Diving into the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2, it’s important to note that I don’t typically shoot with an 85mm lens. My preference leans towards the 50mm range, with the Canon 50mm f/1.2 being one of my all-time favorites. I have spent some time with the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Z mount lens, which, despite its excellent performance, is notably larger and heavier than this 85 1.2!
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2, while also a large lens, pleasantly surprises with its lightness and balance… especially when mounted on a camera body. This is a stark contrast to the Nikon 50mm f/1.2, which, although it performs beautifully, can feel cumbersome, and front heavy due to its size and weight.
The overall design of the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 lens is fantastic… combining robust performance with a minimalistic design approach. The hardware of the lens is straightforward yet effective. It includes a customizable function button, customizable e-ring, and manual focus, which rounds out its hardware offerings. This simplicity is appreciated, as it avoids unnecessary complexity that could increase the size and weight of the lens.
