Z 85mm F1.8 S

Reviewer verdict

Across 23 YouTube reviews, the Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S earns an Index score of 3.9/5, ranking #12 among Lenses. Reviewers most often praise its build quality, image quality, autofocus, while the most common criticisms concern build quality, image quality.

Reviewers consistently praise the Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S for its outstanding optical performance, delivering exceptional sharpness from the center to the edges, even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. It renders smooth, creamy bokeh that provides excellent subject separation, often compared favorably to more expensive f/1.4 lenses. The autofocus system, powered by a quiet stepping motor, is fast, accurate, and reliable, making it ideal for both portrait stills and video work where smooth transitions are crucial. This impressive performance is housed in a solid, weather-sealed S-line body that remains relatively lightweight and compact, offering photographers a versatile and high-value portrait lens for the Z system.

While optically excellent, the lens faces criticism for its price, which many reviewers consider high for an f/1.8 prime, especially compared to its older F-mount equivalent. A significant drawback for videographers is the noticeable focus breathing, which can be distracting during focus pulls. Other mentioned weaknesses include the lack of in-lens optical stabilization, relying entirely on the camera's IBIS, and some minor optical issues like vignetting at wide apertures and a cat's-eye effect in the bokeh towards the corners. The build, while solid, is noted for its plastic lens hood that feels less premium than the lens body.

Analysis based on 23 YouTube reviews (3h 38m of video) with 251 pros and 94 cons extracted.

Pros (251)

Cons (94)

Review sources

• Review: Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S - Solid & Reliable 24 pros, 9 cons
• Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens REVIEW | LASER SHARP, But… by Jared Polin — 19 pros, 6 cons
• Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S In-Depth Review by Richard Wong — 17 pros, 5 cons
• The Portrait King? NIKON Z 85mm f1.8 S Lens | Full Review by Pav SZ — 18 pros, 4 cons
• Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S Review: Above its Class! Tested on Z9 by ZP Productions — 11 pros, 8 cons
• Best Value Nikon Z lens? - Viltrox 85mm f1.8 Review by Matt Granger — 13 pros, 5 cons
• NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 | lens review testet on the NIKON Z7 by the daniel life — 11 pros, 6 cons
• Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8: Nikon Z Reconsidered by Three Blind Men and An Elephant — 12 pros, 5 cons
• Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S Review (for Nikon Z-mount ML FF bodies) by frederikboving — 8 pros, 8 cons
• NIKON Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens Review | The 85mm for NIKON Z8 Users? by David Lopez — 13 pros, 2 cons
• NIKON 85mm 1.8 S 👀✨Lens Review w/ SAMPLE IMAGES #nikon 13 pros, 1 cons
• Nikon 85mm 1.8 S Portrait Lens Review in 2021 - Tested with the Nikon Z7 II by Hamer Reviews — 11 pros, 3 cons
• Reviewing The Nikon Z 85mm 1.8 S | Nikon's Perfect Portrait Lens? 10 pros, 4 cons
• We review the new Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Prime Lens. It's Fantastic! by Leigh & Raymond Photography — 11 pros, 2 cons
• Nikon (Nikkor) Z 85mm f/1.8s - Unboxing and first impressions! 8 pros, 4 cons
• Test Shooting the Nikkor Z Series 85mm/1.8 I Jason Halayko Photography by Jason Halayko Photography — 9 pros, 2 cons
• The Best Budget Nikon Z Portrait Lenses by Joseph Nuzzo — 8 pros, 2 cons
• Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S First Impressions 7 pros, 3 cons
• Viltrox Beats Nikon At Its Own Game (85mm f1.4 Pro Lens) by Camera Conspiracies — 5 pros, 5 cons
• Nikon’s Answer to APO lenses? by Bokeh Therapy with Jack Wang — 6 pros, 3 cons
• Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens - Review with Stefan Gosatti by Camera Electronic — 9 pros, 0 cons
• Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 QUICK LOOK ! by Ricci Talks — 5 pros, 3 cons
• 5 Nikon 85mm Portrait Lenses: $300 to $2,200 (Review) by Tony & Chelsea Northrup — 3 pros, 4 cons

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