I love my Z6. 85mm is one of my favorite focal lengths. The Z6/S85mm are a great combo. I use it for portraiture, it really is good. Over the next couple of weeks, I will have to put on the 85mm on my camera and walk the streets and see what I can do! You've inspired me.
85mm is the single most useful prime lens I have ever used, I've had more spectacular results from my D750 + 85mm f/1.8G than any other combo. Now I have a Z6 too I'd love to try the S version but will first wait to see what the upcoming big boi version will be (f/1.2?). I love walking around with this focal length, medium distance subjects always look so beautifully separated, and there's so little distortion that it's an ideal lens for small panoramas. I piece together 3-5 portrait photos to make a landscape image equiv to around a 40mm FOV.
Matt, It's the larger glass diameter due the the increased Z mount size, combined with the closer proximity of the lens to the sensor which produces sharper images and better overall lens performance. I have the AF-S 85mm 1.8 G lens and am considering adding 85mm 1.8 S to my collection. It would be interesting to compare the two 85mm 1.8 lenses.
I have been shooting exclusively with the 85mm 1.8 S lens on a Z6 these holidays just to adjust my shooting habits and situations and I love it! At a birthday party with limited space I was able to take “story telling pictures” and dynamically use it as a portrait/posing pictures without switching lens. I also went out with the family and used it for street, landscape, astro, kids running around, kids playing sports however not a long range, at a museum and all these situations at a reasonable distance and still get sharp pictures corner to corner. That bokeh though!It’s just creamy, lovely, the holiday lights as a background made a great bokeh on portraits with nicely defined orbs of lights. I have not explored the full potential of the lens yet but I’ve been enjoying everything about it!
Awesome Rafael, you are showing us how amazing this lens is. And what you can do with it. It's a pleasure to use, at a great price, and works in so many circumstances. Thanks so much for sharing. What other lens might you use like this? The 50mm? Cheers Matt
Really enjoying your Nikon lens reviews and LOVING the shots of Melbourne. As an Aussie expat who has been gone almost 6 years I have to say you are making me quite unbelievably homesick!
Love the video Matt, you bring up some very good points, man that blasted fly did not wanna give up... 😆 well my friend happy New Years and I wish you nothing but success, health and happiness for the new year Matt.. cheers 🍻
Thanks so much Henry, and Happiest of New Years to you. Keep defying the odds sir. :) Catch you on the flip side. And yes it was fly city yesterday where I was shooting. Hundreds of them around the river .... Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography forgot to say also that the image quality is superb, incredible, looks as close to a arri Alexa camera... did you use the ninja v or is it straight from camera?
@@baja1980s Henry this is a mix of the Z6 and Z7, the Z6 was the camera I was filming myself with. The Z7 was all the other stuff. Truly great cameras. :) Oh and this is just straight out of camera, I will bring the Ninja online when I get the RAW update to the Z6. : )
I use my 85 as a street lens too. I have used it for everything. I just bought the Sony 35 f/1.8 so I will have some fun with that. But the 85 is one of my favorite focal lengths ever. To answer your question about Sony's e-mount, I'm not sure. I do not have any 1.4 lenses from Sony. I can't handle the weight and the prices are beyond my price range too. I have rented the Sigma 35 f/1.4 and thought it was fantastic, but I went with Sony's f/1.8 as it was incredibly light. And it's really sharp too as I'm finding out. The 85 Z-mount looks amazing. I love Nikon and can't wait for them to develop their Z lenses and cameras. I hope to add one (maybe used) when I save up some more money. I love just about all cameras. Thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing Michelle, yeah the 85mm is great. :o) Which Sony body are you working with? Yes very much look forward to the 70-200 2.8 which I think will be the next Z lens out. Indeed there is no bad camera, I totally agree with you :) Happy New Year !!! Cheers Matt
That end piece is scary! It's not a vlogging lens. Great piece on the 85. Really enjoyed this one. Lots of action, movement, and editing. Happy new year.
I totally agree Geoff on both fronts, nobody needs to be that close. Impossible to hand hold vlog, and make it look good ... with my head anyway. : ) Thanks so much and Happy New Year !!!
I've been to Sidney in February; never been to Melbourne. Looks a little different from Christmas in Massachusetts, USA. Just learning to use a Z6, after years of Nikon DSLRs. I thoroughly enjoy my F mount 85 mm 1.8; very sharp. Haven't yet tried it on the Z6. Thanks for your input on wide ranging matters; I always look forward to your next video. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Bob, appreciate your thoughts. The joy of photography is such a diverse subject, and I love it all. Have you had snow? Do you get snow? Cheers Matt PS - come to Melbourne next time :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Hi, Matt. Yes, we get snow. Although we're down to just a few inches now, we had nearly a foot on the ground a few weeks ago. I'm sure they'll be more. Would love to see Melbourne; perhaps you could float a bit closer to us.
I love that you tell it how it is! ,Have a fantastic 2020. Thoughts go out to your fellow countrymen and women who are having a difficult time at the moment, hope there is some respite very soon. Cheers form the UK.
Thanks so much AoToGo, yeah it been very intense, horrifying and heartbreaking for those living in regional areas. I just found out a few hours ago my uncle has lost is business as fires raced through a small town in NSW called Cobargo. It is a massive loss. I am yet to be able to actually speak to him. At this point authorities are saying these are the worst fires we have ever seen in Australia, and our fire season is traditionally February, so could still go on for another 6-7 weeks ....
I have this lens but it is always nice to see such a skilled photographer confirm my views. Now, with 24, 35, 50 and 85 1.8 S primes plus he 24-70 f/4 and 2.8 S m large collection of F mount fast primes and 2.8 zooms collect dust along with the D850 and D800. The only lens I use of the F mounts is the 70-200 2.8 but when the S version comes out, I will sell off all the collection and be fully committed to S lenses. the 24, 50 and 85 S fit into a light sling bag and using the Z6 has taken over as my first camera whether walking around or doing commercial theater, portraiture and event. It amazes me how clueless so many youtube guru influencers got it so wrong right from the beginning. The very first review over a year ago blasted the camera and "cheap plastic lenses" and got a million views. The result was me ignoring all the youtube personalities. My own take on the Z mount and S lenses is the superior optics make my expensive collection over 15 if F mount use(after switching from Canon for 35 years) shows some weaknesses. The first thing noticed is the corner to corner sharpness on every S lenses is clearly superior compared to any other F mount lenses of the same FL. Sure my Sigma ART 85 1.4 is about as sharp in the very center as the 1.8 S but move a few degrees off-center and the Z mount wide open is just as good and moving to the edge of the frame, makes all lenses I have tried look pretty weak with oval bokeh balls, significant color fringing, and softness. The wider FL like the 24, is even more obviously superior off-center. All the S lenses feature virtually zero CA and color fringing. One gets so used to color fringing and framing for the center that we don't understand the importance to the overall sense of detail until we see the same scene in the same conditions on the same camera that is natively absent all fringing on edges of contrasty subjects. Because we instinctive kept to the center before it seems like a new wider perspective of scenes can be taken with confidence without stopping down 3-4 stops to control it. Color across the frame is better, contrast wide open is better, the lenses are better weather-sealed, lighter, smaller, and feel great on MF. I used to love smooth focus ring operation on great old glass combined with the micro-prism focusing screens of the film days and missed that switching to Digital in 2008. But the joy of the Manual Focus is back with the excellent Focus Peaking feature of the Z bodies. My friends with Sony complain that their Focus peaking is not accurate so they only use AF but there are so many subjects where sweeping the focus plane manually is more desired, such as in any fine art or when trying to balance optimally the limited on a studio portrait or product photo, where an AF point is not exactly midpoint of the desired depth of field. There are a lot of reasons to get a Z camera, build, handling and sealing come to mind as superior but the biggest reason is S lenses. When the 70-200 2.8 is released, my kit will be complete and all my F lenses are going away. There is a lot of youtube comments about how S lenses are not needed because the FTZ makes all the old F mount lenses compatible but they are only talking about rendering as if on an F mount native body. Sure, they are sharp in the center but still have the color fringing when opened up. If one has a Z camera and really compares, even the kit 24-70 f/4 to the much larger and more expensive 24-70 2.8E you will see the difference. The kit lens is better in the center and a lot better away from the center. If one is limited on funds and wants to move to Z cameras, at least get the 24-70 f/4 that comes as a discounted kit. It is THAT good That f/4 zoom and one prime, say, the 85 1.8 or 50 1.8 is all that is needed for commercial photography business As a side note Matt, please try to post more because that is a key to getting lots of subscribers and your take, and level of work really is going to waste by only having less than 5k subs. By now you should have had several hundred thousand and then it starts multiplying and ad revenue from YT starts to be significant. Your "focus" on imaging and photography is very welcome in a sea of equipment channels presented by youtube personalities who really are not photographers. They have a lot of influence over the viewers and none of them really seem to know very much about the craft. Some make millions yearly from ad revenue yet have never done a professional session or ever sold a print.
