Great news for Nikon Z users! Two new fine lenses are joining the fleet. Both are compatible with both DX and FX sensors and both will be coming to a Mike’s Camera near you soon. Pre-order your favorite (or both?) today!
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
First up, we have a professional portrait prime with an extremely wide aperture.
The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S marries breathtaking realism—as provided by the 15 critically sharp lens elements—with the dreamlike depth provided by the ultra-wide f/1.2 maximum aperture. The 11 rounded blades provide stunning, perfectly circular bokeh in defocused background details while subjects in the razor-thin slice of in-focus imagery seem to pop out of the frame.
85mm is widely considered an ideal focal length for portraiture as it provides just the right amount of compression, without having to work across the field from your subject. Nikon’s multi-focusing system (in which multiple nearly silent motors drive independent groups of lens elements) also works ideally for portraiture, beautifully implementing the Z series’ Eye AF for instant auto-lock. If you want to take complete control, you can also enable linear manual focusing*.
Of course, as an S-Line lens, the 85mm f/1.2 features a sturdy, palpably premium build, with a nano-crystal coating to minimize flare and ghosting. The Control Ring can be used to adjust aperture, ISO, or AE compensation, while the new L-Fn button can be programmed to activate subject tracking, image playback, AF lock, and more. Check out the image samples below: I think this one is going to impress!
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S sample images
*with compatible camera; as of this release those include the Z 9, Z 7II, and Z 6II.
NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
Additionally, Nikon aims to make their Z cameras accessible choices for the everyday, on the go photographer. The NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is the slimmest and lightest Z series lens and, in fact, the slimmest lens for any full frame mirrorless camera yet available. At less than an inch thick, the lens is the same length as the grip, for heaven’s sake!
The f/2.8 maximum aperture is more than adequate for achieving some nice background blur and low-light work without compromising the compactness of the lens, and the 8 inch minimum focusing distance is nothing to sneeze at. This “true pancake” will make it easier than ever to avoid those terrible, no good moments when a creative opportunity arises and… d’oh! Left the camera at home.
To achieve this impressive miniaturization, Nikon has utilized an “all elements” focusing system (note that the center of the barrel does extend slightly when focusing). The filter thread has also been cleverly shifted to the hood, so no bulk is added unless actively necessary. Metal parts and tactile knurling round out what promises to be a highly enjoyable experience. Check out sample images below!
