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Archive 2019Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
p.3 #1Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
What you think is likely not what the majority thinks and that is ok. 70-200 probably right around the corner before year end.
elkhornsun wrote:
It seems quite odd that after Nikon stated that with the new Z mount it would be easier to produce faster lenses that they come out with a 85mm f/1.8 lens. I guess what can be done and what they think the Z camera buyers will pay for a lens are quite different.
For portrait work my favorite lens is the Nikon 105mm f/3 DC followed by the 70-200mm f/2.8 followed by the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 IS. I find the 85mm too short in terms of the perspective it provides for people's faces. Not that the 85mm is bad, just...Show more →
elkhornsun wrote:
It seems quite odd that after Nikon stated that with the new Z mount it would be easier to produce faster lenses that they come out with a 85mm f/1.8 lens. I guess what can be done and what they think the Z camera buyers will pay for a lens are quite different.
For portrait work my favorite lens is the Nikon 105mm f/3 DC followed by the 70-200mm f/2.8 followed by the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 IS. I find the 85mm too short in terms of the perspective it provides for people's faces. Not that the 85mm is bad, just...Show more →
Aug 06, 2019 at 05:15 PM
p.3 #3Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
has anyone heard ANYTHING?
Sep 04, 2019 at 09:25 AM
p.3 #4Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
I hope it starts shipping tomorrow as planed. I look forward to this lens. If I trust my eyes (and Nikon MTF), this is one of best if not the best Lens I ever saw in this range.
Very high performance without using ASPH element to maximize Bokeh performance but wtih 2 ED take care of CA. The lens design diagram is extreme similar to latest Leica SL Summicron (5K a piece but without peer in performance). The design fully utilize the big mount size with last 'big' element close to mount.
At this level, it is never about just sharpness, the overall performance bar set is very high here, even more so than 50S.
Very high performance without using ASPH element to maximize Bokeh performance but wtih 2 ED take care of CA. The lens design diagram is extreme similar to latest Leica SL Summicron (5K a piece but without peer in performance). The design fully utilize the big mount size with last 'big' element close to mount.
At this level, it is never about just sharpness, the overall performance bar set is very high here, even more so than 50S.
Sep 04, 2019 at 12:36 PM
p.3 #5Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
I ordered within minutes preorder became available and I haven't heard anything from BH yet.
Sep 04, 2019 at 02:12 PM
p.3 #6Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Mine will be available tomorrow but will have to wait till next week Friday to collect it as leave tomorrow early morning on a business trip. Looking forward putting that lens to the test 
Sep 04, 2019 at 02:34 PM
p.3 #7Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
as I mentioned early in this thread, IIRC...
I preordered as well.
I am NPS and submitted priority delivery.
I have a wedding next weekend. and would love a week to use it at portrait sessions before the big day.
I asked nps when they anticipate shipping.
they said mid month. I pushed them further, saying they originally said 9/5.
no reply.
so I am hoping for the best, but expecting this to be another week out. I hope I'm wrong though!!!
I'll let you know if I hear anything!
I preordered as well.
I am NPS and submitted priority delivery.
I have a wedding next weekend. and would love a week to use it at portrait sessions before the big day.
I asked nps when they anticipate shipping.
they said mid month. I pushed them further, saying they originally said 9/5.
no reply.
so I am hoping for the best, but expecting this to be another week out. I hope I'm wrong though!!!
I'll let you know if I hear anything!
Sep 04, 2019 at 02:36 PM
p.3 #8Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
I see a rumor
“ calumetphoto (germany) lists the 85 now for the 12th “
“ calumetphoto (germany) lists the 85 now for the 12th “
Sep 04, 2019 at 05:51 PM
p.3 #9Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
p1#12 - agree with every word.
It's a new age lens, something very different from what all have used in the past, and a fair price for what it offers. Decent mirrorless-friendly weight for its complexity. LoCA was a problem with the G series. The focus ring may be problematic. Smart move to create a family look and feel.