Stan SPb thanks for all you said . I’m invested heavily into the f mount for photography and videography. And I shoot events, festivals and live music shows . Had been thinking of moving away from the Nikon brand . Mainly because of video. We are moving towards TV production more . But because of Matt’s channel and a couple others I’m probably sticking with Nikon . At least until “we” need the better Production cameras. Then as that looks it’ll probably be the Sony FX9. The price is right for what you get . Or three Panasonic S1h cameras for the same price . It would be so so nice if Nikon came out with a camera like the S1h,it’s heat sink and codecs needed for tv production. I think for us the ProRes Raw is a little too much . Peace
@@troyphillips1077 I know the Sony FS7 Mark I has 12G CinemaDNG (RAW), i guess the FX9 will has it too. On the other hand the Panasonic S1H + AtomOS Ninja V will also support 12bit ProRes RAW.
Firstly Stan, thank you so much for your support of me and my channel. Means a lot. I love sharing what I know, what I find, how to improve etc. And with the Z mount, I feel so excited to be sharing this journey with the world. It is a truly exciting time for photography in general, and I think it is an even more exciting time for Nikon who for the first time in roughly 60 years is showing us what they can do with a new full frame mount. And they are the quiet achiever. Making the shortest, largest mount, which people like you and me, and thousands of others are discovering this Z mount is cutting edge. Honestly I am brimming with excitement for what Nikon will land over the next few years, as the momentum builds for Z. The RUclips Z firestorm, which from the start I felt was unwarranted, because, these 'experts' were striking the Z mount down before it was even given a chance to spread its wings. To the casual observer, I would have thought it was obvious this was for clicks, and in no way real world reviewing ... Sadly some of these channels have so much influence, the hyperbola stuck. And with tech, and modern engineering, it is expedient to see what unfolds a little. And what has unfolded over the last 14-15 months, is a camera system that is constantly improving with firmware, and a mount which keeps revealing lens after lens, just how good this Z mount is. These are ergonomically and technically outstanding cameras. And ... AND they focus just great. As for the growth of my channel, well I agree, I would love it to be more. And of course I have to balance home life, running my business, and my youtube joy. My plan right now is 2-3 vids a week, and in the last month or two it is more like 1-2 a week. I have had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life the last few months, but that came to a close a month or so ago. Plus in late 2018 and 2019 I moved my office after 20 years, which was a massive undertaking. Both these two one off distractions are now over. So I feel 2020 the road is straighter and clearer. I love making this content, I love film making, I love photography, so it really could not be a more perfect mix. I actually wish I worked out I could create RUclips content a few years earlier. Sometimes these things take time. The other thing I am mindful of is making sure the content is good. Making sure as I get more episodes, the quality stays the same and better. : ) So it is a fine balance of time management, ensuring making good content vs maintaining the rest of my life. I am thinking about Patreon, and doing a live broadcast one a week. With the live broadcast trying to work out how best to do that. Right now I would like to do a live, on the street, street scape shoot, and I have been assembling the gear and the know how to get that to work. It could easily be a failure, and that is fine have to give it a go, I think it would be fun. :) Would that be something you would watch? Anyway I would love any feedback you might have on what sort of other content I could do, and if you think a live show once a week is a good idea. :) And thanks again so much Stan for sharing your thoughts on the value of the channel. Means so much, and helps to invigorate me to keep creating. Happy New Year sir !!! Cheers Matt
Nice! Watching your older videos I can say, your videos Sir, have gotten a lot better and more entertaining, I always learn something new, I enjoy the positive tone and the enthusiasm! Kepp up the good work.
Great review!! I'm thrilled this lens has turned out so well. I mostly do landscape and travel, but so far have only used it once, a quick shoot at Death Valley last month. Looking forward to using it more on my next trip to Europe. I've never used an 85mm before, so this is new territory for me. Again, thanks for the review.
Thanks so much Robert, ah I would love to go to Death Valley. One day. The Z primes are so good for travel as they are light and small yet still bring optical brilliance. The best of both worlds for us Z mount users. Cheers Matt
I own 85 mm 1.4 f mount lens and love it! My conclusion is that I skip the 85 1.8 Z mount and waiting for 1.2...sometimes to come. Regarding your question about Sony’s E mount, of course it being smaller it will be harder for them in the future to keep up with Nikon’s 1.2-0.9’s!
It is a fair point Sorin, although like the Canon it will be $$$ and heavy. So for some the 1.8 might be a brilliant compromise :) Happy New Year !!! Cheers Matt
Cheers Peter, looks like you are going to have a great collection there. :) Let me know what you think of the 14-30, I am still holding off for the 70-200 2.8 :) Happy New Year !! Cheers Matt
Thanks Monster, yeah it been very intense, horrifying and heartbreaking for those living in regional areas. I just found out a few hours ago my uncle has lost is business as fires raced through a small town in NSW called Cobargo. It is a massive loss. I am yet to be able to actually speak to him. At this point authorities are saying these are the worst fires we have ever seen in Australia, and our fire season is traditionally February, so could still go on for another 6-7 weeks ....
Hi Matt, this 85 mm is a great lens. I like short telephoto lenses because they are light and at the same time you can get closer to the scene. And of couse you get the nice bokeh, especially if you are not far from the subject which you photograph. Look forward to getting the Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 S! It should be announced in January.
Bonjour Pierre, yes sounds like the 70-200 is close. I will be saving my pennies, I don't think it will be cheap, but it will be worth it. Interesting to read that it may have VR, that is an exciting development. Cheers Matt
@@Altitude2011 That is what the rumours are saying, and it makes sense with a lens this long. Yes the two systems can work together, we will have to see how Nikon implements it. :)
I’ve been debating adding a Fixed Lens to my 14-30mm and 24-70mm Z6 lenses but I read that you cannot - predictively - pull focus for video... so I’m opting for the classic Nikon 60mm Macro (with FTZ) so I can manually set my focus for give distances down to inches... less for macro.
