Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Announced February 7, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a remarkably sharp portrait prime that produces beautiful, creamy bokeh and impressive subject separation. Although it is a significant investment that is both physically large and heavy, the optical performance remains among the best in the system.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Beautifully rendered bokeh and subject separation
- Fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast across the frame
- Robust build quality with weather sealing and additional controls
Cons
- High price point compared to alternatives
- Very large, heavy, and bulky physical design
- Presence of focus breathing and flare issues
- Limited close-focus capabilities
- Launch price $2,799.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 85mm f/1.2
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 85 cm (0.11x)
- Filter thread 82mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 1160g (2 lb 8.9 oz) · 102.5 x 141.5 mm (4.04 x 5.57 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 25 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Z 85mm f1.2 S clearly produces the softest transition zone behind the point of focus and background blur – even a bit smoother than the Z Noct.
- OpticalLimits 8.5/10
The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S is beyond the budget of most mortals but if you are among the lucky ones who could afford it, it'll be a hot commodity.
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Its performance was impressive in almost every way, rivaling some of the best lenses that Nikon has ever made.
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If you’re somebody who shoots portraits – or other subjects that call out for an 85mm lens – this f/1.2 optic from Nikon is exceptional. But, then again, for the price it absolutely should be.
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The Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S-Line is often mentioned alongside the 50mm F1.8 S as being the two most special lenses in the lineup.
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[W]ell, although shooting with this lens gave me arm ache after a while, I ultimately didn't care because the results are so generally wonderful. This is definitely a very accomplished portrait lens.
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The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is one of the best portrait primes I’ve ever used. However, “sparing no expense” means exactly what you’d think!
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I used to use the 105mm f/1.4E for portraits on the DSLRs. The 85mm f/1.2 S certainly is a size substitute for it, and it’s just as mammoth on the front of your camera.
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For most people who crave the 85mm focal length, the already excellent f/1.8 version will most likely suffice for most scenarios. However, if you want the best of the best, the sharpest results and most beautiful bokeh, then the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens is simply superb.
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The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a practically perfect portrait lens in every way.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S lens offers a portrait-perfect focal length and gathers more light than a typical prime for exceptionally smooth backgrounds.
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[I]f you're someone who thinks the 50mm f/1.2 is ridiculous, then this is just insane and you should skip it.
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Sharp, fast and robust. A lens that creates incredible 3D-like image rendering like no other.
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In the 500 plus videos that I have put out since I started this channel, this is the best lens I have ever used, bar none.
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This Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S really is like a cheat code because all I'm doing, literally, is just pointing my camera at Bell and taking some shots, and it helps when you've got a model like Bell, obviously, but the lens is doing the rest.
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The Z 85mm f/1.2 is a huge, plasticy lens with great optics.
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I think this is generally the fastest portrait lens ever created.
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I’ve never enjoyed an 85mm lens quite as much and could imagine this being permanently attached to my camera body for virtually any occasion.
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To sum up this Nikon Z 85mm F1.2 review: this is a lens that delivers magic, yes, it might be big, heavy, and expensive — but the results are truly worth it on so many levels, I am just kicking myself I didn’t buy it sooner.
- Sam Hurd Photography 8.5/10
[T]his lens performs exceptionally well even without the need for a lens hood, capturing unique artifacts like that rainbow streak, which IMO can enhance creative compositions.
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[T]he lens performed as I expected.
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As we saw from the images, and of course the comparisons against the 50 1.2 and the 105 1.4, it's safe to say that this is the crown jewel of Nikon's lineup in terms of lenses right now.
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Yes, you're paying a lot of money; yes, it's very expensive, but you're getting one of the best lenses Nikon has ever made.
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The 85 is, as I said at the beginning, just one of those focal lengths that I personally must have in my camera bag, whether it be for my videography or photography, but I definitely recommend for anybody else.
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The value edition that you get with this lens is totally worth the price. I would switch from the 1.8 to the 1.2, so there you go. Hello new lens and welcome to my kit.
