Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 Review by Ken Rockwell

[@alsimoncelli7313]

Very nice review Ken, your knowledge really comes through. Nice to see you doing reviews on KZbin!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks, Al!

[@stanspb763]

The lens is almost all metal even though it feels lighter and there is a clear difference between this lens and either current F mount 85mm Nikon lenses. This is the sharpest lens Nikon has every made in this FL, and the least distortion with almost no color fringing. This mounted on a Z7 is a better than an 85 1.4G on either the FTZ adaptor or on a D850. I have tested both extensively and for a world-class portrait lens, it is a bargain. The repeated remarks about being made in China reflect a lack of understanding of how it is an advantage. No, not because of cheap labor since Chinese workers now earn more than other Asian countries except Japan. It is an advantage because now China is the leader in precision automation. I have not heard of any complaints of decentered lens elements or defects. These S lenses are the main advantage of the Z6 and 7, superior results at reasonable prices. Another clear winning trait compared to F mount lenses is corner to corner sharpness wide open. For example, the Sigma 85 1.4 ART is almost as good in the very center of the frame but the areas outside the center fall off in sharpness and color fringing and are not that good in the corners yet costs more, focuses slower and is not as quiet. No other lenses I have seen are as sharp wide open as they are stopped down except for S lenses which seem to take full advantage of the very large flange diameter and shortest flange distance in the industry. If someone has the larger heavier 85 1.4G they might not need this lens unless absolute image quality is required but that lens has a lot of color fringing and falls off pretty significantly at the corners and costs twice as much. It is superior in optics in the same way the 24-70 2.8 S is superior to all other mid zooms on the planet. I have both the G and E version 24-70 2.8 and they are very good but the E is really expensive and slightly less image quality than the older G version but neither comes close to the outstanding 24-70 2.8 S lens. Nothing on the market and a lot of top primes are beating the build, image quality and feel of the S. The S lenses is a major reason to get a Z6 or 7, that and the great handling and EVF. It took a lot of camera to sideline and shelf the excellent D850, the best DSLR ever made, but the Z system has. Anyone getting a Z camera and using legacy F lenses on it is losing out on the real advantage of their new system

[@MSmatt76]

Totally agree. The S lenses are the reason to move to the Z.

[@james1939-s1c]

Well said, Nikon is quietly building out the sharpest, highest performing lens lineup on the market. When their second gen z6/z7 is released resolving some of the minor issues they will be the best mirrorless platform on the market.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed about being ultra sharp - then again, all of Nikon's 85s since 1949 have been , too. This one excels at f/1.8.

[@paulaquipel7472]

Stan SPb well said!

[@tom.m.mancini]

I was thinking the same when he kept saying the fact that it was made in China it’s bad.

[@Johnkostercreative]

It's a helluva nice lens, both on and off the tripod. I've put it through it's paces both in the field and in the studio and this is sharper and more contrasty than the G series f/1.4 or f/1.8, and that's saying a lot. Optically stunning lens. I don't give a shit if it's made in China, the QC is definitely there. Like most excellent primes, there is CA, but easily corrected in LR or Capture 1. Thanks Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@nathanjimenez1562]

Using an 85 mm for more than just portraits is great it really makes you focus on your composition improving your photography skills Don't let anybody tell you you can't shoot More than just portraits with this lens

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@irwin976monblach]

I shoot with it in real estate photography;) the best lens for close up.

[@juansol1499]

Thank you very much, Ken! I have been using this lens for general purpose, also for portraits (that it's just great) and also for close-up pictures (not macro, of course) but having the camera Nikon Z 7 II, you can crop a lot and it becomes almost a macro picture. Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Don’t forget close up lenses. Canon’s 500D and 250D and the Hasselblad Proxars are all surprisingly optically Excellent is you use an adapter to get them to fit this lens’ 67mm thread. All those goodies are easy to get at eBay.

[@smestadmedia1383]

Thanks for this! I used to watch a lot of reviews from different (and strange...) "experts", but I always come back to Ken Rockwell. I`ve got very nice old lenses, but wanted something special for portraits on my z6. Just ordered it and can`t wait to try it!

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANKS! Everyone has "reviews," few have the experience to make them meaningful.. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2-kinds-of-photographers.htm

[@lyfandeth]

Nice yo hear an independent voice answering the questions that some of us old holdouts still have!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@dontgetmadgetwise4271]

I much prefer polycarbonate barrel over alloy. Plastics are more shock absorbent, warmer and when abraded they remain black.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@giovannymartins5297]

Really nice to see you here, making things clear at this side of the pond!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@WhittyPics]

105mm Micro Nikkor is a great portrait lens and it will also do macro

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed, thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yop!

