Portraits & Professional Headshots — NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S: Optically, this is one of the finest 85mm lenses you can buy at any price. The Z-mount's large diameter allows Nikon's designers to create glass that outperforms many f/1.4 lenses from competing systems. If you own a Z-mount body and shoot portraits, this lens is the answer.
Portraits, Street & Documentary — Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (2021): Sigma's finest 35mm prime — exceptional optics at a price that shames the competition.
Who should buy what
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Quick take: These cameras are closely matched across the key specs below. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £699 |
| Sensor | — | f/1.4 (max aperture) |
| Video | Compatible with all Nikon Z-mount cameras | 30cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | Stepping motor (STM) — near-silent for stills and video | High-response linear actuator — fast and silent |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body IBIS) | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | — | N/A |
| Battery Life | — | N/A |
| Weight | 470g | 645g |
| Dimensions | 75mm × 99mm | 75.8mm diameter × 111.6mm length |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | — | N/A |
| Screen | — | N/A |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame and APS-C compatible) | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | — | N/A |
| Connectivity | — | N/A |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Video | — | |
| Street | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Wedding | — |
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