It's a good call George, there are so many lenses to choose from which you can use manually. :) I would love to hear how you go with it. Cheers and Happy New Year !!! Matt
Happy New and Productive Year to You Too!!! (Waiting for the RUclipss for ProRes RAW - I’m upgrading as soon as I get back from the Holidays... been waiting since August for this firmware)
@@MattIrwinPhotography As soon as my bank balance recovers from the 50 and 35 !! I'm loving these primes, but can't afford to buy them as fast as they are bringing them out ! Happy New Year to you too. Looking forward to more videos in 2020.
This lens renders beautifully, the quality is out of this world. I have the 85mm 1.8G lens for my D810 and I have to say I use it very rarely, it's more of a niche lens for me, so I'm not sure I'd need this one when I get my Z6 next year.
Absolutely Taipei, we all know what lenses we like the most, and it is always best to invest in what we will actually use. Happy New Year !!! :) Cheers Matt
Very nice job, nice video, Thank you Matt!! Im going to buy this lens, i was between 50mm and 85. But as for Sony, Sony has the Best sensors!! Sharpness and iso are much more better, sony's A7iii than z6, even z6 ii.
Amazing video ! Wanted to ask i have a z6 and don’t know which lens to purchase... I have the starter kit 24-70 was looking to get either 35,50 or 85mm z lens. Which would you first recommend to purchase it will be used for both pictures and video? Again thanks for the great videos!!!
85mm 1.8S (portrait) because you already have the 24-70mm f4.0 lens. The current Nikon instant cashback price for the 50mm 1.8S lens is around 350 EUR.
I love your enthusiasm and spirit. I also really, really like your sample images. I'm currently still owning a D810 with a few prime lenses. I'm really trying to get in to the photography business though not really knowing where to start and if my work is good enough. Though I always keep motivated in the craft and stay positive hoping that one day I'll be a professional portrait photographer. The Nikon Z 6 & 7 look to be great cameras! I don't understand the harsh criticism these cameras are receiving by most RUclipsrs. It just can't be because of the lack of one extra card slot, can it? The auto-focus on Sony cameras has been proven to be superior, yes. But not by much. Plus, Nikon keep putting out firmware updates to extend on the already capable cameras. Just imagine what Nikon could accomplish with a second generation of cameras! I'd say the future is very bright for Nikon within the mirror-less market. Please continue to make videos. No matter what, your positive attitude always brightens me up and gets me even more excited to shoot! Greetings from The Netherlands 😉👍
Hi. You say z6 sharper .... May by in video? But what about stills? Z6 has AA filter....which usually distroy sharpness a little, compare to Lumix S5, Z7....which doesn't have this AA filter.
@@MattIrwinPhotography A little snow but not as much as past years. Much more rain than snow. Does not bother me because I'm 65 and don't like to shovel the stuff. I guess climate change is kicking in. Well there is much more Winter to go so there may be snow after all. Happy New Year down under.
many thanks I can't wait for your Z6 review loved the shot right up your nose at the end very funny! I think I will be trading in my D500 for a Z6 but I will wait for your review hope you and your family keep safe with horrendous bush fires you are experiencing .
So I’m using legacy lenses on my Z6 for video (ftz’d) because I have the Z6 on a Rhino ArcII Slider... with Rhino Focus so I can pull focus. The Z lenses - using “wire focus” cannot be relied upon for this application ie be 100% sure that you will hit the focal distance after you set up the shot... However, I just ordered the Z 85mm for those “headshots” where I can live with Autofocus Since the actors are going to be moving anyways.
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks, Matt. Yeah, I have a Z 7 with a 24-70 f4 & 50 1.8 and will probably get the 85 1.8 next. I traded my ageing D4 + many lenses (16-35, 24-70, 70-200, 50 1.4, 85 1.4 & 105 2.8) to make the move to mirrorless. I was renting a D850 for my commercial jobs so the Z 7 made sense over the Z 6. Really enjoying the lightweight form factor (I'm sure that my recent need for shoulder surgeries was down to shooting concerts with the D4/70-200!) as well as the inherent mirrorless benefits. I was a long hold out to shooting video but the Z 7 has inspired me to dive into the world of video and audio editing, colour grading, etc. which is a lot of fun. Hybrid shooting for clients is a cinch with the 24-70 and a Rode VideoMicro - super compact and unobtrusive. I have had to upgrade my laptop to deal with the Z 7 files size and the video codec (now a MBP 16" which is sweet) but that's progress for you! Just for the record - I rarely shot commercial jobs with two memory cards on the D4/D850 (often tethered anyway) so the single card slot is a non-issue. I can't really think of any things I'd change/add to the Z 7, so I'm very happy with it. Enjoying your videos a lot - thanks. (www.stevedykesphoto.com).
I think im gonna invest in one of these - the stock lens that came with my z7 is superb - the 24-70 - but the f4 while great just isnt a low enough f number for me. This looks like the dogs danglies
A fine review of a (portrait) lens, and yes, unfortunately, autofocus does not always hit your eyes when the lens is close to the face (from 19 minutes and 25 seconds), but it is probably more a camera error than a lens error. Isn't that right? Cheers Jess
Hi Jess, I think it was either that my head was too big in frame, so the camera did not know it was my head, plus I was too close, confusing it's ability to focus ... clearly showing it does not work as a vlogging lens at arms length. I have another take where I was about 5 cm further away and it was working fine :) Happy New Year!!
In those cases, he was within the minimum focus distance. The Z cameras do an excellent job of AFF right up until the subject is too close with a spec minimum focal distance of 0.8 m/2.62ft, An 85, any 85, is too long for practical selfie shooting. The F mount version has a minimum focus distance of 0.85 m/2.79 ft. which is also the same for the Sigma ART 1.4. By comparison, the 24-70 f/4 S has a minimum focal distance of less than 1 foot which is really close for 70mm which makes it an excellent Vlogging lens. The 85 1.8 S has so many things going for it that one can hardly fault it for not being a macro lens;>)
I just ordered from B&H the 50mm 1.8 S. for $500 USD and an extra battery for about $50. $100 off for a holiday sale on only the lens. I will most likely wait for a sale on the 85mm. About the lens being closer, one must make sure the back lens is dust free of course, if not there may be shadows on the pictures from them. I had that one time when doing a movie, it showed up because of the movement when taking the video, also in the cloudless sky in pictures.
Congrats on the 50mm, it is such a good lens. And what a great price. Yes i got my 85mm on sale, very happy with the price here in Australia. I look forward to hearing what you think of the 50mm. Cheers and HNY :)
I believe the Sony e Mount was an apsc mount originally . I may be wrong this is something I’d heard when Nikon was developing the Z mount . Really diggin this lens . I don’t use 85mm a ton .
Yeah I love an 85mm. I purchased my first one in 2010. And this is an improvement in many ways ... Here is some interesting info in Wikipeida about the e-mount, it certainly started as a cropped sensor mount, and it is almost 10 years old now ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_E-mount
Matt Irwin Photography thanks for the reply . I do believe Nikon came up with the future with this mount . What I really like about it is it allows them to use it with an even larger sensor. Something the size of the Fujifilm GFX, Pentax ,Hasselblad and maybe others . I really really like the GFX 100 and would love to see Nikon move into making a camera similar to this . It’s a growing market and I think it could be the new ff. And ff becoming what APSC is . Just maybe how I’d like things to go . Image stabilization in these cameras is pushing high megapixel large sensor cameras to new useable realms . Bigger sensors, more megapixels , higher iso , hand held and smaller lighter products is the future I believe.
