Nikkor Z 85MM F/1.8 S

Is this prime the ideal portrait option for enthusiast Z system users?

BUILD AND HANDLING

The design of the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is very much in keeping with other optics in the growing Z range, which gives it a familiar feel for Z system users. It’s quite minimalistic, which simplifies its operation nicely and the focus ring is wide and easy to grip, with your eye to the camera. The construction feels slightly less ‘professional’ than other lenses of this type, but this does keep the weight down, which is very manageable. It’s also well balanced on a Z6 II or Z7 II camera body.

PERFORMANCE

Overall resolution and contrast is excellent, from the centre to the edges, even wide open. Sharpness improves further still above f/4, reaching a peak around f/8 and dropping off again towards f/16. Detail is good at all settings, extracting as much from the Z system sensors as possible. We found the bokeh a little disappointing in some circumstances – it demonstrates quite significant cat’s-eye compression towards the edges of the frame, which can be distracting. It’s not terrible, or a deal breaker, but could be better for this price point. On a more positive note, images are largely free from chromatic aberration and distortion.

VERDICT

If you are a Z System user who shoots portraiture we’d recommend the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S, although on account of there currently being no other option without adapting lenses, we wonder if Nikon has been a little conservative. It’s not bad, but could probably be better.

Below left HANDHELD RESULTS While the price is a little high the f/1.8 maximum aperture offers a good balance of brightness and lens dimensions. Colour rendition is accurate and natural

Left FINE DETAIL At 100% magnification it’s clear that the lens is capable of resolving the fine detail in stone, especially at f/5.6 to f/8. Corner sharpness is also impressive