Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S

Michael Topham puts the first 85mm prime for Nikon’s Z-mount cameras through its paces.

- Michael Topham

The arrival of the Z 50 into the expanding Z series was an ideal time for Nikon to reveal its plans for its lens line-up. The Z-mount roadmap tells us there will be another DX-format lens – an 18-140mm (equivalent to 27-210mm) – joining the two DX-format zooms released with the Z 50. Turning our attention to full-frame S-Line lenses, a 20mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.2 and 105mm Micro prime are in the pipeline, as are a 24-105mm and 100-400mm. Two compact primes (a 28mm and 40mm) are also on the way, as is a 24-200mm travel zoom and a 200-600mm supertele zoom.

While we’re certain Nikon will offer many faster primes in the future, just like the Z 50mm f/1.2 S that’ll sit above the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, there’s currently only one Z-mount prime at the popular 85mm focal length, and this is the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S.

Features

Before we study the optical construction, it should be pointed out that as a full-frame Z-mount lens, the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 is fully compatible with Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras as well as newer DXformat models, such as the Z 50, which feature a smaller APS-C size sensor. Coupled to the latter, it becomes a telephoto prime lens with a focal length equivalent to 127.5mm. With our review sample of the Nikon Z 50 yet to arrive, we opted to pair it with our long-term loan Nikon Z 7 body.

The optical formula consists of a fairly basic arrangement of 12 elements in eight groups. This includes a pair of ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements to help correct chromatic aberrations, which promises excellent sharpness and contrast, even when it’s used at its maximum aperture. Nikon has applied its Nano Crystal Coatings to eliminate internal reflections and reduce ghosting and flare. However, unlike the recently reviewed Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, it doesn’t feature Nikon’s latest ARNEO coating to compensate for light entering the lens from vertical angles.