@@troyphillips1077 Funny you should say that about the sensor, I said that over a year ago in one of my videos. So I totally agree with you that it looks like an option. :) Cheers Matt
My problem with the new z lenses is they create an illusion of sharp images by making harsh bokeh with the straight cut aperture blades. You can get around it by shooting wide open I think… but the busy bokeh is the Achilles heel of Nikons mid level primes
Cheers Orshanti, happy new year to you to and all the best for 2020. I will have to watch again the video. It was a very dynamic setting, shooting in harsh full sunlight. Thanks for your thoughts. Regards Matt
I been waiting for this vid since you told me it was coming! I’ve enjoyed so much watching your videos still. This 85 seems flawless... how is the weight of the lens?
THanks so much Bear :) The weight and size are great. Much the same as the other primes the weight: Approx. 470g, size is Approx. 75 mm (3.0 in.) maximum diameter x 99 mm (3.9 in.) (distance from camera lens mount flange). It is a great lens. Happy New Year !!! :) Cheers Matt
Great video, didn’t realise I wasn’t subscribed.... just corrected that error. I’ll wait for the 70-200 2.8 rather than invest in this lens. Although this does look like another stellar lens from Nikon z range.
Awesome to have you onboard Jake. Yeah it is a great lens, small and light. Something to have in your 'back pocket' for some low light situations. etc :) No question though the 70-200 2.8 is going to be a stellar work horse, and I don't think Nikon is going to be able to keep up with demand for a long time to come ... just based on feedback here on this channel, many people are waiting for it. We best put our names down the moment it is announced ... Happy New Year !! Cheers Matt
Howdy Supershukis, the RF glass at this point does not work, and I am not sure there is enough space to squeeze an adapter in there ... I have just read about being able to use the older Canon EF glass and here is a video showing of the adapter you can use ... ruclips.net/video/iJysDbo5jTg/видео.html&feature=emb_logo
No comment on the content Matt, just wanted to extend thoughts to all those suffering with the bush fires out there. I hope the weather changes soon and that no more lives are lost
Thanks Alan, it is pretty extreme here. My uncle lost is business in rural NSW a few days ago. Thousands of lives are impacted ... we are yet to get to our normal fire season, February is normally the worst month. Fingers crossed.
sbandito bear yea It still is and relatively cheap. It’s way sharper than the 1.4 although the 1.4 has better bokeh because it’s dreamier but the 1.8 has nice bokeh shape. One problem with it is the purple fringing because of the lack of coating. But can easily be fixed in post.
The 1.8G is a bargain but it is not as good for color and edge fall off. I have it, and 1.4G plus 1.4D and Sigma ART 85. They all are weak off-center compared to the S 1.8. and all suffer from color fringing compared to the S 1.8. There are a lot of well-made F mount lenses that we were always happy to shoot with and never realized how good a wide-open lens could be until the super short flange distance of the Z mount arrived. We all got used to significant fall off from center and wide-open edge detail compromised by color fringing....we assumed that was the nature of wide-open optics. But the S lenses revealed it was not nature but a weakness.
Stan SPb I have not shot with the Z mount or mirrorless I am hearing great things about the canon RF lenses and these Z lenses I hear are very good as well however they should be going to the next level more at Nikon. 1.2 lenses in primes. I feel we are being ripped off in price with these new lenses however. As far as color on the 1.8g there is purple fringing yes but I find the color to be quite good otherwise better than when I use 2.8 Nikon zooms. I shoot all of these professionally. I use the 85 on crop sometimes as well with d500 however I will usually prefer Tamrons 70-200 2.8g2 which is a masterpiece! Or the 180 2.8 d which is also brilliant. I would love to shoot the sigma 135 1.8 especially with D500 over my Full frame but as yet haven’t had the chance. For the price I find all the 1.8g lenses are excellent.
The RF 1.2 is priced so high that most people can't afford it, so in that way it is like a lambo. However, from a size/weight perspective it is more like a tank, coming in at 1.2 kg, more than 2.5x the weight of the 1.8. Both of those factors are reasons why I love what Nikon is doing with the 1.8 primes. Nikon will make the 1.2s also, but they have prioritised more affordable and lightweight lenses.
@@-OzSteve I can't say shooting with the RF 50 feels bulky or heavy. It's been an awsome experience so far. I do agree with you on price. It's expensive.
@@Ravencroft81 It's an awesome lens, but almost 3.5 times the price and 2.5 times the weight. What I love about what Nikon is doing is giving us essentially the same image quality, in a much smaller, lighter and cheaper package, with the only sacrifice being just over 1 stop in this case. Previously, you had to sacrifice image quality if you wanted smaller, lighter and cheaper lenses. Now you don't. That's where the Ford focus / lambo analogy falls over ! It's more like Lamborghini releasing a smaller, lighter, cheaper version that actually handles better than it's big brother but has a slightly smaller engine !
Howdy Ravencroft, I have to agree with Stephen, there is a difference between the lenses, but I don't think it is as big a difference as a Ford Focus Vs Lambo. It's a closer match. But either way, Canon or Nikon, in these two lenses we have some great glass, on these awesome new mounts. Cheers Matt
I love my Z6. 85mm is one of my favorite focal lengths. The Z6/S85mm are a great combo. I use it for portraiture, it really is good. Over the next couple of weeks, I will have to put on the 85mm on my camera and walk the streets and see what I can do! You've inspired me.
85mm is the single most useful prime lens I have ever used, I've had more spectacular results from my D750 + 85mm f/1.8G than any other combo. Now I have a Z6 too I'd love to try the S version but will first wait to see what the upcoming big boi version will be (f/1.2?). I love walking around with this focal length, medium distance subjects always look so beautifully separated, and there's so little distortion that it's an ideal lens for small panoramas. I piece together 3-5 portrait photos to make a landscape image equiv to around a 40mm FOV.
Matt, It's the larger glass diameter due the the increased Z mount size, combined with the closer proximity of the lens to the sensor which produces sharper images and better overall lens performance. I have the AF-S 85mm 1.8 G lens and am considering adding 85mm 1.8 S to my collection. It would be interesting to compare the two 85mm 1.8 lenses.
I have the Z6 with the 50 mm 1.8s. Love it. So sharp. It’s the only lens I usually carry. Interested in this one though.
how are you getting on now...any pictures?
think I'm going for it
I have been shooting exclusively with the 85mm 1.8 S lens on a Z6 these holidays just to adjust my shooting habits and situations and I love it! At a birthday party with limited space I was able to take “story telling pictures” and dynamically use it as a portrait/posing pictures without switching lens. I also went out with the family and used it for street, landscape, astro, kids running around, kids playing sports however not a long range, at a museum and all these situations at a reasonable distance and still get sharp pictures corner to corner. That bokeh though!It’s just creamy, lovely, the holiday lights as a background made a great bokeh on portraits with nicely defined orbs of lights.
I have not explored the full potential of the lens yet but I’ve been enjoying everything about it!
Awesome Rafael, you are showing us how amazing this lens is. And what you can do with it. It's a pleasure to use, at a great price, and works in so many circumstances. Thanks so much for sharing. What other lens might you use like this? The 50mm? Cheers Matt
Really enjoying your Nikon lens reviews and LOVING the shots of Melbourne. As an Aussie expat who has been gone almost 6 years I have to say you are making me quite unbelievably homesick!
