I bought a Z6 in 2019. What was most impressive, were the Z lenses though. I purchased 3 of them and used another one - all were better than the DSLR equivalents. Yes, they are more expensive. But not insanely expensive. And you get extra performance for your money. Hard to argue with that.
1:22 The F/1.8 letting in a third as much light as an F/1.4 doesn't sound right. An F/2 lens would let in half as much light, and this lens is brighter than that. It should be about 60%.
f/1.8 will not let only 1/3 as much light as f/1.4 lenses as mentioned in the video (at 1:26) It lets 2/3 as much light Nice videos, keep up the good work !
The focus ring can actually also be used as a control ring similar to the 24-70 1.8S. It's in the custom control setting. In this setting, the focus ring will only work as a focusing ring in manual focus mode.
You should test a second copy of this lens. It received highly recommended on every review I came across. I have this lens and it is the sharpest I own, equally sharp as the Z 50mm 1.8.
@@RhettThompsonFilm The vast majority will never buy it due to cost. Though that can be said about Nikon's 180-400mm f4 lens, too. Those people will instead rent it, if such a service is available in their area.
@@oftensalty most people won’t use most cameras and lenses. Maybe Chris should stick to reviewing the newest iPhone lenses strictly from now on, if popularity is the most important metric they’re the most successful camera system ever made
@@RhettThompsonFilm salty gave you the perfect answer. Nobody cares about that lens. Also your iphone popularity argument shows that you can't actually take a different opinion. Why should anyone care about the performance of that overpriced lens that less than 100 pieces are available?
@@GordoFriman Why not? Canon always had cheapest lenses for FF. Right now they have RF 35 1.8 and it's not exspensive. Even Sony has cheap 50 f1.8 and 85 1.8. and 85 is really good.
There is an error in this video Chris, you didn’t focus the lens correctly in the “close focusing” test. My copy of the lens is pin sharp even at the closest focus distance. And it doesn’t have so much longitudinal chromatic aberration, might be sample variation :) just wanted to let everyone know.
Hello Chris, I had that lens recently in hand, AF is very slow (e.g. around Minimum Focus Distance to e.g. 5m, 2-3 times slower) compared to e.g. Sony FE 85mm 1.8. I saw that on the first focussing. The Sony lens costs also -35% of the Nikon lens, not worth the money. Sony lens has very fast linear motors. For the future: you should also test AF from MFD to far away. Otherwise you have the best reviews on the internet 🙂
I'm actually rather surprised to see the focus breathing in your test, other reviews I have seen showed much less and the other Z lenses are pretty well corrected for that. I also have to say, the longitudinal chromatic aberration looks pretty minimal to me, but I am comparing it to the F mount and Canon EF f/1.4 lenses where it is noticeable without zooming in to 100%.
@@christopherfrost but you got to consider the t-stop, f-stop isn't accurate for judging light level. I have a f2.0 which lets more light in than my f1.8 lens.
Hey Chris! Now that you've tested the living daylight (see what I did there) out of those 50/85mm lenses, I was wondering if there is a chance we'll see some wide-angle beasts?! I can't wait to see your reviews for the Sony 20mm f1.8, Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 and Fuji 16mm f1.4. 🙏🏻🤞🏻
I don't understand the value of presenting the results of operating the Z 7 in DX mode and offering that as if the images were taken on an APS-C camera. All you are seeing is a mid-sensor image in this cropped mode, taken a little further away from your test chart. Only a DX camera offering a sensor with higher pixel density would be of any interest - the Z 50 has practically the same pixel density (237px/mm) as the Z 7 (230px/mm).
Sure, he is just testing with the center portion of the Z7 frame, but this test still simulates how the lens would perform on a Z50 - not using the theoretically worse outer sections of the glass, but zooming in more on the center portion comparatively, making aberrations in the center more obvious. It's not 1:1 because the center portion of the Z7 Sensor and the entirety of the Z50 are, of course, not identical, but it's close enough. They key is looking at those circles (I don't know the professional name, sorry!) in the corners - they show sharpness in high contrast situations, and putting the camera into APS-C mode and reframing to fit the test chart into the APS-C area exactly allows us to judge sharpness in the corners of an APS-C frame better. That's a bit wordy, but I hope I got my point across.