[@18yearsoldnot]

One of the things that’s really holding me back from getting this lens is the bokeh. I’m a bit disappointed you didn’t do the 3m with background at infinity test and therefore I remain sceptical about this lens

[@KenRockwellTV]

As always, the complete reviews with sample image files are always at my site. Here’s the bokeh shot; www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/85mm-f18.htm#bokeh thanks!

[@ruudjanssens8984]

Nice to have you on KZbin on your own channel! Great review

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@tunkyawoo3682]

Thanks for your review video Ken, i want to know how about image quality of Nikon 85mm 1.4 G (not 1.8 G) vs Nikon 85mm 1.8 S?

[@KenRockwellTV]

All superb. It’s pointless to worry; full reviews in great detail at at KenRockwell.com so you can come to your own comparison. Thanks!

[@hiresmusic]

It may be just my problem but let me mention one finding about new Z serie lens I discovered (in my case Nikkor Z 50 1.8 S) .While its overall color balance is great,when I use this lens for portraits of people it makes skin tones undesirable brown-greenish (faces looking like more asian than european) and such effect very heavy to correct in Lightroom. When I use manual lenses adapted on Nikon Z6 trough FTZ adapter,all colours is natural,no problems at all. May be Nikon's Z DSP optimised for asian skin colours? Just my guess. While when using manual lenses DSP is off and colours is great.

[@KenRockwellTV]

The camera doesn't change skin tones. The photographer does; check your lighting and while balance and pic ctls. Thanks!

[@hiresmusic]

@@KenRockwellTV BTW same effect I found on videos from one russian colleague and reported to him. Actually as you know by default skin tones by Canon,Nikon & Fuji film is different .As you wrote on your web site Fujifilm is better for people photography and Canon & Nikon for wildlife.So cameras affect skin tones & color palette.But here is not only affecting skin tones,it makes overall color palette brownish and its heavy to correct (I done it actually) in Lightroom.With manual lenses no such problem.Moreover Nikon Z colors with old Nikon manual lenses is fantastic and very natural. Coating in Z lenses? Or internal DSP processing making problems?

[@readitoutloud]

@@hiresmusic I noticed that difference between 24-120 f4 on d750 v 24-70 f2.8g 0n d850. Might be the White balance. Or could be that your focus is just slightly off giving a slight hue change. Buy a color checker or print one and check. Or photograph a white piece of paper.

[@dmitry.sh.8946]

There is 35 1.8G ED, is it worth changing to 35 1.8Z, will there be a difference in sharpness and resolution?

[@KenRockwellTV]

No visible difference. Both are superb; if you own the 35/1.8 FX there’s no need to buy another - especially if you want one lens for both DSLR and Mirrorless use. Thanks!

[@dmitry.sh.8946]

@@KenRockwellTV Strange .... everywhere they write, MTF charts say that mirrorless 35 is much better than mirror.

[@KenRockwellTV]

MTF charts show subtle differences that are not visible in actual photos. Charts are only valid at f1.8; at normal apertures most lenses are much closer. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mtf.htm

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

Hi Ken, did the 3.0 firmware make this lens autofocus faster?

[@KenRockwellTV]

No. Thanks!

[@marcovalle2779]

starting to see a trend in your videos where you have a tone of contempt for scenarios wherein someone is swapping out the F mount for Z. For those who have (f)lenses that function just fine, and they are curious whether or not they are going to get another extra out of spending a ton of cash to go Z, your tone probably resonates with them well. Ive got a 70-200 2.8 and a 50mm 1.4. Those are literally the only two lenses i own and shoot with. I shoot almost exclusively portraits as a hobbyist, and I am just trying to figure out what Z lenses might be a good upgrade or compliment to my selection. You didnt inspire any confidence in a need for me to grab the z 50 1.2, or the z85 1.8. that leaves me with contemplating a z 24-70 2.8 (never owned anything in that focal range before, except a dx fisheye 2.8 15 years ago)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Ideally I’d upgrade to Canon rather than stepping down to Z. We’ll all eventually wind up buying all new lenses native to Mirrorless, so May as well proceed directly to Canon. Problem with Z adapter for guys likens who’ve shot nikon for 40 years is that a defect in the FTZ makes it not autofocus with many of our lenses. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm

[@marcovalle2779]

i held on to my dslr until last year, then i spent about 30 days going back and forth trying to decide about changing my entire setup to go to Canon or going the Nikon mirrorless route. Nikon gets roasted pretty consistently in reviews and i disregarded a lot of the heavy bias. Ultimately, I just couldnt bite the financial bullet on what the cost would be to swap out both lenses and lighting equipment equipment that was nikon tethered. If good fortune should happen to hit, I think next time i will swap systems, for now I guess i just ride it out until i burn out this z7ii i got.