Ah thanks Chris, what a lovely thing to say. :) Well, come home for a visit soon. Where are you in the world? Happy New Year!!! Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography Currently living the good life in California. Happy new year to you too!
California Dreaming. Awesome.
Well done Matt, happy new year, look forward to more next decade!
Thanks so much Richard. Looking forward to it too :) CHeers Matt
Love the video Matt, you bring up some very good points, man that blasted fly did not wanna give up... 😆 well my friend happy New Years and I wish you nothing but success, health and happiness for the new year Matt.. cheers 🍻
Thanks so much Henry, and Happiest of New Years to you. Keep defying the odds sir. :) Catch you on the flip side. And yes it was fly city yesterday where I was shooting. Hundreds of them around the river .... Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography forgot to say also that the image quality is superb, incredible, looks as close to a arri Alexa camera... did you use the ninja v or is it straight from camera?
@@baja1980s Henry this is a mix of the Z6 and Z7, the Z6 was the camera I was filming myself with. The Z7 was all the other stuff. Truly great cameras. :) Oh and this is just straight out of camera, I will bring the Ninja online when I get the RAW update to the Z6. : )
Matt Irwin Photography thanks Matt, wow, 😳😳😳🤯🤯 blown away. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I use my 85 as a street lens too. I have used it for everything. I just bought the Sony 35 f/1.8 so I will have some fun with that. But the 85 is one of my favorite focal lengths ever.
To answer your question about Sony's e-mount, I'm not sure. I do not have any 1.4 lenses from Sony. I can't handle the weight and the prices are beyond my price range too. I have rented the Sigma 35 f/1.4 and thought it was fantastic, but I went with Sony's f/1.8 as it was incredibly light. And it's really sharp too as I'm finding out.
The 85 Z-mount looks amazing. I love Nikon and can't wait for them to develop their Z lenses and cameras. I hope to add one (maybe used) when I save up some more money. I love just about all cameras.
Thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing Michelle, yeah the 85mm is great. :o) Which Sony body are you working with? Yes very much look forward to the 70-200 2.8 which I think will be the next Z lens out. Indeed there is no bad camera, I totally agree with you :) Happy New Year !!! Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography I have the Sony a7R3. Happy New Year Matt!
@@michellemccartney6124 Me too, you too :)
That end piece is scary! It's not a vlogging lens. Great piece on the 85. Really enjoyed this one. Lots of action, movement, and editing. Happy new year.
I totally agree Geoff on both fronts, nobody needs to be that close. Impossible to hand hold vlog, and make it look good ... with my head anyway. : ) Thanks so much and Happy New Year !!!
I've been to Sidney in February; never been to Melbourne. Looks a little different from Christmas in Massachusetts, USA. Just learning to use a Z6, after years of Nikon DSLRs. I thoroughly enjoy my F mount 85 mm 1.8; very sharp. Haven't yet tried it on the Z6. Thanks for your input on wide ranging matters; I always look forward to your next video. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Bob, appreciate your thoughts. The joy of photography is such a diverse subject, and I love it all. Have you had snow? Do you get snow? Cheers Matt PS - come to Melbourne next time :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Hi, Matt. Yes, we get snow. Although we're down to just a few inches now, we had nearly a foot on the ground a few weeks ago. I'm sure they'll be more. Would love to see Melbourne; perhaps you could float a bit closer to us.
@@bobmorse5896 Yeah it would be great to not be 15 hours from LA, Ill see what I can do. :)
I love that you tell it how it is! ,Have a fantastic 2020. Thoughts go out to your fellow countrymen and women who are having a difficult time at the moment, hope there is some respite very soon. Cheers form the UK.
Thanks so much AoToGo, yeah it been very intense, horrifying and heartbreaking for those living in regional areas. I just found out a few hours ago my uncle has lost is business as fires raced through a small town in NSW called Cobargo. It is a massive loss. I am yet to be able to actually speak to him. At this point authorities are saying these are the worst fires we have ever seen in Australia, and our fire season is traditionally February, so could still go on for another 6-7 weeks ....
I have this lens but it is always nice to see such a skilled photographer confirm my views. Now, with 24, 35, 50 and 85 1.8 S primes plus he 24-70 f/4 and 2.8 S m large collection of F mount fast primes and 2.8 zooms collect dust along with the D850 and D800. The only lens I use of the F mounts is the 70-200 2.8 but when the S version comes out, I will sell off all the collection and be fully committed to S lenses.
the 24, 50 and 85 S fit into a light sling bag and using the Z6 has taken over as my first camera whether walking around or doing commercial theater, portraiture and event. It amazes me how clueless so many youtube guru influencers got it so wrong right from the beginning. The very first review over a year ago blasted the camera and "cheap plastic lenses" and got a million views. The result was me ignoring all the youtube personalities. My own take on the Z mount and S lenses is the superior optics make my expensive collection over 15 if F mount use(after switching from Canon for 35 years) shows some weaknesses.
The first thing noticed is the corner to corner sharpness on every S lenses is clearly superior compared to any other F mount lenses of the same FL. Sure my Sigma ART 85 1.4 is about as sharp in the very center as the 1.8 S but move a few degrees off-center and the Z mount wide open is just as good and moving to the edge of the frame, makes all lenses I have tried look pretty weak with oval bokeh balls, significant color fringing, and softness. The wider FL like the 24, is even more obviously superior off-center. All the S lenses feature virtually zero CA and color fringing.
One gets so used to color fringing and framing for the center that we don't understand the importance to the overall sense of detail until we see the same scene in the same conditions on the same camera that is natively absent all fringing on edges of contrasty subjects. Because we instinctive kept to the center before it seems like a new wider perspective of scenes can be taken with confidence without stopping down 3-4 stops to control it.
Color across the frame is better, contrast wide open is better, the lenses are better weather-sealed, lighter, smaller, and feel great on MF.
I used to love smooth focus ring operation on great old glass combined with the micro-prism focusing screens of the film days and missed that switching to Digital in 2008. But the joy of the Manual Focus is back with the excellent Focus Peaking feature of the Z bodies. My friends with Sony complain that their Focus peaking is not accurate so they only use AF but there are so many subjects where sweeping the focus plane manually is more desired, such as in any fine art or when trying to balance optimally the limited on a studio portrait or product photo, where an AF point is not exactly midpoint of the desired depth of field.
There are a lot of reasons to get a Z camera, build, handling and sealing come to mind as superior but the biggest reason is S lenses. When the 70-200 2.8 is released, my kit will be complete and all my F lenses are going away.
There is a lot of youtube comments about how S lenses are not needed because the FTZ makes all the old F mount lenses compatible but they are only talking about rendering as if on an F mount native body.
Sure, they are sharp in the center but still have the color fringing when opened up. If one has a Z camera and really compares, even the kit 24-70 f/4 to the much larger and more expensive 24-70 2.8E you will see the difference. The kit lens is better in the center and a lot better away from the center. If one is limited on funds and wants to move to Z cameras, at least get the 24-70 f/4 that comes as a discounted kit. It is THAT good That f/4 zoom and one prime, say, the 85 1.8 or 50 1.8 is all that is needed for commercial photography business
As a side note Matt, please try to post more because that is a key to getting lots of subscribers and your take, and level of work really is going to waste by only having less than 5k subs. By now you should have had several hundred thousand and then it starts multiplying and ad revenue from YT starts to be significant. Your "focus" on imaging and photography is very welcome in a sea of equipment channels presented by youtube personalities who really are not photographers. They have a lot of influence over the viewers and none of them really seem to know very much about the craft. Some make millions yearly from ad revenue yet have never done a professional session or ever sold a print.