@@nicolask.3825 No, what _is_ your point? If it's just that Christopher was simulating the results expected of a Z 50 with those in DX mode on the Z 7, then yes, of course - that's bleeding obvious! However, my understanding is that he normally tests using an APS-C camera with a more demanding megapixel count, in order to test a lens's ultimate resolving power. There isn't such a sensor available yet in Z mount - the Z 7's sensor provides the highest pixel density for Nikon (~3% higher than for the z 50).
I'm surprised - the lens tested quite differently over on cameralabs. I have no reason to doubt either source, so this just shows how dependent your test results are on specifically what you're testing. The one thing I'll criticize is the comment about focus breathing. Yes, it's quite bad, but you have to put into context that every lens you could compare this to shows very, very comparable focus breathing - again sourced from cameralabs. Still, I love your videos, and this one's no exception - you always have the best sample pictures! Thank you as always.
1.8 let's in 1/3 the light of a 1.4? That would be about a 2.2. 1.8 is about 2/3 of a stop less light than 1.4. So it's about 33% less light. I guess you misspoke then. So it's 1/3 less light, not 1/3 as much light! (66% of the light of a 1.4)
👍 for the review. I can't help myself but thinking that all the Nikon Z-mount lenses are looking quite cheap, even though they all seem to perform really well optically regardless of the price
lack of innovation in the body. z6 matching a7iii and eos r like it's 2018. they have to compete with competitive lens pricing. while r5 cost of body is quite cheap. the lens are insanity
@@shzammpatapon9865 Z6 has much better display, EVF, weather/dust sealing and ergonomics than an A7III. + you can use faster XQD cards and have a display at the top. What do you need that a Z6 can't give you? (except lenses :) )
@@patrick.771 say what you want but objectively speaking, is there even a competition? what about a7siii and a7r4. the amount of third party lens? ibis? as long as it is weather seal it's enough. what about 10 bit? sony, nikon and fuji had everything of those. nikon is losing. you don't need to have an all seeing eye to agree with those. jeez
@@shzammpatapon9865 for most of the existing nikon full frame owners (and those are many), Nikon should still be the first choice when going mirrorless (can adapt old F lenses) ... Nikon sold as many DSLRs than Sony sold mirrorless in 2019. dpreview just rated the Z6I best hybrid camera for photographers who's primary focus is on stills. I don't think that Nikon is dead, will sell my Fuji gear when there are more Z lenses available :)
Another great video and oddly enough the first one of your Nikon lens reviews I watched from you. Fingers crossed you will have more in the works : ) I'm a beginner photographer currently with a handful of Canon lenses but suddenly find myself drawn to the currently second release of the Nikon Z line. This 85mm S-Line is probably the first lens I'd be looking to acquire and until just now watching your video I didn't realise the 85mm S-line didn't have lens stabilisation. Even though Nikon features body stabilisation I'm curious about your view about using this lens in hand held low light situations. I'd appreciate any additional comments in regard to this. Thanks
Hi Chris, thanks a lot! I have the Canon EF 1.2/85mm L USM lens which I use via a Fringer smart adapter on my Nikon Z6. What is your assessment of this combination compared to this 1.8/85mm? Is image quality equally good? Best wishes, Ralf
That's a good question. If there's only a small amount of decentering, then I will always choose the sharpest corner. That way I'm being fair to every lens from different manufacturers and giving them the benefit of the doubt. If a lens is strongly decentered, then I will mention the decentering in the video, or test a different copy of it. Hope that helps
Another great review with awesome explanations and tips. Is it just me but did you include a whole host of additional sample photos in this review? Way more than usual? NICE. And those samples! Oh my, some are absolutely exquisite. The cat on the bench and the silhoutted building spring to mind. Would you mind showing some EXIF info when you do show your sample photos though? (Sorry if they're there and I missed them)... Your reviews (possibly unintentionally) do review the capabilities of the cameras, and it'll be interesting to consider the ISO / Shutter speed / Aperture as a viewer. Sorry, it's more work! ;-)
I try to find several review and see you got a different performance of LoCA and performance in brightlight , it's look lower performance than other review .You might got a not good copy one.
