As a full-time working photographer, I’ve always believed that the right lens can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Recently, I had the privilege of testing the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens on my trusty Nikon Z8 camera body. From food stalls in bustling markets to capturing dynamic city scenes, this lens accompanied me on a visual adventure. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experiences, delve into the lens’s performance, and explore its creative possibilities. Join me as we unlock the secrets behind dreamy bokeh, impeccable sharpness, and the art of storytelling through glass.
My experience using the 85mm f/1.2 on the Nikon Z8 for food and travel photography
Food Photography with the Nikon Z 85 f/1.2 S Lens
When I shoot food for a client, I usually gravitate towards a mid to telephoto prime lens with a wide aperture — which means something like a 50mm, a 85mm or a 105mm lens. My favourite focal length (and most used, according to my Lightroom catalog) is the 85mm lens. There’s something unique about this focal length that compresses the background just enough, it also has the ability to pin point your subject using the wide aperture while still having a smooth blurry background. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 obviously does that and even more.
Pros:
- Sharpness: The lens delivers exceptional sharpness, which is crucial for capturing the textures and details of food.
- Aperture: The wide f/1.2 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, making your dishes stand out against a beautifully blurred background.
- Low Light Performance: The lens performs well in low light, ideal for indoor settings or dimly lit restaurants.
Cons:
- Focal Length: While 85mm is great for detail shots, it might be too tight for capturing the entire table setup in smaller spaces.
- Minimum focusing distance: Considering your subject has to be from a distance of 0.85m and more, I ran into a few occasions where I couldn’t get as close as I wanted to the food I was photographing.
- Weight: The lens is on the heavier side, which could be a factor if you’re shooting handheld for extended periods.
Travel Photography with the Nikon Z 85 f/1.2 S Lens
Traveling with the Nikon Z 85 f/1.2 S lens is an adventure in visual storytelling. As a travel photographer, the quest for that perfect shot takes you from the golden hues of dawn to the soft glow of dusk. This lens, with its exceptional bokeh, transforms ordinary scenes into ethereal portraits and landscapes. The robust build quality withstands the elements, ensuring reliability wherever your journey leads. With the Nikon Z8’s IBIS compensating for the lack of VR on the lens, every spontaneous moment is captured with clarity. The creative freedom offered by the wide aperture range allows you to explore the depths of your artistry. Each frame is not just a picture, but a chapter of your travelogue, rendered in vivid detail by the Nikon Z 85 f/1.2 S lens.
Pros:
- Bokeh: The lens produces gorgeous bokeh, adding an artistic touch to travel portraits and street scenes.
- Build Quality: Its robust build quality makes it a reliable companion for the rigors of travel.
- Image Stabilization with Nikon Z8 IBIS (No VR on the lens): This helps in getting crisp images even when on the move.
- Enhanced Creative Freedom: With apertures from f/1.2 all the way to f/16, you can truly recreate your vision and create different layers within your picture by playing with the aperture.
- Superb & Accurate Colour Rendition
Cons:
- Size: The lens’s size may make it less convenient for travel, especially when trying to pack light. You might wanna opt for the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 if you want minimal bulk when travelling.
- Versatility: A prime lens like the 85mm may limit your versatility compared to a zoom lens when encountering various shooting scenarios on the go.
Are there any drawbacks to the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S ?
While the Nikon Z 85 f/1.2 S lens is a marvel of optical engineering, it does come with certain drawbacks that are worth considering. When shooting wide open at f/1.2, I have encountered chromatic aberration, which can manifest as color fringing in high-contrast areas. This is a common trait among fast lenses and can be corrected in post-processing, but it’s something to be mindful of, especially if you prefer getting it right in-camera. Additionally, the lens’s size and weight may pose a challenge for those who prefer a more compact kit or have lengthy handheld shooting sessions. It’s a substantial piece of glass, and its heft is felt both in the hand and in the camera bag. When I shoot at restaurants or travel, I personally like a lighter and smaller kit, this lens is a big boy. Lastly, the price of the lens is on the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting its premium build and image quality. It represents a significant investment, and potential buyers must weigh this against their specific needs and budget. Despite these considerations, many photographers find the lens’s performance and the creative possibilities it unlocks to be well worth the trade-offs.
Should you buy this lens?
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a practically perfect lens. While the price tag of US$2800 places it in the high-end category, its optical performance justifies the investment. If you’re after unparalleled image quality and dreamy bokeh, this lens delivers. However, if you prefer a more lightweight option, consider the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S, which also offers excellent performance at a more reasonable price.
Remember, photography is about capturing moments, and the right lens can elevate your storytelling. Happy shooting! ??
RAW photo samples shot on Nikon Z8
When I’m doing my research to buy new photography gear, I like to collect as much information as I can and that includes photo samples when shopping for a new lens. That’s why I’m providing you with photo samples of the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S lens shot on Nikon Z8 camera body.