Stan SPb thanks for all you said . I’m invested heavily into the f mount for photography and videography. And I shoot events, festivals and live music shows . Had been thinking of moving away from the Nikon brand . Mainly because of video. We are moving towards TV production more . But because of Matt’s channel and a couple others I’m probably sticking with Nikon . At least until “we” need the better Production cameras. Then as that looks it’ll probably be the Sony FX9. The price is right for what you get . Or three Panasonic S1h cameras for the same price .
It would be so so nice if Nikon came out with a camera like the S1h,it’s heat sink and codecs needed for tv production. I think for us the ProRes Raw is a little too much .
Peace
@@troyphillips1077 I know the Sony FS7 Mark I has 12G CinemaDNG (RAW), i guess the FX9 will has it too. On the other hand the Panasonic S1H + AtomOS Ninja V will also support 12bit ProRes RAW.
Firstly Stan, thank you so much for your support of me and my channel. Means a lot. I love sharing what I know, what I find, how to improve etc. And with the Z mount, I feel so excited to be sharing this journey with the world. It is a truly exciting time for photography in general, and I think it is an even more exciting time for Nikon who for the first time in roughly 60 years is showing us what they can do with a new full frame mount. And they are the quiet achiever. Making the shortest, largest mount, which people like you and me, and thousands of others are discovering this Z mount is cutting edge.
Honestly I am brimming with excitement for what Nikon will land over the next few years, as the momentum builds for Z.
The RUclips Z firestorm, which from the start I felt was unwarranted, because, these 'experts' were striking the Z mount down before it was even given a chance to spread its wings. To the casual observer, I would have thought it was obvious this was for clicks, and in no way real world reviewing ... Sadly some of these channels have so much influence, the hyperbola stuck. And with tech, and modern engineering, it is expedient to see what unfolds a little. And what has unfolded over the last 14-15 months, is a camera system that is constantly improving with firmware, and a mount which keeps revealing lens after lens, just how good this Z mount is. These are ergonomically and technically outstanding cameras. And ... AND they focus just great.
As for the growth of my channel, well I agree, I would love it to be more. And of course I have to balance home life, running my business, and my youtube joy. My plan right now is 2-3 vids a week, and in the last month or two it is more like 1-2 a week. I have had a lot of stuff going on in my personal life the last few months, but that came to a close a month or so ago. Plus in late 2018 and 2019 I moved my office after 20 years, which was a massive undertaking. Both these two one off distractions are now over. So I feel 2020 the road is straighter and clearer. I love making this content, I love film making, I love photography, so it really could not be a more perfect mix. I actually wish I worked out I could create RUclips content a few years earlier. Sometimes these things take time.
The other thing I am mindful of is making sure the content is good. Making sure as I get more episodes, the quality stays the same and better. : ) So it is a fine balance of time management, ensuring making good content vs maintaining the rest of my life. I am thinking about Patreon, and doing a live broadcast one a week. With the live broadcast trying to work out how best to do that. Right now I would like to do a live, on the street, street scape shoot, and I have been assembling the gear and the know how to get that to work. It could easily be a failure, and that is fine have to give it a go, I think it would be fun. :) Would that be something you would watch? Anyway I would love any feedback you might have on what sort of other content I could do, and if you think a live show once a week is a good idea. :) And thanks again so much Stan for sharing your thoughts on the value of the channel. Means so much, and helps to invigorate me to keep creating. Happy New Year sir !!! Cheers Matt
Nice! Watching your older videos I can say, your videos Sir, have gotten a lot better and more entertaining, I always learn something new, I enjoy the positive tone and the enthusiasm! Kepp up the good work.
Great review!! I'm thrilled this lens has turned out so well. I mostly do landscape and travel, but so far have only used it once, a quick shoot at Death Valley last month. Looking forward to using it more on my next trip to Europe. I've never used an 85mm before, so this is new territory for me. Again, thanks for the review.
Thanks so much Robert, ah I would love to go to Death Valley. One day. The Z primes are so good for travel as they are light and small yet still bring optical brilliance. The best of both worlds for us Z mount users. Cheers Matt
I own 85 mm 1.4 f mount lens and love it! My conclusion is that I skip the 85 1.8 Z mount and waiting for 1.2...sometimes to come.
Regarding your question about Sony’s E mount, of course it being smaller it will be harder for them in the future to keep up with Nikon’s 1.2-0.9’s!
It is a fair point Sorin, although like the Canon it will be $$$ and heavy. So for some the 1.8 might be a brilliant compromise :) Happy New Year !!! Cheers Matt
Great Video Matt ..I am about to get the 85 and 14-30 to go with my 50 on the Z7
Cheers Peter, looks like you are going to have a great collection there. :) Let me know what you think of the 14-30, I am still holding off for the 70-200 2.8 :) Happy New Year !! Cheers Matt
Happy New Year Matt. Thoughts go out to all those affected by the terrible fires engulfing many parts of Australia.
Thanks Monster, yeah it been very intense, horrifying and heartbreaking for those living in regional areas. I just found out a few hours ago my uncle has lost is business as fires raced through a small town in NSW called Cobargo. It is a massive loss. I am yet to be able to actually speak to him. At this point authorities are saying these are the worst fires we have ever seen in Australia, and our fire season is traditionally February, so could still go on for another 6-7 weeks ....
Hi Matt, this 85 mm is a great lens. I like short telephoto lenses because they are light and at the same time you can get closer to the scene. And of couse you get the nice bokeh, especially if you are not far from the subject which you photograph. Look forward to getting the Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 S! It should be announced in January.
Bonjour Pierre, yes sounds like the 70-200 is close. I will be saving my pennies, I don't think it will be cheap, but it will be worth it. Interesting to read that it may have VR, that is an exciting development. Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography I didn’t realize that it would be a VR lens. What would the impact be? Would the stabilization be enhanced?
@@Altitude2011 That is what the rumours are saying, and it makes sense with a lens this long. Yes the two systems can work together, we will have to see how Nikon implements it. :)
I’ve been debating adding a Fixed Lens to my 14-30mm and 24-70mm Z6 lenses but I read that you cannot - predictively - pull focus for video... so I’m opting for the classic Nikon 60mm Macro (with FTZ) so I can manually set my focus for give distances down to inches... less for macro.
It's a good call George, there are so many lenses to choose from which you can use manually. :) I would love to hear how you go with it. Cheers and Happy New Year !!! Matt
Happy New and Productive Year to You Too!!!
(Waiting for the RUclipss for ProRes RAW - I’m upgrading as soon as I get back from the Holidays... been waiting since August for this firmware)
@@TheGeoDaddy Yep I will be sending my Z6 off for the upgrade next week. Exciting times.
Waiting on this and the Z7 II to arrive. Looks great
Good choice! What and awesome combo Matt. Enjoy. Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography thanks for the content. Enjoy the tips, tricks, reviews and pics from down under.
Thanks for another great video. Nice to hear an Aussie accent too !
Cheers Stephen. :) Are you thinking about the 85mm Z 1.8? Happy New Year, Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography As soon as my bank balance recovers from the 50 and 35 !! I'm loving these primes, but can't afford to buy them as fast as they are bringing them out ! Happy New Year to you too. Looking forward to more videos in 2020.