What’s the point of making the bodies smaller then going Jumbo size on the lenses ? And why so expensive ? No wonder Fuji sales are so strong Small, light, affordable a mix Canon & Nikon can’t duplicate.
These Z lenses are professional grade “S” lenses that are vastly superior in optical quality than the f-mount f1.8 lenses. If you’re wanting cheaper then I am sure they will release some non S prime lenses at a much lower price tag. Some pros favour light weight and smaller size, whom these lenses are made for.
Back in the day lenses generally had serious issues at f/1.8. Now the only thing stopping you from shooting at f/1.8 all day is the paper thin DOF, not any technical limitations of the lens. Which is pretty cool for astrophotography.
Have you ever considered finding and reviewing the Nikon AF 85mm 1.4D? It's a rather legendary 85mm lens in Nikon land, and for good reason - beautiful character.
No point in 2021, fella. It can not resolve the mega pixels of a D810. It would be even more noticeable on a Z7ii. Why? Soft images and CA. That less is only decent on a camera that is around 20 mega pixels. I should know, I used it for 2 months.
Howdy everyone! I thought I would try to do a little survey here. Should the cameras built in lens correction function be turned ON when testing the lenses? Please give a like to this comment if you think it should, and only if you do. I will do another comment just like this one, but ask the opposite question, and I wish this might be useful to Christopher when he ses the respective likes. Third party lenses have a quite significant disadvantage as the cameras do not help them compensate for flaws in the optics. And personally I am curious to see the worst in lenses. 🙂 Thank you!
Nikon is broke, hence the need for high prices. Only pixel peepers will see the difference in bokeh and modern sensors are good at high ISO so increase the iso in lowlight if you need it.
@@sexysilversurfer I wouldn't say that, all of the lenses have premium coatings and elements so I can see the price increase. That 50mm 1.8 S is probably the best performing lens I have owned and sharpness at F/1.8 is unbelievable. That much I can at least say it is easily worth the price. The 85mm 1.8 S is a good lens it removes the chromatic aberration I used to get on my 85mm 1.8G lens at F/1.8 it is slightly sharper also, but I could live with my 1.8G that was already great I didn't want to use the adapter so I got the S anyway.
Jordan B. Peterson! Although I don't agree with him on everything, and sometimes think he's a bit one-sided, I thought about getting one of his books as well.
I can’t help myself, despite the Z lenses being optically excellent, Canon just makes the more interesting lenses... think about it: RF35mm 1.8 has IS (for cheaper bodies and eventually cheap RF-APS C) and 1:2 Macro for versatility, the same goes for the RF 85mm f2 IS Macro. Then you have the f1.2 primes (instead of a pointless f0.95 Noct), and they have the genius RF 70-200 f2.8 in a f4 body size/weight, whereas the Z 70-200mm 2.8 is as huge as ever. I only actually adore the Z 14-30 f4, but other then that, RF is just so attractive. Difficult times for Nikon.
Nikon has f/1.2 lenses as well, the 50 is available for pre-order, and the 85 is on the roadmap for next year. No doubt they will also be making a 35. The trade-off with the RF 70-200 is the lack of compatibility with teleconverters, and concerns over its extending design, although for my needs the smaller size would be worth it.
Nikon didn't add IS or VR in Z lenses because of the fact that all Nikon Z cameras (except the Z50) has IBIS built into the bodies and the stabilized lens are only reserved on longer lenses where it needed the most. The F0.95 noct is just existed to reach the limits of the Z mount that wasn't meant to make a money.
@@andreasbuder4417 because it's inteded as a consumer camera that is intended for casual users who doesn't need expensive glass. And besides no similar camera at that price range has IBIS either. However the high ISO and low light capabilities of the Z50 makes it a good alternative for the lack of IBIS. All camera and lenses are built upon tradeoffs. You can't expect a perfect camera regardless of the brand.
@@carjac820 That’s exactly the point: No camera at this pricepoint has IBIS. But the lenses do. I give you an example: The Canon RP with 24-105mm f4-7.1 is now 999$. That is WITH lens. Pair that with the 35mm and 85mm (complete cost 2099$ excl. tax) and you have everything stabilized, a three lens kit (one zoom, two primes) with semimacro capabilities included. Try that with Z, you simply can’t. The Nikon Z5 is arguably the better camera, but pricewise it can’t compete and it loses its biggest advantage: IBIS. Canon is firmly battling APS-C ground, Z isn’t despite the Z50.
