NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 85mm portrait prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

Over the years I have used many, many short telephoto lenses and this one simply takes the cake as my favorite. It's tempting to think of this only as a portrait lens -- and it *shines* in that role (more in a bit) -- but this is a jack-of-all-trades that can be used for landscapes, cityscapes, event shooting, concerts, etc. etc. etc. Autofocus is quick and accurate on my Z7. Optically, the lens is stellar. It's just a joy to use. And yes, if you want to use this for portraits, you'll have a hard time topping it. The lens is sharp enough especially towards infinity where it's bitingly sharp. Crucially, though, in the portrait distance range, it's just soft enough to take the edge off of that sharpness to not be harsh. The bokeh is very, very pleasant but what makes it really shine is that the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus is just sooooo smooooth. It's about as graceful as the transition zone gets and it really serves to make your subject pop in ways that don't normally happen. There is a little cat's eye effect to out-of-focus specular highlights wide open, but this disappears quickly by stopping down. The aperture maintains a very circular opening at mid apertures so this helps keep the aforementioned good bokeh looking good even as you stop down. For portraits, I like to shoot this in the f2.2 to f4 range but for other subject matter, I honestly have no qualms about using it at any aperture. There may be other 85mm lenses that excel over this one at a certain style of photography (the Sony GM 85mm f1.4 is ever so slightly better at portraits, for example) but nothing I've used so far can compete with this Z lens as an all around short telephoto. So far I've been pleased with every Z lens I've purchased but this one is easily the most recommendable. Simply a stunning optic that you should run, not walk to buy. Very, very highly recommended.

So sharp, beautiful bokeh. Used for a portrait session and the results were great.

Such a solid choice for shooting portraiture, great focal length and tack sharp. Nikon blew it out of the water with this one!

You want to know why so many of us stick with Nikon? Try one of these new Z lenses and learn why. Nikon is simply making the best glass regardless of price. Combine that with their unmatched colors and overall IQ, and you've got the best system to invest in overall. I shoot with more than one system, not to mention Zeiss, Canon, Sigma ART and some Sony lenses. On my new Nikon Z7II, this 85mm prime is besting every other 85mm I own or have owned and it's not even going to be their top of the line. AF accuracy and speed is excellent, bokeh is beautiful and sharpness is stellar, surpassing my Sigma 85 ART 1.4. Basically this is exotic level performance, which is why it's priced higher than 1.8 lenses usually are. Though a F1.2 version is likely to be released, few will need anything more than this lens, which is also fairly compact and easy to handle. 100% professional level stuff with zero downsides. A must for Z system portrait work or fans of this focal length. Sony and Canon have very good 85mm lenses, but this is the winner, at least until the 1.2 is released!

Absolutely love this lens! No one beats Nikkor and their mirrorless lines for amazing quality gear. I have quite a mirrorless and Nikon Z lens collection already, and this one is my latest addition and quickly became a top 3 favorite. I bought the 50 f1.8, 35 f1.8, 24-120 f4, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, and 105 f1.8 macro before I bought this one. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d miss this one with my current lineup…but boy, was I wrong!!! This one is a beauty!! This lens’s portrait bokeh and background compression is exactly what I was missing!! I use it in family outdoor shoots and my own family’s back to school and Easter photos outside in front the of the house. I always get amazing photos of the family this way. It’s my go to for family mini sessions. I pair mine with a Z63. Where it shines: portrait photography, low light, dreamy bokeh! It really can’t be beat! Where it’s limited: 1. It has a limited reach for football sports photography. The fields are just too wide. I use my 70-200 f2.8 and love it for that use, even for night games. I’m about to try it for basketball in January 2026, so I’ll update my review then. I’m curious how it will perform on the smaller court. The 1.8 with no flash may be a big help in the gym low light conditions. I’m excited to give it a try! 2. Not great for tight spaces like indoors or boats and small patios. Indoors is super hard, especially with large groups because you have to stand so far back with an 85mm. 3. No zoom means you have to zoom with your feet or be ok doing lots of cropping during your editing sessions to get that perfect shot! If you’re deciding between the 1.2 and 1.8 versions, just consider your style of shooting. For street, action, lifestyle, wedding, event and family photography, you can rarely shoot in 1.2 because of its super narrow depth of field. Most photographers recommend shooting families or active littles in f4 so all the faces are sharp and in focus. I personally prefer having 2-3 different 1.8mm lenses in a variety of focal lengths over 1 more expensive 1.2mm lens. I love having the different lengths in my bag so I know I’m covered in a variety of different spaces for whatever the event throws my way. Photography is an art, and your gear is such a valuable tool! We are all so different. If you’re new and just starting your collection, definitely consider this one if taking portraits is on your list! I loved buying it from Amazon for the fast shipping and the perks using my Prime credit card! I love that 5% back they give you, and on big purchases like this, I love taking advantage of their 6-12 month 0% promos!! Amazon for the win!!

I bought this then sold it for a Voigtlander 65 apo but then bought this again and super happy i did. Very sharp at the edges, color great, very fast and accurate Auto focus. What can you say more about Nikkor. Actually have read that the 1.8S is sharper in the corners than the 1.4S which is more for portraits and center sharpness. super light just pleased

Amazing lenses!!!!

Purchased it for its ability to ISOLATE a subject surrounded by great bokeh. Very happy with this lens.

I’ve been very happy with this lens. The sharpness is excellent, autofocus is fast and reliable, and the background blur is beautiful and creamy. I use it not only for portraits, but also for fine-art detail work, and it renders subjects with a soft, elegant separation that makes images feel almost three-dimensional. My attached photo shows how beautifully it handles glass, reflections, and depth. Build quality feels solid, and the f/1.8 is plenty fast for low light. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a versatile prime lens.

Excellent lens. Fast and Low light, feel small and bit short than my 85 1.4g. Quality is excellent. 85 1.4g is much bokeh because of 1.4 but almost same in the naked eye. The only thing i like is there are no purple pringing in the backlit not like 85 1.4g. So if u have existing 1.4 and purple pringing is not an issue to you, no need to buy.

Got this beast of a lens on the Black Friday sales from Amazon direct as an authorised Nikon seller with Australian warranty (something I'm very careful about). 25% cheaper than my local camera shop and the best part (apart from obvious savings) - next day delivery!! Was told by the camera shop that I could pre-order for the premium price with no ETA...

Essa lente é muito boa , as fotos estão maravilhosas ! O vendedor foi muito rápido e o produto chegou perfeito

Últimamente trabajo solo con este objetivo me parece espectacular. Se nota la calidad y nivel pro, el autofoco no falla casi , 98% dispara en el enfocado. A lo mejor antes de comprar un objetivo tan caro hay que probar algo más porque es muy específico para los objetivos de trabajo concretos. Si sabes para que lo necesitas va a cumplir tus expectativas 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