Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S Lens Review

Anytime a new lens hits the market place the event stirs emotions, questions, and potential decisions,  especially if you have a similar lens already in your camera bag.  

I moved to the Nikon Mirrorless Z system when the Nikon Z7 was released.  To maximize the Nikon Z camera I have sold my 85mm f mount lens and bought the newer and improved 85mm S lens.

Nikon's 85mm f/1.8 S lens for the Z mount mirrorless cameras is a step up in overall image sharpness, color, and contrast, the new S lens will deliver excellent results. I have been using the new 85mm now for about 3 months and having both an 85mm 1.8 and 1.4 f mount lens to compare the new kid on the camera block to, I can state right up front the new 85mm S lens holds and surpasses the f mount models in almost all measures.

The new Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S lens is extremely sharp more so than other Nikon 85mm lenses and not just stopped down but at all f stops - edge to edge.  In operations, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S lens is nearly silent with quick and accurate focus.  Also superior is the weather sealing of the new Nikkor 85mm - notably as good as or equal to Pro level f mount lenses. I was also pleasantly surprised by the smooth Bokeh almost a good as the 85mm f/1.4 f mount. The only real difference in Bokeh is the New 85mm S lens has very slight cat eyes for round shiny objects otherwise just a good as the Nikon 85mm f/1.4

If you do not own an 85mm for your Nikon Z Mirrorless camera I can absolutely state this lens will not disappoint and should be considered.

If you own an 85mm f mount lens and do not like switching the FTZ adapter on and off between F and Z mounts I would recommend your consideration of the new 85mm S lens to both simplify and improve your photography. 

This lens is a recommended replacement for your legacy 85mm f/1.8 and a suggested replacement for your 85mm f/1.4 f mount lens.  The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S lens is my new go-to lens when I require an 85mm.