Fast Portrait Lens Joins Nikkor Z System

The latest addition to Nikon’s Z mount mirrorless system is an 85mm f1.8 short telephoto which has been designed primarily with portrait and people photography in mind. The new Nikkor Z 85mm f1.8 S is a premium ‘S Line’ series lens and similar in styling to the existing f1.8-speed primes, the 35mm and 50mm models. It has a 12-element optical construction – in eight groups – which includes two elements with extra-low dispersion (ED) characteristics to minimise chromatic aberrations. Nikon says the optical design also delivers exceptional sharpness across the entire frame, even when shooting at f1.8. Additionally, it’s designed to minimise focus breathing , particularly advantageous when shooting video. A nine-blade diaphragm gives smoother out-of-focus effects to complement the shallower depth-of-field at 85mm and f1.8. Nikon’s ‘Nano Crystal’ multi-coating reduces ghosting and flare.

Externally, the barrel tubes are magnesium alloy with sealing against the intrusion of dust and moisture. There’s a multi-function control ring which can be set to manual focus, manual aperture control or applying exposure compensation settings.

The new Nikkor Z prime’s autofocusing is performed via a stepping motor (STM) with Nikon’s high-speed ‘Multi-Focus System’ which employs two actuators to move two focus groups simultaneously, enabling the lens to achieve focus rapidly from nearly any distance, including for close-up shooting. The minimum focusing distance is 80 centimetres. The STM focusing drive is quieter and also allows for smoother, more linear adjustments, especially when shooting video.

The seventh Nikkor Z mount lens (and the fourth prime model), the new 85mm prime measures 99 millimetres in length and weighs in at 470 grams. It accepts 67 millimetres screwthread filters.

Local availability is from September, and for more information visit www.nikon.com.au