[Clients don't know if they don't see something better, so their standards are different. They will always be behind what the informed photographer knows, from the industry moves they keep up with.]
It's a new age lens, something very different from what all have used in the past, and a fair price for what it offers. Decent mirrorless-friendly weight for its complexity. LoCA was a problem with the G series. The focus ring may be problematic. Smart move to create a family look and feel.
[Clients don't know if they don't see something better, so their standards are different. They will always be behind what the informed photographer knows, from the industry moves they keep up with.]
Sep 04, 2019 at 06:42 PM
p.3 #10Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Lance B wrote:
But do you really think a Z6 + 85 f1.8S will yield optically identical results as the D750 + 85 f1.8G?
Mostly, the main difference being the lack of IBIS in D750.
Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures, and/or less focus shift, but we have to wait for extensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons, to be performed using the same subject and lighting conditions, before drawing meaningful conclusions.
See: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-85mm-f1-8g/4 and
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814
Lance B wrote:
If so, then it isn't obviously for you and maybe you would be happy enough with a phone camera ...
Lance, I don't understand why you're offending ronno by saying that he could be happy even with a phone camera. Indeed, it's obvious that i) a smartphone can never produce large prints as good as D750+85/1.8G's (no test is necessary to prove it; it's evident to any average-skilled photographer), and ii) said combo is quite good and able to produce excellent images (link). Unless the 85/1.8G became a lemon the day the 85/1.8Z was announced ...
But do you really think a Z6 + 85 f1.8S will yield optically identical results as the D750 + 85 f1.8G?
Mostly, the main difference being the lack of IBIS in D750.
Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures, and/or less focus shift, but we have to wait for extensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons, to be performed using the same subject and lighting conditions, before drawing meaningful conclusions.
See: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-85mm-f1-8g/4 and
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814
Lance B wrote:
If so, then it isn't obviously for you and maybe you would be happy enough with a phone camera ...
Lance, I don't understand why you're offending ronno by saying that he could be happy even with a phone camera. Indeed, it's obvious that i) a smartphone can never produce large prints as good as D750+85/1.8G's (no test is necessary to prove it; it's evident to any average-skilled photographer), and ii) said combo is quite good and able to produce excellent images (link). Unless the 85/1.8G became a lemon the day the 85/1.8Z was announced ...
Sep 05, 2019 at 01:10 AM
p.3 #11Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Ripolini wrote:
Mostly, the main difference being the lack of IBIS in D750.
Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures, and/or less focus shift, but we have to wait for extensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons, to be performed using the same subject and lighting conditions, before drawing meaningful conclusions.
See: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-85mm-f1-8g/4 and
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814
Exactly. So, how can he make the statement that they will yield the same results. However, the facts are, the Z lenses have shown that they are superior to their F mount counterparts.
Lance, I don't understand why you're offending ronno by saying that he could be happy even with a phone camera. Indeed, it's obvious that i) a smartphone can never produce large prints as good as D750+85/1.8G's (no test is necessary to prove it; it's evident to any average-skilled photographer), and ii) said combo is quite good and able to produce excellent images (link). Unless the 85/1.8G became a lemon the day the 85/1.8Z was announced ...
The issue here is he is trying to impart what he feels is good enough on the rest of us and he seems to be happy with lesser quality, yet some of us strive for every bit of extra quality and this is what the Z6/7 + 85 f1.8S will show over the D750 + 85 f1.8G.
Lance B wrote
But do you really think a Z6 + 85 f1.8S will yield optically identical results as the D750 + 85 f1.8G?Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures, and/or less focus shift, but we have to wait for extensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons, to be performed using the same subject and lighting conditions, before drawing meaningful conclusions.
See: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-85mm-f1-8g/4 and
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814
Exactly. So, how can he make the statement that they will yield the same results. However, the facts are, the Z lenses have shown that they are superior to their F mount counterparts.
