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NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

Nikon brought the lens in year 2023, February. It's a marvelous creation by the company. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a professional-grade portrait lens in Nikon’s Z-mount lineup — designed for stunning depth of field, rich subject separation, and flawless detail. Here's a deep dive:





📦 Overview – NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S

  • Mount: Nikon Z lens

  • Focal Length: 85mm is offered

  • Max Aperture: f/1.2

  • Min Aperture: f/16

  • Format: FX (Full Frame)

  • Lens Type: Prime, S-Line

  • Weight: ~1,160g (2.56 lb)

  • Filter Size: 82mm

  • Launch Date: Early 2023

  • Weather Sealing: Yes (professional-level sealing)


Key Features

🔍 1. Ultra-Fast f/1.2 Aperture

  • Provides exquisite bokeh and a super-shallow depth of field.

  • Ideal for shooting in low light or creating a dreamy, soft background.

🔬 2. Premium S-Line Optical Formula

  • Uses aspherical and ED glass elements to reduce aberrations.

  • Delivers sharpness edge to edge, even wide open at f/1.2.

🎨 3. Luscious Bokeh

  • 11-rounded-blade diaphragm gives perfectly circular bokeh.

  • Soft, creamy transitions between in-focus and out-of-focus areas.

  • Excellent background isolation in portraits and weddings.

🤫 4. Stealthy Autofocus

  • Equipped with dual STM motors for quiet, precise focusing.

  • Excellent for video and stills, with minimal focus breathing.

🌦️ 5. Built Like a Tank

  • Fully weather-sealed for outdoor pro shooting.

  • Rugged metal build — feels luxurious and dependable in hand.

🧠 6. Custom Controls

  • L-Fn button and customizable control ring for aperture, ISO, exposure comp, etc. are available in the lens Photo shoot and video made easy with lens as well.


📸 Use Cases & Scenarios


Use Case
Why It’s a Perfect Fit
Portrait PhotographyExceptional separation, lifelike rendering, and bokeh-rich backgrounds
Wedding PhotographyMagical bokeh for romantic storytelling in ceremonies and receptions
Fashion & EditorialHigh contrast, edge-to-edge detail — perfect for high-end shoots
Fine Art PhotographyCreative play with depth, dreamy effects with wide open f/1.2
Cinematic VideoLow focus breathing and soft depth make for premium visuals
Concerts & StageF/1.2 lets you shoot fast in low light without compromising image quality

🆚 Comparison with Similar Lenses

LensApertureWeightAutofocusNotable Feature
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 Sf/1.21160gYesBest bokeh, top sharpness
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 Sf/1.8470gYesLighter, affordable alternative
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USMf/1.21195gYesIndustry leader, very sharp
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GMf/1.4820gYesPopular bokeh king for Sony
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Artf/1.4630gYesLightweight and sharp (Sony/Leica mount)

Pros

  • Top-tier optical quality at f/1.2

  • Stunning, professional bokeh

  • Excellent for creative depth control

  • Premium weather sealing and build

  • Accurate, silent AF for video and stills

Cons

  • Heavy and large — not travel-friendly for age group of people.

  • High price point — targeted at professionals' photographers and videographers so positioned like that.

  • Not that much ideal for fast-action sports


💬 Final Verdict

If you’re a portrait photographer, wedding shooter, or filmmaker who demands exceptional background separation, rich color rendering, and cinematic aesthetics, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is one of the best tools available in the Nikon ecosystem.

It’s a no-compromise lens — heavy, yes, but it pays off with images that feel three-dimensional and immersive.

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