Buying a Nikkor Z 85/1.8 S has proven to be rewarding. Adding an 85 to a set of five other Nikkor Zs ( 24-120 f/4 S, 26 f/2.8, 40 f/2, 50 f/1.2 S, MC 105 VR f/2.8 S) was a decision made after taking stock of how I use those lenses. That led to asking what additional lens, if any, would best help me take the photos I most enjoy making. Sure, the 24-120 can be set to 85mm. But the downside of that, for me, is the 24-120’s smaller maximum aperture and the constraints that can impose on shutter speed and bokeh. Also, I prefer to use prime lenses. Nonetheless, the 24-120 is superb for a one-lens outing and I am very glad I have one.So why an 85? I primarily shoot portraits, flowers, landscapes, and street. I also take a LOT of pictures of my kitty, Ginger. Both my 50 and 105 render excellent images. However, the 50 can sometimes be too wide so that I have to step forward to constrain its coverage. Inversely, the 105 can be so narrow that I have to step back. The rub here is not having to reposition myself but, rather, that it is not always possible. For example, when in a garden I don’t like stepping on plants just to frame a photo. Having several prime lenses takes care of that issue with the 85mm field of view making a good intermediate option. Plus, an 85mm lens renders remarkably complimentary portraits and is otherwise useful for general photography..Umpteen technical reviews rate the Nikkor 85 1.8 S as a superb lens. Likewise, the 85 f/1.2 S. Reviews tend to give the 1.2 an edge over the 1.8 but, for my use, the difference is not enough to counterbalance the 1.2’s cost, size, and weight. The 85 f/1.8 delights me to the point it is pushing to become my favorite lens. Using my Z 7II to mount my other lenses, the 85 has been on my Zf since it arrived and I have used it almost daily between then and now. I favor especially its field of view, acuity, quick focus, color rendition, size, and weight. Images rendered by the 85 f1.8 glide smoothly between foreground, sharp focus, and background. This smooth glide caters to outstanding subject isolation and pleasing bokeh..Photos (all Nikon Zf + Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S @ 1.8): 1) Ginger sitting tall; 2) Ginger surveying her neighborhood; 3) Are you taking my picture again?; 4) Ginger keeps an eye out over her front yard; 5) A look at DOF fall-off with African coffee (a delicious gift my daughter purchased while on a photo safari.

Headshots are a large part of my business and since transitioning into the Z system I was excited to get the 85mm 1.8 S lens and it did not disappoint. I have never experienced a lens so ridiculously sharp at the widest aperture. That kind of sharpness against the beautiful smooth bokeh is magic. For a lens that performs this well and is compact, light weight and reasonably priced makes it a must have.

Excellent and very sharp lens for portraiture :)I fully recommend it to any portrait photographer.

This is a solid lens for portraits for a reasonable price, considering it falls into Nikon's S line of lenses. The bokeh is outstanding, and the focus is razor sharp if used properly. Eventually I may upgrade to the 85mm f1.2, since I bought this right before it was announced. But in the meantime, I'm more than happy to use this one on shoots.

Ett väldigt skarpt och gediget byggt objektiv.

This is my new baby. It is by far my favorite lens if I am photographing a singular person. The bokeh is phenomenal with that wide aperture. The lens itself is small enough and light enough to take on those fast photoshoots when you're running around downtown and have to move out of the street quick. I love it! Another great tool to keep in your camera bag!

I picked up this lens after reading how highly reviewed it was. I was previously using the 85mm 1.8 g (f-mount) version. The results were great, so I was skeptical as to how it could improve much.

I am blown away by the level of sharpness the 1.8s renders. This is an incredible lens.

I absolutely love this lens. Coupled with the Z7, it is magical!

I love 85mm for its background compression. I have owned the AFS 85mm f/1.4E for years and loved it, but, I sold it a week after shooting with the Z 85mm f/1.8 S! I was doing a shoot for a family at their home and was switching between the two 85's. When I got the pictures in the computer for editing I was amazed. Shocked, honestly, at the color rendition of the Z 85, its clarity, acuity, bokeh, and sharpness. it was visibly better than the f/1.4. I love the 85 1.4 (and still have the 105mm f/1.4E) but one session with the Z 85 and I was genuinely converted with no regrets. Plus, this little 85 is small enough to do street photography, travel, just about anything and still be fairly inconspicuous.