[@roybixby6135]

A great lens 'Nikon's been making 85mm lenses from 1949 - for their S rangefinder cameras.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yip, see it at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/rangefinder/images/85mm-f2/D3S_8724-768.jpg

[@CJMajesty]

How was I not subscribed to Ken Rockwell? Didnt know you had a channel. Get this rock off my head.

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!! I'm glad you're here; let me know if there's anything I should cover that I'm not.

[@prestonmack7020]

Just got the lens. It is SHARP. Good performing lens. but it does feel cheap. I wish it had a little more weight

[@KenRockwellTV]

It is cheap. Great optics, but like almost all nikon Mirrorless, essentially disposable.

[@Chrsly]

Better lower the shutter speed, up the ISO or open that aperture due to all the shade tossed at the Zeiss guys. LOL. Great review.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Ken love your reviews. I would not say the lack of motor drive support on the FTZ or the Z cameras is a design flaw. My 4k blu ray player cannot play 8 track cassettes. That is also not a design flaw. Let it go, bud.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Inferior. Dump Z! I like your attitude, however. At least they make an FTZ. Thanks!

[@tifteen]

Will this lens work in z50?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Works great!!! Much more information here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/85mm-f18.htm

[@jeffreyprokopowicz9842]

Just wondering, if you can activate MF by just turning the focus ring, then what is the reason for the AF/ MF switch?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Easy: the MF position disables autofocus so the focus distance only changes when you turn the dial. Thanks!

[@jeffreyprokopowicz9842]

@@KenRockwellTV I hope I'm not too dense, but are you implying that when the switch is in the AF position, and you just turn the manual focus ring, AF will somehow interfere with focus-ring-only manual focusing? If not it seems easiest to just keep the switch in the AF position, but doesn't that render the MF switch position irrelevant? Thanks for your reply and sorry for my confusion. 📷🤔

[@readitoutloud]

@@jeffreyprokopowicz9842 You can keep in AF mode and if you need to adjust you can MF override just by adjusting the focus ring. The MF if you are say shooting Timelapse and don't want to accidentally have the camera mess up your focus mid shoot. Or a myriad of circumstances when you don't need AF or want it to accidentally activate.

[@jeffreyprokopowicz9842]

@@readitoutloud Thanks so much for your reply! That makes perfect sense. I just couldn't figure this out myself. Thanks again!

[@marcelopisani8157]

Hi Ken, how you will compare this Z 85mm 1.8 s vs the Nikon 105mm 1.4 f mount?....is that sharp...?Thanks

[@KenRockwellTV]

They’re all sharper than any camera made today. These are the sharpest lenses ever - both of them. Thanks!

[@marcelopisani8157]

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you for the quick reply!

[@jeffpolk4800]

I would say this lens is way sharper than the G lens wide open. I have both.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Both are really really good! Thanks!

[@arttiz01]

Hello Ken! Have you tested this 85mm in the Z50 DX? If so, what do you think?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Works GREAT!!!!!

[@porkbeans2335]

Because of the crop sensor on Z50’s would this still be a good buy?

[@KenRockwellTV]

No; you're paying for FX image area and only using half of it. The rest of the image simply hits black plastic inside the Z50 instead of sensor and is ignored. Works great, but costs more than the Z50. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/is-it-worth-it.htm

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

The 85 1.8 D also only goes to F 16 , just a small correction for your video ;-)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@tonyrigg9182]

I have a simple but majorly important question about this lens, does anyone know if the ring can be turned off completely because i like to hold a lens in one hand and camera in the other and I don't want to accidentally move the ring and adjust an aperture or the focus in af mode is this possible as it is on most af lens as another video suggests that the ring is ready to change the aperture in manual focus mode, for me I'd need it switched totally off for af mode, or as bare minimum have that option ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes, you can turn it off. In my Z7, go MENU > Custom > f2 > Lens Control Ring > NONE. other choices: Focus, Aperture or ISO.

[@tonyrigg9182]

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you kindly dear sir and keep up the good work with your product reviews :-)

[@DylanRichardson841]

I disagree with your statement that if you buy an 85mm and use it with an FTZ adapter that you're going to save quite a bit of money since I can buy this lens for $799.99 and those two items will run you about $726.

[@KenRockwellTV]

These all change over time, and of course the FTZ works with many lenses and people often already own it. Also it’s easy to get used F-mount lenesss even cheaper.

[@baglad7645]

I’m very sure that the 85mm lense does not have any VR in it, that’s why there is no switch for it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Lens doesn’t, but camera does. Camera or lens should have a dedicated switch. Thanks!

[@baglad7645]

Ken Rockwell, thanks for responding, that makes sense.