Nikon boasted about new z mount allowing them to tackle focus breathing and corner brightness and sharpness. They delivered first 3 lenses, nailed 24-70f4 and 50f1.8s hit and miss on 35f1.8s, then failed to deliver on 85f1.8s 24f1.8s 20f1.8s, delivered on 24-70f2.8s. All those less bending light advantages stayed on paper. Sony 24GM 20G uses the smallest full frame mirrorless mount and delivers better results for cheaper in the case of 20mm. 70-200S after 8months delay is still just on par or behind @f2.8 200mm infinity compared to its own predecessor 70-200FL depending on whose tests you watch. Meanwhile LoCA has continued to be the Nikon's signature in its prime lenses, as we have seen here on 85S.
@@NVIK5 yes it is sharper than any 85f1.8 in the past as it should but that's it. Vignette like crazy if opening raw without profile, focus breathing worse than nikon 85f1.4 or canon 85f1.2, af speed is slightly worse than 85mm from Sony and Canon may partly due to Z6/Z7. It is not a flagship performance.
@@frankluo230 AF speed worse than the Canon 85mm equivalent? Err.. maybe you should check out this video: ruclips.net/video/1nD2e7MatRI/видео.html. In terms of price and aperture, that's the closest Canon equivalent. It's better in a few areas but worse in others, one of them being the autofocus.
@@starbase218 you compared to the wrong lens I am afraid. Lots lots of Nikon users want flagship performance regardless of price. Nikon only has one 85mm prime to need demand of both ends which is never going to work in the first place.
I had this lens when i was still with Nikon. I got rid of it pretty quick. Ended up with Sony and recently the Sigma 85/1.4 dg dn. For the life of me i don't know what Nikon did with this S lens. It doesn't seem cheap, or high performing, or small. Especially when i compare it against an "inferior" Sony mount and "crappy" 3rd party lenses like this Sigma. I hope Nikon brings its A game for future lenses. But from my experiences and your results, this lens is way too expensive for what it is
@@mpgnz73 very wrong you are. I had the z6 and a smattering of z and f mount lenses. Tbh, for the most part they were ok. But not what i was looking for
@@oftensalty it's not huge and heavy. The dg dn I'm referring to is 625 g and shorter than this 85 S lens. And i said "crappy" in quotes because Sigma and Tamron are actually awesome. I was praising Sigma. I actually think Sigma is my favorite lens maker ahead of Sony and Nikon. Which says a lot.
@@oftensalty Salty, Sigma with their latest design "language" is astoundingly good. They were always good, just too big. I hope they end up making lenses for your mount. I like 3rd party, if it's available for all mounts, as it tends to make things a little less fanboy and more platform neutral.
Howdy everyone! I thought I would try to do a little survey here. Should the cameras built in lens correction function be turned OFF when testing the lenses? Please give a like to this comment if you think it should, and only if you do. I will do another comment just like this one, but ask the opposite question, and I wish this might be useful to Christopher when he ses the respective likes. Third party lenses have a quite significant disadvantage as the cameras do not help them compensate for flaws in the optics. And personally I am curious to see the worst in lenses. 🙂 Thank you!
I bought a Z6 in 2019. What was most impressive, were the Z lenses though. I purchased 3 of them and used another one - all were better than the DSLR equivalents. Yes, they are more expensive. But not insanely expensive. And you get extra performance for your money. Hard to argue with that.
1:22 The F/1.8 letting in a third as much light as an F/1.4 doesn't sound right. An F/2 lens would let in half as much light, and this lens is brighter than that. It should be about 60%.
Yeah, that was probably an accidental slip.
Yes - that's what I was trying to say. It would have been better for me to say that f/1.4 lets in 66% more light than f/1.8
f/1.8 will not let only 1/3 as much light as f/1.4 lenses as mentioned in the video (at 1:26)
It lets 2/3 as much light
Nice videos, keep up the good work !
True, though technically 63%.
