Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F/1.4 ZF

Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 S Review: Astonishing, But Worth the Money?

The Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 S lens offers a blend of technical sharpness and creamy bokeh. It has a wide aperture for soft backgrounds and is weather-sealed. However, the JPEG colors are undersaturated and the autofocus struggles with action on some camera bodies. The lens is heavy and expensive compared to the f1.8 option. Overall, it delivers great image quality but falls short in some areas.

Hands on with the Nikon 85mm F1.2: Nikon Z Mirrorless Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

The Nikon Z 85mm F1.2 lens is highly praised for its outstanding optical performance, particularly its sharpness and unique bokeh. The lens has a soft and natural background blur, with a subtle and gradual transition from the plane of focus. It features 11 rounded diaphragm blades that create smooth and circular bokeh. The use of ED glass helps suppress color fringing, and the lens construction eliminates any "onion-ring" characteristics. Overall, the lens is described as dreamy, opulent, and desirable for fashion, boudoir, and bridal photography.

1.2: Nikon Z Mirrorless Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 lens is highly praised for its bokeh and sharpness. It can produce extremely thin depth-of-field shots at f/1.2, although some may find the shallow depth of field not to their taste. The lens handles flare and ghosting well, especially when the hood is used. It is sharp even when wide open and performs well in terms of focus speed and distance. The only complaint is that the minimum focus distance is a bit far. Despite its size and weight, the lens is manageable during long shoots. The price is justified for professionals who will use it extensively. Overall, it is recommended for wedding, event, and portrait photographers.

1.2 Review & Sample Images by Ken Rockwell

The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 lens is a large and heavy lens that is ideal for astronomy and low light shooting. It has great optics and is sharp and contrasty even when shot wide open at f/1.2. However, it is not a practical lens for everyday use and is too short for headshots. The Z 85mm f/1.8 lens offers similar optical performance at a lower cost and weight. The lens has a focus breathing issue and the bokeh quality is only average. Autofocus is slow and the lens is mostly made of plastic. It does not focus closely and does not have image stabilization. Overall, it is a good lens for specific needs but not a versatile option.

Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 S review

The Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 S is a large and heavy lens with a bright focal ratio of f1.2. It has a similar weight to other comparable lenses on the market. The lens features 15 elements in 10 groups and has a minimum object distance of 0.82m. It does not have optical stabilization but can be used with Nikon's built-in sensor-shift stabilization. The lens has autofocus capabilities and a control ring for aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO sensitivity. It is weather-sealed but lacks a fluorine coating. The lens is priced higher than its competitors. Overall, the lens performs well in terms of focus accuracy and repeatability, with minimal focus breathing.