are just to promote gear sales, and avoid angering a sponsor.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@dance2jam I would disagree with the statement that the Z8 is "really is designed for sports, action, wildlife". It is really designed as the ultimate all-around camera, being able to do anything really well. For the most part, we are getting past the time of categorizing both photographers and cameras so distinctly.

[@dance2jam]

@@UnconventionalReasoning Actually, I wouldn't disagree with your statement and I understand your unconventional reasoning (which is now becoming conventional). My point was really at the price point, it designed for those "needing" or "wanting" high frame rates with all the bells and whistles (precapture etc) and/or video capacity. Nikon's new retro Zf offers a lot to those who do not need high megapixels, want better low light, and do not need high speed shooting (and who enjoy focus assist with manual lenses). My point simple was, while any camera can work in most circumstances, some tools would be more appropriate for certain work. Appreciate your comment!

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@dance2jam The key phrase in your comment is "price point".

[@timelessphotoshoot5347]

Why did you not use spotmeter?.

[@alessiomeriggi3191]

Ciao Giulia, it s better the couple r5 + Canon ed 85mm f1.2 or the Nikon couple z8+the 85mm von Nikon Objektive ?

[@ronancullen4565]

hey quick question, how did you record the EVF? thanks alot

[@quynhkoy3107]

What is a camera screen recorder?

[@timelessphotoshoot5347]

I love my z8 it’s a beast when you know how to shoot a Nikon that’s just I see it

[@bubaiaich6458]

I'm also a Nikon user. Loved the Nikon. Love from India. I use Nikon z6ii

[@jvincents]

Wow Nikon! Idol

[@georgedj8937]

How is the autofocus compare to Sony?

[@swaroopraut5075]

I can't find dulce preset on the website, please shre direct link for this preset.

[@annaruddphoto]

Hi! Thanks for your helpful videos! If money wasn't a factor, would you choose the Z8 or Z6ii? I shoot mostly indoor lifestyle sessions as well as outdoor portrait sessions. I am stumped on which to purchase but want to stick with Nikon since I already have great lenses for my D750. Would love your input!

[@ozweddingphotography9688]

Z6ii is more than enough

[@titinho402]

Hello Julia, I'm a beginner photographer and I would like to know how to change Lumix G7 iso if you are familiar with it. I google for videos but no results.

[@myPhotoshop1]

Hello Julia. Great video, I also use Nikon Z6. I want to ask you, what equipment do you use to record the screen via hdmi? Thank you so much.

[@hans6304]

I'd like to know as well please.

[@yonishperling1531]

3:03 did you notice better dynamic range when iso is 400? I guess you could decrease the shutter / iso but prefer not to?

[@Robert-R]

There is a 35mm f1.2 on the road map for release later this year.

[@19Degustator88]

where can i find this preste? can't find it on the website…

[@user-mj9ep8xq9l]

Honestly, I don't even worry about ISO anymore with the addition of the immaculate LR denoise AI function

[@jackofblades6736]

Since you want the try 35mm 1.2. Hopefully they’ll hurry up and make it. I’ve been waiting for it.

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

5:01 speaking to that, for the Z8/9, with the dual iso Invariance, anytime I need to go above ISO 64-100, I just jump straight to ISO 500 (where the dual "base ISO" kicks in) & then adjust the other settings for exposure for "cleaner" files. That said, with the Adobe (& other softwares) advancements when it comes to "noise", thats not a massive concern as it used to be. But I still like to play within the camera's strong points.

[@pkennethv]

does it not kick in at ISO 400?

[@borocotochacha]

@@pkennethv Z9 and Z8 kick at Iso 400 and Z7 I and II at Iso 500. Applied that technique in some extreme dark situations with ISO 400 to bump on edition and wow! Got such clean image after riseing parameters on Capture One

[@livejames9374]

Beautiful work! Love your easy going style. The camera stays at the aperture that’s set for the lens you removed. So when you took off the 35 1.8 the 85 was set to 1.8 as well.

[@youknowwho9247]

That's why glass with a physical aperture ring is so much better.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I like how it makes noise as if a real shutter is going off. But I would like to see a feature that you can slow down the auto focus and make the sound of old noise lens focusing. This is good for animal pet photography when your cat or dog is not paying attention and they hear that sound and turn their head and look right into the camera.

[@quikee9195]

Nikon did promise cat sounds for the shutter :)

[@niconic6660]

Hi, how did you record your Camera Display ?

[@OkaValor]

hi just cuiorus what device you use to record your viewfinder. thanks!

[@hoatd1993]

To get constantly sharp images, I personally do my portrait photoshoots at 1/400s speed and leave the ISO auto. I don't care about ISO if it's not higher than 1600 because nowadays FF cameras handle it very well. Also, I can reduce noise in posts with AI Denoise in Lr or Camera RAW and the results are just wonderful.

[@jerrymargivlog1285]

very beautiful model ❤

[@johnw.3636]

I want this camera!