As far as optical performance goes, there's no RUclips channel I trust as much as or go to before this one. Top notch content
The focus ring can actually also be used as a control ring similar to the 24-70 1.8S. It's in the custom control setting. In this setting, the focus ring will only work as a focusing ring in manual focus mode.
You should test a second copy of this lens. It received highly recommended on every review I came across. I have this lens and it is the sharpest I own, equally sharp as the Z 50mm 1.8.
That's exactly what goes to my mind in the first few minutes ...
I don't agree. It's a loaner lens and Nikon UK should have sent a good copy, if they have any sense.
I don't think sharpness was the issue - price and one or two weaknesses rather.
I hope the Nikon Nokt 58mm f.95 is on the list! You’ve gotta do that, for science!
tbh thats a waste of time
@@lyaxedm1825 why’s that
@@RhettThompsonFilm The vast majority will never buy it due to cost. Though that can be said about Nikon's 180-400mm f4 lens, too. Those people will instead rent it, if such a service is available in their area.
@@oftensalty most people won’t use most cameras and lenses. Maybe Chris should stick to reviewing the newest iPhone lenses strictly from now on, if popularity is the most important metric they’re the most successful camera system ever made
@@RhettThompsonFilm salty gave you the perfect answer. Nobody cares about that lens. Also your iphone popularity argument shows that you can't actually take a different opinion. Why should anyone care about the performance of that overpriced lens that less than 100 pieces are available?
I have this lens and very impressed with it, I was hoping for a highly recommended here :-).
Me too. I thought this lens would do even better. The sharpness of this nikon Z lenses amazes me
Nikon Z F1.8 lenses are excellent! But I cant stop thinking that its prices are on the high side a bit.. (Except 50mm F1.8 S)
Well, they're some of the best (if not the best) f/1.8 lenses out there... so I think they're worth it.
I believe they're worth every penny considering how much better they are than their F-mount counterparts.
Expensive? Just wait for canon to release their 1.8 line.... This is not the 300-500€/$ for a f1.8 lens times anymore.
@@GordoFriman Why not? Canon always had cheapest lenses for FF. Right now they have RF 35 1.8 and it's not exspensive. Even Sony has cheap 50 f1.8 and 85 1.8. and 85 is really good.
@@ThornHawthorne l line usually means f1.4 or f 1.2
There is an error in this video Chris, you didn’t focus the lens correctly in the “close focusing” test. My copy of the lens is pin sharp even at the closest focus distance. And it doesn’t have so much longitudinal chromatic aberration, might be sample variation :) just wanted to let everyone know.
Hello Chris, I had that lens recently in hand, AF is very slow (e.g. around Minimum Focus Distance to e.g. 5m, 2-3 times slower) compared to e.g. Sony FE 85mm 1.8. I saw that on the first focussing. The Sony lens costs also -35% of the Nikon lens, not worth the money. Sony lens has very fast linear motors. For the future: you should also test AF from MFD to far away. Otherwise you have the best reviews on the internet 🙂
Correction : you said it will let in ⅓ as much light but it will actually let in about ⅔
I'm actually rather surprised to see the focus breathing in your test, other reviews I have seen showed much less and the other Z lenses are pretty well corrected for that. I also have to say, the longitudinal chromatic aberration looks pretty minimal to me, but I am comparing it to the F mount and Canon EF f/1.4 lenses where it is noticeable without zooming in to 100%.
f/1.4 lets in 65% more light than f/1.4. Or the other way around, an f/1.8 lets in 60% of what an f/1.4 would. So it is 40% less for the f/1.8.
Yes - that's what I was trying to say. It would have been better for me to say that f/1.4 lets in 66% more light than f/1.8
@@christopherfrost but you got to consider the t-stop, f-stop isn't accurate for judging light level. I have a f2.0 which lets more light in than my f1.8 lens.
Funny, I ordered this lens a day before this review.
I wonder how this Z lens would compare with the 85mm f1.8 G lens + FTZ adaptor, since the G lens is/was said to be pretty good...and cheaper!
