Nikon 85mm 1.2S : The Ultimate Portrait Lens For professional Photography

 The Nikon Z 85mm 1.2s is an outstanding lens for portrait photography. It becomes the second prime lens for Nikons full frame Z series mirrorless cameras with a bright focal ratio.It delivers the smoothest depth of any lens up to 135mm focal length.

Physically the Z 85mm 1.2s is much larger and quite heavier than the Z 85mm 1.8s. But not as heavy as the new Noct,the 58mm f/0.95.The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is certainly not for everyone but  if the price doesn’t discourage you,you can go for it. This is absolutely a specialty lens; it shines for portraits, of course, but also makes an incredible fine art lens for literally any subject. If you want to play with selective focus or work in extremely low light, then almost no other lens on the market comes close to this f/1.2..

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S Specifications

FOCAL LENGTH & ANGLE OF VIEW: 85mm, 18° 50′ angle of view

LENS MOUNT(S): Nikon Z (Full-frame mirrorless)

APERTURE & RANGE: f/1.2-16, 11 rounded blades

STABILIZATION: No

AUTOFOCUS: Dual-Motor STM AF

MANUAL FOCUS: Yes, electronically controlled, distance & DOF scale on LCD display

OPTICAL CONSTRUCTION: 15 elements in 10 groups, 2 aspherical, 1 ED elements, Nano crystal coating

MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION: Metal, fully weather-sealed

MAGNIFICATION & FOCUS DISTANCE: 0.11X magnification, 33.46 in. / 0.85 m closest focusing

FILTER THREADS & HOOD: 82mm filter threads, Locking plastic hood w/ rubber grip

SIZE: 4 x 5.6 in (102.5 x 141.5 mm)

WEIGHT: 2.6 lb (1160 g)

PRICE: $2800 ( depending on your region price can be higher or lower )

Portrait photography

If you love portrait photography then of course you know how valuable a good lens can be. But here a question might be in your head - which types of portraits might be optimal with an 85mm 1.2s in particular?.Portraits of just one or two subjects,of course as opposed to large group portraits.

Wedding photography?

This won't be a lens you reach for all the time at a wedding because its very heavy and not as snappy to focus as,say,the Nikon Z 70-200 mm with f 2.8.

Wildlife photography?

Sadly this 85 mm f/1.2 is by no means a high speed lens because there is just quite a bit of glass for the AF motors to push back and forth.The lens is using  dual STM stepping motors for focusing.

Lens profile:

The new Z-Nikkor comes with a lens profile which can be controlled from the camera. Vignette control offers the usual options of High, Normal, Low and Off. Diffraction compensation and Auto distortion control can be activated or deactivated.

Now the important question is 1.4 vs 1.2  doesn't sound like much of a difference .So is it worth paying an extra price for 1.2 ? Talking about the aperture,yes there is a difference . For example you are shooting at F6.3 and F5.8 you wont notice much of a difference. But when you are going towards the wider,say 1.2,1.4,1.8 this tiny changes in aperture can make the difference.When shooting in low light you realize how much of a difference can  1.2 actually make.

Shooting videos 

Let's talk about shooting video with this expensive lens. When you are using auto focus,,no issues,the auto focus is very silent.The silent autofocus really helps in addition to recording audio.

Should you buy this lens?

There is no doubt the lens is pretty expensive and it's not for everyone. If you are a professional photographer,you are into portrait,fashion.You can think of this as a long term investment.