@@-OzSteve Yeah me too, when the 70-200 arrives, could take a while to get that one :) Cheers Matt
still thinking on this (I have the G version). Your video helps - TY Matt.
This lens renders beautifully, the quality is out of this world. I have the 85mm 1.8G lens for my D810 and I have to say I use it very rarely, it's more of a niche lens for me, so I'm not sure I'd need this one when I get my Z6 next year.
Absolutely Taipei, we all know what lenses we like the most, and it is always best to invest in what we will actually use. Happy New Year !!! :) Cheers Matt
Very nice job, nice video, Thank you Matt!! Im going to buy this lens, i was between 50mm and 85.
But as for Sony, Sony has the Best sensors!! Sharpness and iso are much more better, sony's A7iii than z6, even z6 ii.
I finally picked one up!!
Thanks again for sharing!!!
Nikon 50mm 1.8 s or 85mm 1.8 s which one is sharper and better for portrait?
Amazing video ! Wanted to ask i have a z6 and don’t know which lens to purchase... I have the starter kit 24-70 was looking to get either 35,50 or 85mm z lens. Which would you first recommend to purchase it will be used for both pictures and video? Again thanks for the great videos!!!
85mm 1.8S (portrait) because you already have the 24-70mm f4.0 lens. The current Nikon instant cashback price for the 50mm 1.8S lens is around 350 EUR.
Thanks so much Marco, Yes I would agree with Zoran. As you have 24-70 covered, the 85mm gives you something new :) Cheers Matt
Sir, if use my 85 exclusive for photo not video would you say that 85 1.8s is a better choice that 85 1.4g? I'm about to buy a 1.4g but I'm in doubt
I love your enthusiasm and spirit. I also really, really like your sample images. I'm currently still owning a D810 with a few prime lenses. I'm really trying to get in to the photography business though not really knowing where to start and if my work is good enough. Though I always keep motivated in the craft and stay positive hoping that one day I'll be a professional portrait photographer. The Nikon Z 6 & 7 look to be great cameras! I don't understand the harsh criticism these cameras are receiving by most RUclipsrs. It just can't be because of the lack of one extra card slot, can it? The auto-focus on Sony cameras has been proven to be superior, yes. But not by much. Plus, Nikon keep putting out firmware updates to extend on the already capable cameras. Just imagine what Nikon could accomplish with a second generation of cameras! I'd say the future is very bright for Nikon within the mirror-less market. Please continue to make videos. No matter what, your positive attitude always brightens me up and gets me even more excited to shoot! Greetings from The Netherlands 😉👍
Hi. You say z6 sharper .... May by in video? But what about stills? Z6 has AA filter....which usually distroy sharpness a little, compare to Lumix S5, Z7....which doesn't have this AA filter.
First!! It's Winter up here in New Jersey USA near New York City. Cold rain today.
Cheers Robert, have you had any snow this season? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography A little snow but not as much as past years. Much more rain than snow. Does not bother me because I'm 65 and don't like to shovel the stuff. I guess climate change is kicking in. Well there is much more Winter to go so there may be snow after all. Happy New Year down under.
Have you experienced any issue in low light it racking back and forth even sometimes in good light ?
many thanks I can't wait for your Z6 review loved the shot right up your nose at the end very funny! I think I will be trading in my D500 for a Z6 but I will wait for your review hope you and your family keep safe with horrendous bush fires you are experiencing .
So I’m using legacy lenses on my Z6 for video (ftz’d) because I have the Z6 on a Rhino ArcII Slider... with Rhino Focus so I can pull focus. The Z lenses - using “wire focus” cannot be relied upon for this application ie be 100% sure that you will hit the focal distance after you set up the shot...
However, I just ordered the Z 85mm for those “headshots” where I can live with Autofocus Since the actors are going to be moving anyways.
Matt, were you using a ND filter on the Z6 footage?
G'day Steve, no ND's on either camera. Do you have either of the Z's Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks, Matt. Yeah, I have a Z 7 with a 24-70 f4 & 50 1.8 and will probably get the 85 1.8 next. I traded my ageing D4 + many lenses (16-35, 24-70, 70-200, 50 1.4, 85 1.4 & 105 2.8) to make the move to mirrorless. I was renting a D850 for my commercial jobs so the Z 7 made sense over the Z 6. Really enjoying the lightweight form factor (I'm sure that my recent need for shoulder surgeries was down to shooting concerts with the D4/70-200!) as well as the inherent mirrorless benefits.
I was a long hold out to shooting video but the Z 7 has inspired me to dive into the world of video and audio editing, colour grading, etc. which is a lot of fun. Hybrid shooting for clients is a cinch with the 24-70 and a Rode VideoMicro - super compact and unobtrusive.
I have had to upgrade my laptop to deal with the Z 7 files size and the video codec (now a MBP 16" which is sweet) but that's progress for you!
Just for the record - I rarely shot commercial jobs with two memory cards on the D4/D850 (often tethered anyway) so the single card slot is a non-issue. I can't really think of any things I'd change/add to the Z 7, so I'm very happy with it.
Enjoying your videos a lot - thanks.
(www.stevedykesphoto.com).
Just got this lens few days ago. It's just fantastic, IMO way better than F mount version
Thanks for the feedback Aliskandari. What other Z glass do you have? Cheers Matt
PS: what I would like to see compared: 85 1.8 vs 50 1.8 Z mount primes!
Compared in general or just for sharpness? :)
Matt Irwin Photography you decide. I own the 50 mm Z mount lens and it is fantastic.
Will do. :)
Cheers for this video buddy just pulled the plug on the 85 for my z6! Coming over to sydney from England for a wedding in March 🤟🤟
Awesome, you will love the 85mm. I hope the world is all opened up by then :) Come down to Melbourne and say hi if you have time. Cheers Matt
I think im gonna invest in one of these - the stock lens that came with my z7 is superb - the 24-70 - but the f4 while great just isnt a low enough f number for me. This looks like the dogs danglies
A fine review of a (portrait) lens, and yes, unfortunately, autofocus does not always hit your eyes when the lens is close to the face (from 19 minutes and 25 seconds), but it is probably more a camera error than a lens error. Isn't that right?
Cheers Jess
Hi Jess, I think it was either that my head was too big in frame, so the camera did not know it was my head, plus I was too close, confusing it's ability to focus ... clearly showing it does not work as a vlogging lens at arms length. I have another take where I was about 5 cm further away and it was working fine :) Happy New Year!!
@@MattIrwinPhotography Yes you are probably right.
Thank you and you must also have a happy new year!
In those cases, he was within the minimum focus distance. The Z cameras do an excellent job of AFF right up until the subject is too close with a spec minimum focal distance of 0.8 m/2.62ft, An 85, any 85, is too long for practical selfie shooting. The F mount version has a minimum focus distance of 0.85 m/2.79 ft. which is also the same for the Sigma ART 1.4. By comparison, the 24-70 f/4 S has a minimum focal distance of less than 1 foot which is really close for 70mm which makes it an excellent Vlogging lens.
The 85 1.8 S has so many things going for it that one can hardly fault it for not being a macro lens;>)
I just ordered from B&H the 50mm 1.8 S. for $500 USD and an extra battery for about $50. $100 off for a holiday sale on only the lens. I will most likely wait for a sale on the 85mm. About the lens being closer, one must make sure the back lens is dust free of course, if not there may be shadows on the pictures from them. I had that one time when doing a movie, it showed up because of the movement when taking the video, also in the cloudless sky in pictures.