Lance B wrote
If so, then it isn't obviously for you and maybe you would be happy enough with a phone camera ...The issue here is he is trying to impart what he feels is good enough on the rest of us and he seems to be happy with lesser quality, yet some of us strive for every bit of extra quality and this is what the Z6/7 + 85 f1.8S will show over the D750 + 85 f1.8G.
Sep 05, 2019 at 02:10 AM
p.3 #12Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Ripolini wrote:
Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures
While this is not a perfectly well executed comparison, the difference, as expected, is stark enough that you can scratch the "probably" in the sentence above :
https://www.fotopolis.pl/testy/obiektywy/32660-nikkor-z-85-mm-f-1-8-s-pierwsze-wrazenia-i-zdjecia-przykladowe
Possibly a big difference in terms of flare / glare as well.
Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures
While this is not a perfectly well executed comparison, the difference, as expected, is stark enough that you can scratch the "probably" in the sentence above :
https://www.fotopolis.pl/testy/obiektywy/32660-nikkor-z-85-mm-f-1-8-s-pierwsze-wrazenia-i-zdjecia-przykladowe
Possibly a big difference in terms of flare / glare as well.
Sep 05, 2019 at 02:21 AM
p.3 #13Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
I had the 85mm f/1.8G with a D500 and D750, with both bodies I felt the G version was slow to acquire focus and would not always get the eyes in focus with the way I shoot. I bought the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC when it was first released hoping it would solve the issues I was having with the 85 1.8G and not only did it solve the speed and accuracy issues I also preferred the color and how it rendered bokeh better as well. Last year I had the opportunity to use a Nikon 105mm f/1.4E lens and was extremely impressed with accuracy, color and bokeh, granted it is a longer focal length and larger aperture, but I am hoping the new Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens might bridge "the best of both worlds". It's not as long and not as fast as the 105E but from what I've seen in the 35 and 50 S lenses, those seem to render beautifully and "look" better than their G counterparts. I just picked up a Z6 with FTZ and the Tamron 85 works great on it, but with the FTZ it does make the combo pretty long so I am very interested in the new 85 1.8 S but will wait to see more comparisons.
Sep 05, 2019 at 08:15 AM
p.3 #14Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Dj R wrote:
still too much glass, but I enjoy them.
I think a high percentage of forum readers here (me included) can agree with this statement.
still too much glass, but I enjoy them.
I think a high percentage of forum readers here (me included) can agree with this statement.
Sep 05, 2019 at 08:56 AM
p.3 #15Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
I had 85mm 1.8 twice. It offer great sharpness and smooth neutral bokeh.
However it has following issue
1. CA performance is poor as many old 85mm lenses
2. Mid- long distance focus error especially at back light condition. This error could be from LoCA that different color focus at different plate.
3.color reproduction and flare. This is from coating used. I found this is also the difference you will see when compare with budget f1.8 lens to f1.4 top of line glass from any manufacture.
So technical speaking, 85S will solve all here. The early Nikon samples actually are very telling. They chose very challenge condition to show off the quality of this lens.
If you are happy with 85G performance, you certainly have good reason to do so. But I have to say difference is not small and worth every penny.
Ripolini wrote:
Mostly, the main difference being the lack of IBIS in D750.
Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures, and/or less focus shift, but we have to wait for extensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons, to be performed using the same subject and lighting conditions, before drawing meaningful conclusions.
See: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-85mm-f1-8g/4 and
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814
Lance, I don't understand why you're offending ronno by saying that he could be happy even with a phone camera. Indeed, it's obvious that i) a smartphone can never produce large prints as good as D750+85/1.8G's (no test is necessary to prove it; it's evident to any...Show more →
However it has following issue
1. CA performance is poor as many old 85mm lenses
2. Mid- long distance focus error especially at back light condition. This error could be from LoCA that different color focus at different plate.
3.color reproduction and flare. This is from coating used. I found this is also the difference you will see when compare with budget f1.8 lens to f1.4 top of line glass from any manufacture.
