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.
Portrait & Wedding Photography — 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (2021): The most compelling portrait prime for L-mount — flagship optical quality at a fraction of what Leica or Panasonic charge for native glass.
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 | 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £699 | £699 |
| Sensor | — | f/1.4 (max aperture) |
| Video | Compatible with all Nikon Z-mount cameras | 85cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | Stepping motor (STM) — near-silent for stills and video | High-speed stepping motor (HLA) — fast and near-silent |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body IBIS) | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | — | N/A |
| Battery Life | — | N/A |
| Weight | 470g | 625g |
| Dimensions | 75mm × 99mm | 82.8mm diameter × 96.5mm 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 | 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Video | — | |
| Street | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — |
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