Congrats on the 50mm, it is such a good lens. And what a great price. Yes i got my 85mm on sale, very happy with the price here in Australia. I look forward to hearing what you think of the 50mm. Cheers and HNY :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Happy New Year. I'm enjoying your videos.
Thanks Paul :)
All the Nikon 85s are pretty good
I reckon that is right Dennis, which 85 do you have? Cheers Matt
I believe the Sony e Mount was an apsc mount originally . I may be wrong this is something I’d heard when Nikon was developing the Z mount .
Really diggin this lens . I don’t use 85mm a ton .
Yeah I love an 85mm. I purchased my first one in 2010. And this is an improvement in many ways ... Here is some interesting info in Wikipeida about the e-mount, it certainly started as a cropped sensor mount, and it is almost 10 years old now ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_E-mount
Matt Irwin Photography thanks for the reply .
I do believe Nikon came up with the future with this mount .
What I really like about it is it allows them to use it with an even larger sensor. Something the size of the Fujifilm GFX, Pentax ,Hasselblad and maybe others .
I really really like the GFX 100 and would love to see Nikon move into making a camera similar to this . It’s a growing market and I think it could be the new ff. And ff becoming what APSC is .
Just maybe how I’d like things to go . Image stabilization in these cameras is pushing high megapixel large sensor cameras to new useable realms .
Bigger sensors, more megapixels , higher iso , hand held and smaller lighter products is the future I believe.
@@troyphillips1077 Funny you should say that about the sensor, I said that over a year ago in one of my videos. So I totally agree with you that it looks like an option. :) Cheers Matt
My problem with the new z lenses is they create an illusion of sharp images by making harsh bokeh with the straight cut aperture blades. You can get around it by shooting wide open I think… but the busy bokeh is the Achilles heel of Nikons mid level primes
Hey mate! Nice pics! But the video footage looks a bit dark too my eyes... cheers! Happy 2020!
Cheers Orshanti, happy new year to you to and all the best for 2020. I will have to watch again the video. It was a very dynamic setting, shooting in harsh full sunlight. Thanks for your thoughts. Regards Matt
I been waiting for this vid since you told
me it was coming! I’ve enjoyed so much watching your videos still. This 85 seems flawless... how is the weight of the lens?
THanks so much Bear :) The weight and size are great. Much the same as the other primes the weight: Approx. 470g, size is Approx. 75 mm (3.0 in.) maximum diameter x 99 mm (3.9 in.) (distance from camera lens mount flange). It is a great lens. Happy New Year !!! :) Cheers Matt
Great video, didn’t realise I wasn’t subscribed.... just corrected that error. I’ll wait for the 70-200 2.8 rather than invest in this lens. Although this does look like another stellar lens from Nikon z range.
Awesome to have you onboard Jake. Yeah it is a great lens, small and light. Something to have in your 'back pocket' for some low light situations. etc :) No question though the 70-200 2.8 is going to be a stellar work horse, and I don't think Nikon is going to be able to keep up with demand for a long time to come ... just based on feedback here on this channel, many people are waiting for it. We best put our names down the moment it is announced ... Happy New Year !! Cheers Matt
Nice review 👍 but Man!! What's up with the damn fly following you all the way through 😂
Yep Matheeq, the height of summer, by the water. Thousands of them ... sorry about that. Cheers Matt
Can you use the new canon glass on the Z6?
Howdy Supershukis, the RF glass at this point does not work, and I am not sure there is enough space to squeeze an adapter in there ... I have just read about being able to use the older Canon EF glass and here is a video showing of the adapter you can use ... ruclips.net/video/iJysDbo5jTg/видео.html&feature=emb_logo
No comment on the content Matt, just wanted to extend thoughts to all those suffering with the bush fires out there. I hope the weather changes soon and that no more lives are lost
Thanks Alan, it is pretty extreme here. My uncle lost is business in rural NSW a few days ago. Thousands of lives are impacted ... we are yet to get to our normal fire season, February is normally the worst month. Fingers crossed.
Actually better comparison would be to the 85 1.8g which is more famous amongst pro fashion photographers or its tremendous sharpness and contrast.
Thanks Sol for the intel, I don't have one of those, I will see if I can find one. Cheers Matt
The 85 1.8g was such a great lens. I got so many great shots with that lens, it was soo good...
sbandito bear yea It still is and relatively cheap. It’s way sharper than the 1.4 although the 1.4 has better bokeh because it’s dreamier but the 1.8 has nice bokeh shape. One problem with it is the purple fringing because of the lack of coating. But can easily be fixed in post.
The 1.8G is a bargain but it is not as good for color and edge fall off. I have it, and 1.4G plus 1.4D and Sigma ART 85. They all are weak off-center compared to the S 1.8. and all suffer from color fringing compared to the S 1.8. There are a lot of well-made F mount lenses that we were always happy to shoot with and never realized how good a wide-open lens could be until the super short flange distance of the Z mount arrived. We all got used to significant fall off from center and wide-open edge detail compromised by color fringing....we assumed that was the nature of wide-open optics. But the S lenses revealed it was not nature but a weakness.
Stan SPb I have not shot with the Z mount or mirrorless I am hearing great things about the canon RF lenses and these Z lenses I hear are very good as well however they should be going to the next level more at Nikon. 1.2 lenses in primes. I feel we are being ripped off in price with these new lenses however. As far as color on the 1.8g there is purple fringing yes but I find the color to be quite good otherwise better than when I use 2.8 Nikon zooms. I shoot all of these professionally. I use the 85 on crop sometimes as well with d500 however I will usually prefer Tamrons 70-200 2.8g2 which is a masterpiece! Or the 180 2.8 d which is also brilliant. I would love to shoot the sigma 135 1.8 especially with D500 over my Full frame but as yet haven’t had the chance. For the price I find all the 1.8g lenses are excellent.
That bloody pesky fly!😅
too loud music compare to your quiet voice!
85mm F1.8 Z is the best in its class, a Ford Focus. The RF 85mm F1 2 is the best in its class, a Lambo. 😂
The RF 1.2 is priced so high that most people can't afford it, so in that way it is like a lambo. However, from a size/weight perspective it is more like a tank, coming in at 1.2 kg, more than 2.5x the weight of the 1.8. Both of those factors are reasons why I love what Nikon is doing with the 1.8 primes. Nikon will make the 1.2s also, but they have prioritised more affordable and lightweight lenses.
@@-OzSteve I can't say shooting with the RF 50 feels bulky or heavy. It's been an awsome experience so far. I do agree with you on price. It's expensive.
@@Ravencroft81 It's an awesome lens, but almost 3.5 times the price and 2.5 times the weight. What I love about what Nikon is doing is giving us essentially the same image quality, in a much smaller, lighter and cheaper package, with the only sacrifice being just over 1 stop in this case. Previously, you had to sacrifice image quality if you wanted smaller, lighter and cheaper lenses. Now you don't. That's where the Ford focus / lambo analogy falls over ! It's more like Lamborghini releasing a smaller, lighter, cheaper version that actually handles better than it's big brother but has a slightly smaller engine !
Howdy Ravencroft, I have to agree with Stephen, there is a difference between the lenses, but I don't think it is as big a difference as a Ford Focus Vs Lambo. It's a closer match. But either way, Canon or Nikon, in these two lenses we have some great glass, on these awesome new mounts. Cheers Matt