So technical speaking, 85S will solve all here. The early Nikon samples actually are very telling. They chose very challenge condition to show off the quality of this lens.
If you are happy with 85G performance, you certainly have good reason to do so. But I have to say difference is not small and worth every penny.
Ripolini wrote:
Lance B wrote
But do you really think a Z6 + 85 f1.8S will yield optically identical results as the D750 + 85 f1.8G?Probably the 85/1.8 Z will show less LoCA at the wider apertures, and/or less focus shift, but we have to wait for extensive reviews and side-by-side comparisons, to be performed using the same subject and lighting conditions, before drawing meaningful conclusions.
See: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-85mm-f1-8g/4 and
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-mounted-on-Nikon-D800E__814
Lance B wrote
If so, then it isn't obviously for you and maybe you would be happy enough with a phone camera ...Sep 05, 2019 at 09:18 AM
p.3 #16Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Well if the newly leaked roadmap posted on Nikonrumors is accurate, I think the 85mm 1.8 S will suffice for now, and in two years a 105mm 1.8 S is in the works that should be amazing. Though I wish they'd swap the 135 and 105 dates out, would rather see the 105 next year 
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| https://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nikon-Nikkor-Z-S-Line-lens-roadmap.jpg | ||
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Sep 05, 2019 at 09:28 AM
p.3 #17Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
As expected, they (same as canon) bypass the f1.4 to show off capability.
wjmeyer wrote:
Well if the newly leaked roadmap posted on Nikonrumors is accurate, I think the 85mm 1.8 S will suffice for now, and in two years a 105mm 1.8 S is in the works that should be amazing. Though I wish they'd swap the 135 and 105 dates out, would rather see the 105 next year
https://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nikon-Nikkor-Z-S-Line-lens-roadmap.jpg
wjmeyer wrote:
Well if the newly leaked roadmap posted on Nikonrumors is accurate, I think the 85mm 1.8 S will suffice for now, and in two years a 105mm 1.8 S is in the works that should be amazing. Though I wish they'd swap the 135 and 105 dates out, would rather see the 105 next year
https://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nikon-Nikkor-Z-S-Line-lens-roadmap.jpg
Sep 05, 2019 at 09:34 AM
p.3 #18Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
Lance B wrote:
Exactly. So, how can he make the statement that they will yield the same results.
It much depends on what do you mean with the term "results".
If a couple-of-pixels less LoCA or a barely visible (on 24 Mpix sensor) focus shift (in prints!) at closer apertures are "results" well probably he's right
I mean, if the focus shift is a problem, if the flare is horrible, if the focus accuracy is poor, if LoCA is huge, well let's all admit here that the 85/1.8G is a lemon, and that Nikon sells 500 US $ lemons.
Disclaimer: I do not own the 85G, however my 100/2 Makro-Planar suffers from LoCA at the wider aperture (it's not an apochromatic design, and I think the same holds for the 85Z) but I do not consider it a lemon
Lance B wrote:
However, the facts are, the Z lenses have shown that they are superior to their F mount counterparts.
True. However, the only prime Z lens that impressed me is the 50/1.8. The 35/1.8 is a good lens, nothing special.
The list price gap between Z & G lenses is similar for 35 and 85 mm (the Z versions cost roughly 50 % more than G lenses).
The 50/1.8 Z price is 300 % more than the G AF-S version, and therefore it MUST be significantly better ...
Finally, consider that a lens designed for 45 Mpix sensor will be probably sensor limited on Z6. And ronno was referring to 24 Mpix bodies. Therefore, it is not completely crazy to assume that the combos he mentioned do perform rather similarly. Will the Z6+85Z show better "practical" performance? Probably not, but some difference will be visible when pixel-peeping.
Lance B wrote:
The issue here is he is trying to impart what he feels is good enough on the rest of us and he seems to be happy with lesser quality, yet some of us strive for every bit of extra quality and this is what the Z6/7 + 85 f1.8S will show over the D750 + 85 f1.8G.
