After I began as a photographer within the DSLR period, a f/1.2 lens was an actual unicorn.
(They existed, however few used them as they had been gradual to focus and never correct in focusing both.)
This has all modified within the mirrorless period, as one can buy total strains of quick and correct f/1.2 lenses.
They’re as giant and expensive as ever, however their distinctive rendering can set knowledgeable photographer aside.
Extremely Really helpful
Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens
Sharp, quick and sturdy. A lens that creates unimaginable 3D-like picture rendering like no different.
I not too long ago used the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens for a maternity portrait session, a marriage, and a fast-paced occasion.
These are three situations the place a quick lens comparable to this will shine. Let’s see if the additional weight, measurement, and price are value it.
Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens Specs
Execs
- Sharp vast open
- Fast and correct autofocus
- Extremely gentle bokeh
- Lovely 3-D like picture rendering
- Operate buttons and management rings
- No chromatic aberration
Cons
- A really giant lens (particularly with lens hood hooked up)
- A heavy lens
- Worth
- Most Aperture – f/1.2
- Minimal Aperture – f/16
- Lens Mount – Nikon Z
- Minimal Focus Distance – 33.46″ / 0.85 m
- Optical Design – 15 Components in 10 Teams
- Diaphragm Blades – 11, Rounded
- Picture Stabilization – No
- Filter Dimension – 82 mm (Entrance)
- Dimensions – (ø x L) 4 x 5.6″ / 102.5 x 141.5 mm
- Weight – 2.6 lb / 1160 g
Construct & Ergonomics
The Nikon 85mm f/1.2 is a part of the S sequence of lenses, which suggests it’s of superior high quality, together with the construct. I did really feel I may use it as a weapon ought to friends at one in every of my weddings determine to assault.
If it had been raining at an occasion I used to be photographing, I’d don’t have any downside utilizing this weather-sealed skilled lens within the components.
This powerful construct high quality (and a most aperture of f/1.2) comes at a value to the person within the measurement and weight of the lens.
As soon as a hood is hooked up, you might be near strolling round with a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens hooked up to your digital camera.
Most of the Nikon S sequence lenses have a show button, exhibiting the person a digital readout of aperture, focus distance, and extra.
The Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens doesn’t have this show, which is an efficient factor because it retains measurement and price down.
There’s a easy auto-to-manual focus swap and a management ring that may be programmed to numerous features by way of the digital camera menu.
Focus Efficiency
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/250 / f/1.2 ISO 800
I discovered the autofocus efficiency of the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens to be lightning-fast in all lighting situations. I usually take candid response pictures at marriage ceremony receptions in dim lighting, and this lens didn’t falter.
This speedy AF efficiency is as a result of two focusing lens teams, which additionally permits exact accuracy.
I briefly turned on video mode and located no focus respiration. This, together with the attractive bokeh, lens management ring, and clean guide focus ring, will make this a preferred lens for videographers.
Picture High quality
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/320 / f/1.2 ISO 100
The Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens is within the class of a portrait lens, and after utilizing it for a maternity session, I used to be blown away by the excellent picture high quality. I’ve used the excellent Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S Lens, however this one has one thing particular in its rendering.
I couldn’t detect any chromatic aberration in backlit conditions, and the bokeh is beautiful.
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/1000 / f/1.2 ISO 100
I acknowledged at first about f/1.2 lenses not being absolutely utilized within the DSLR period, however this now not applies to trendy mirrorless lenses comparable to this.
You’ll shoot the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens or any of its siblings, such because the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 S Lens, vast open with no compromises in picture high quality or lens efficiency.
The Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens Pattern Photographs
Some pattern photos had been taken with the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens, utilizing a Nikon Z 9.
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/320 / f/1.2 ISO 100
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/200 / f/1.2 ISO 100
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/4000 / f/1.2 ISO 100
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/3200 / f/1.2 ISO 100
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/160 / f/1.2 ISO 400
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.6 | 1/1000 / f/1.2 ISO 1250
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/500 / f/1.2 ISO 1250
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/4000 / f/1.2 ISO 100
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/320 / f/1.2 ISO 100
Nikon Z 9 + Nikon 85mm f/1.2 | 1/2000 / f/1.2 ISO 100
How I Examined The Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens
The Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens can be utilized on any of the Z mount digital camera our bodies, however contemplating its measurement and premium optics, it’s geared towards cameras just like the Nikon Z 8 and the Nikon Z 9, which I mounted it onto.
I used it for a maternity portrait shoot by which I wished to melt the backgrounds and the pores and skin of my topic. The occasion I shot wanted fast autofocus, and the cluttered backgrounds wanted to be obliterated.
Lastly, this skilled portrait lens can be good for weddings, and I used it at a wine winery ceremony and reception for a strong 10 hours straight. It excelled in any respect the duties I had it carry out, from low-light candids to bridal portraits to ceremony photojournalism.
I had no downside handholding the lens on the occasion and portrait session, however in direction of the tip of the lengthy marriage ceremony day, I started to really feel the load of the lens. I’m conditioned for this, however maintain this in thoughts when you use the lens for lengthy shoots.
Alternate options
The principle competitor to the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S lens is the smaller and far lighter Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens.
Though I haven’t reviewed this different portrait lens, I’ve used it, and it’s wonderful in picture high quality, though not fairly as quick focusing because the f/1.2 model.
In case you are a professional making a living taking pictures portraits or an fanatic who needs one of the best, then the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens is the one you need.
If the worth places you off, however you continue to need an ultra-fast portrait lens in your Z-mount digital camera, take into account the F-mount Nikon 105mm f/1.4 E lens.
I presently personal and use this lens on my Nikon Z 9 with the FTZ II adapter and it really works flawlessly and has nice character and a bit extra attain, though it’s a hair slower at focusing than this native Z mount portrait lens.
The Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 lens for Z mount can be obtainable for a a lot cheaper price level.
Worth for Cash
At round $2700, the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens is definitely not cheap. One must be very severe about their images to buy one.
If one of the best of one of the best is what you require, then this quick portrait lens is of worth to you. In case you are a working skilled incomes an revenue from portraits, occasions, and weddings, that is the native Z mount lens you could have been ready for.
Whereas expensive, the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens does are available in for lower than the Canon RF 85.
FAQ’s
What makes this a Nikon S lens?
It’s a mixture of options. The optical formulation consists of an anti-reflective coating, a nanocrystal coat, two focusing lens teams, features buttons, and extra.
How does the background blur look?
This lens produces clean and round bokeh with putting but gradual depth.
Why is that this lens a lot costlier than the f/1.8 model?
The improved optical efficiency mixed with a quick aperture makes this a coveted Nikkor lens for portrait photographers.
Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens Overview | Conclusion
On the finish of the day, the promoting level for this S line prime lens goes past the wonderful light-gathering functionality, the gorgeous bokeh, shallow depth, and spectacular sharpness; it comes all the way down to the excellent optical efficiency.
It has one thing throughout the photos it produces that makes it a particular lens for portrait images.
This Z 85mm f 1.2 s lens might be a Nikkor traditional. I can blather on about optical building and correct operation, however wanting on the photos it produces, will inform you whether or not or not you need to buy this Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm lens. I think the reply might be sure.
For me, one other traditional Nikkor lens, the Nikon 105mm F/1.4 E lens by way of adapter will suffice till a local Z mount model seems or till the seduction of unimaginable picture high quality of the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens overcomes me.
Extremely Really helpful
Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S Lens
Sharp, quick and sturdy. A lens that creates unimaginable 3D-like picture rendering like no different.