[@steventhomas231]

It looks s great lens but im also hoping something more travel minded will also be released as this is a pretty big unit. The samyang 75 1.8 would fit the bill nicely.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Gag, Samyang is junky manual focus. All I ever use is the Z 24-200 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/24-200mm.htm

[@steventhomas231]

@@KenRockwellTV the 75mm is autofocus.

[@elikean8185]

My 85 f/1.8G doesn’t go to f/22 either.

[@KenRockwellTV]

That’s why I love my 85/2 AI-s! www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85f2ais.htm

[@doctorgenerosity]

welcome to youtube ken, i'm sure you will be very successful

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank yOU!

[@thephotohouse]

u gave me my answer which i was searching for time thank you..😊😊

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!

[@joeldinocpa3199]

I love my Nikon 85mm 1.8S...good review. Hey, my iPhone 11 Pro is made in China.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! iPhone is a gift from God, crafted by angels.

[@451greenwood]

Just sold my sigma art and settled for the Z 85mm and yes I'll miss not having f1.4 but honestly I'm going to be more happy, am I the only person on the planet that thinks that sigma 85mm is going to RIP that mount off my Z camera lol

[@KenRockwellTV]

Happy New Year and thanks!

[@robertneill5511]

Thanks Ken!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@kretieg2943]

Telescope user here. Lenses are just specialized refractors. If the design does not include FPL-53/FPL-54 or fluorite glass in at least the front element, there is no hope whatsoever of gaining even MODEST control over CA. There is FPL-51 and Lanthanum glass but the focal ratios of most lenses on the low end would be very demanding on the glass.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@paulaquipel7472]

Kretieg Interesting! Is FPL-53/54 a coating on the glass? What exactly is it?

[@kretieg2943]

@@paulaquipel7472 They are types of exotic glass used to control CA. The term ED glass is often used generically to describe one or more of those glass types being used.

[@ricc00000]

Why u keep point out it was made in China ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Because people care. Thanks!

[@ThePurple1968]

great review, I love the history bit :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@haberganza]

Thanks for your review. I was wondering about differences were between the older version of the 85 mm and, this new one. It looks like it's all about the cheapskates that will be saving some money :-)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Which older version? Nikon’s been making 85mm lenses since 1949! See some compared here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-comparison.htm thanks!

[@haberganza]

F vs z. Coincidentally I was just shopping for a 85 mm f mount lense now. It’s almost a $350 CAD difference here in Canada

[@Akshattii]

Thank you for the complete review I wish you make one for Z lens 35mm f1.8👌🏻

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@genghis2510]

Why can't cellphones have lens mount that could do much more than camera bodies - that only take silly photos.

[@genghis2510]

Oh, I did long, long ago. I loaned my Nikon D750 to my teenage niece so she will be interested in photography. And she replied exactly what I wrote earlier. I just aped what she said as she fiddled with the camera. And somehow there’s some wisdom in it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Makes it too complex, and the tiny sensor needs very different kinds of lenses.

[@paulaquipel7472]

genghis2510 you would be buying a new system of lenses every 6 months 😂

[@alexmirza5210]

Yes there's no CA I could see nor coma.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Just about perfect optics. Thanks!

[@Stephen_Baker]

Thank god that that horrible recycled polyester carpet has gone but more seriously thank you very much for your (as ever idiosyncratic and excellent review). Greetings from Poole, Dorset

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@analogdesigner-Jay]

Ken, great review, thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you! TL074 and NE5532!

[@analogdesigner-Jay]

@@KenRockwellTVoh yes the uA709 and uA702!

[@d.k.1394]

great,,,,ty

[@KenRockwellTV]

ThankS!

[@TarekMidani]

My girlfriend also has some design flaws

[@KenRockwellTV]

I know! What is it with those people? Thanks!

[@Paldentseringsherpa]

That's a lot of kenrockwell lmao 🤣🤣

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes!

[@mike_bywater]

So damn big - why?

[@mneedes2]

Image quality. One theory is that they are avoiding aspherical elements, perhaps to improve bokeh.

[@knightsabre7]

To make it sharp wide open, sharp corner to corner, produce few aberrations, and have little distortion.

[@KenRockwellTV]

For ultra perfomance.

[@knightsabre7]

Still less than half the weight of the Sigma Art 85.

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

I'm 70, I don't care about looking cool, that is for kids.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Amen brother!

[@egor1g]

Wow, perfect review. ty

[@KenRockwellTV]

Spaciba!

[@x_Krios]

It does look cheap...

[@KenRockwellTV]

You got that right, and it works so well! Thanks!

[@kiisseli1337]

Who wants expensive 1.8 that looks like old Tamron?

[@mneedes2]

Someone who is focused on results and doesn't fancy themselves in a mirror?

[@Chopperbob56]

I do ! And I did !! This lens is simply amazing . I don’t where it’s made or who made it . It’s all in the design and this lens is amazing !!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Not me!!!!