If some of you strive for every bit of tiny incremental quality, this is fine but does not authorize you to say that he will be happy with the quality of a phone camera. Unless you prefer war to peace. Make love not war
Edited on Sep 05, 2019 at 10:00 AM · View previous versions
Exactly. So, how can he make the statement that they will yield the same results.
It much depends on what do you mean with the term "results".
If a couple-of-pixels less LoCA or a barely visible (on 24 Mpix sensor) focus shift (in prints!) at closer apertures are "results" well probably he's right
I mean, if the focus shift is a problem, if the flare is horrible, if the focus accuracy is poor, if LoCA is huge, well let's all admit here that the 85/1.8G is a lemon, and that Nikon sells 500 US $ lemons.
Disclaimer: I do not own the 85G, however my 100/2 Makro-Planar suffers from LoCA at the wider aperture (it's not an apochromatic design, and I think the same holds for the 85Z) but I do not consider it a lemon
Lance B wrote:
However, the facts are, the Z lenses have shown that they are superior to their F mount counterparts.
True. However, the only prime Z lens that impressed me is the 50/1.8. The 35/1.8 is a good lens, nothing special.
The list price gap between Z & G lenses is similar for 35 and 85 mm (the Z versions cost roughly 50 % more than G lenses).
The 50/1.8 Z price is 300 % more than the G AF-S version, and therefore it MUST be significantly better ...
Finally, consider that a lens designed for 45 Mpix sensor will be probably sensor limited on Z6. And ronno was referring to 24 Mpix bodies. Therefore, it is not completely crazy to assume that the combos he mentioned do perform rather similarly. Will the Z6+85Z show better "practical" performance? Probably not, but some difference will be visible when pixel-peeping.
Lance B wrote:
The issue here is he is trying to impart what he feels is good enough on the rest of us and he seems to be happy with lesser quality, yet some of us strive for every bit of extra quality and this is what the Z6/7 + 85 f1.8S will show over the D750 + 85 f1.8G.
If some of you strive for every bit of tiny incremental quality, this is fine but does not authorize you to say that he will be happy with the quality of a phone camera. Unless you prefer war to peace. Make love not war
Edited on Sep 05, 2019 at 10:00 AM · View previous versions
Sep 05, 2019 at 09:44 AM
p.3 #19Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
35mm S is way underrated glass. It is actually one of best 35mm out there and definitely qualify as best Nikon 35mm.
It is really the question is it better? Or does it matter to you? You won’t see night and day difference anymore compare 300 to 800 to 2000 lenses. However, to differentiate high class glass to budget one, nowdays you mainly see coating/flare, CA/APO, corner performance include sharpness and out of focus area look, rendering/bokeh, and AF motor used for AF glasses. all can be easily see in 24M files.
The performance return will be diminished as any product.
If 85G users are happy, i can understand and I don’t see the need to defend their choice.
Edited on Sep 05, 2019 at 10:00 AM · View previous versions
It is really the question is it better? Or does it matter to you? You won’t see night and day difference anymore compare 300 to 800 to 2000 lenses. However, to differentiate high class glass to budget one, nowdays you mainly see coating/flare, CA/APO, corner performance include sharpness and out of focus area look, rendering/bokeh, and AF motor used for AF glasses. all can be easily see in 24M files.
The performance return will be diminished as any product.
If 85G users are happy, i can understand and I don’t see the need to defend their choice.
Edited on Sep 05, 2019 at 10:00 AM · View previous versions
Sep 05, 2019 at 09:57 AM
p.3 #20Pre-order: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens ($796.95)
zhangyue, I agree with you.
In my previous post I gave a link to pictures taken with the 85G. Those pictures speak more than thousands words.
Edited on Sep 05, 2019 at 10:03 AM · View previous versions
In my previous post I gave a link to pictures taken with the 85G. Those pictures speak more than thousands words.
Edited on Sep 05, 2019 at 10:03 AM · View previous versions
Sep 05, 2019 at 09:59 AM