Hey Chris! Now that you've tested the living daylight (see what I did there) out of those 50/85mm lenses, I was wondering if there is a chance we'll see some wide-angle beasts?! I can't wait to see your reviews for the Sony 20mm f1.8, Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 and Fuji 16mm f1.4. 🙏🏻🤞🏻
I bought the Nikon 85mm F1.8 F Mount lens for my Nikon D5500 it is wonderful for my street photography
I don't understand the value of presenting the results of operating the Z 7 in DX mode and offering that as if the images were taken on an APS-C camera. All you are seeing is a mid-sensor image in this cropped mode, taken a little further away from your test chart. Only a DX camera offering a sensor with higher pixel density would be of any interest - the Z 50 has practically the same pixel density (237px/mm) as the Z 7 (230px/mm).
Sure, he is just testing with the center portion of the Z7 frame, but this test still simulates how the lens would perform on a Z50 - not using the theoretically worse outer sections of the glass, but zooming in more on the center portion comparatively, making aberrations in the center more obvious. It's not 1:1 because the center portion of the Z7 Sensor and the entirety of the Z50 are, of course, not identical, but it's close enough. They key is looking at those circles (I don't know the professional name, sorry!) in the corners - they show sharpness in high contrast situations, and putting the camera into APS-C mode and reframing to fit the test chart into the APS-C area exactly allows us to judge sharpness in the corners of an APS-C frame better. That's a bit wordy, but I hope I got my point across.
@@nicolask.3825 No, what _is_ your point? If it's just that Christopher was simulating the results expected of a Z 50 with those in DX mode on the Z 7, then yes, of course - that's bleeding obvious! However, my understanding is that he normally tests using an APS-C camera with a more demanding megapixel count, in order to test a lens's ultimate resolving power. There isn't such a sensor available yet in Z mount - the Z 7's sensor provides the highest pixel density for Nikon (~3% higher than for the z 50).
It shows how the corners will look on the APS-C sensor - that's why I do it
I'm surprised - the lens tested quite differently over on cameralabs. I have no reason to doubt either source, so this just shows how dependent your test results are on specifically what you're testing. The one thing I'll criticize is the comment about focus breathing. Yes, it's quite bad, but you have to put into context that every lens you could compare this to shows very, very comparable focus breathing - again sourced from cameralabs. Still, I love your videos, and this one's no exception - you always have the best sample pictures! Thank you as always.
Nikon claims it has "highly minimized focus breathing". It's not as good as other Z lenses at this.
1.8 let's in 1/3 the light of a 1.4?
That would be about a 2.2.
1.8 is about 2/3 of a stop less light than 1.4. So it's about 33% less light.
I guess you misspoke then. So it's 1/3 less light, not 1/3 as much light!
(66% of the light of a 1.4)
I really like the Z lenses design and the Z cameras body too.
👍 for the review. I can't help myself but thinking that all the Nikon Z-mount lenses are looking quite cheap, even though they all seem to perform really well optically regardless of the price
Advancement of technology, I bet, has allowed lenses to be cheaper while performing well.
lack of innovation in the body. z6 matching a7iii and eos r like it's 2018. they have to compete with competitive lens pricing. while r5 cost of body is quite cheap. the lens are insanity
@@shzammpatapon9865 Z6 has much better display, EVF, weather/dust sealing and ergonomics than an A7III. + you can use faster XQD cards and have a display at the top. What do you need that a Z6 can't give you? (except lenses :) )
@@patrick.771 say what you want but objectively speaking, is there even a competition? what about a7siii and a7r4. the amount of third party lens? ibis? as long as it is weather seal it's enough. what about 10 bit? sony, nikon and fuji had everything of those. nikon is losing. you don't need to have an all seeing eye to agree with those. jeez
@@shzammpatapon9865 for most of the existing nikon full frame owners (and those are many), Nikon should still be the first choice when going mirrorless (can adapt old F lenses) ... Nikon sold as many DSLRs than Sony sold mirrorless in 2019.
dpreview just rated the Z6I best hybrid camera for photographers who's primary focus is on stills. I don't think that Nikon is dead, will sell my Fuji gear when there are more Z lenses available :)
Viltrox just made a 85mm for the Z, that would be a great comparison for half the price!
Such quality ... On 47 MPx! That's archivement is stellar (!)
Another soothing review! Leaving my usual comment requesting a Tamron 28-200mm review...it's a very interesting lens!
There is 35 1.8G ED, is it worth changing to 35 1.8Z, will there be a difference in sharpness and resolution?
Nice project on 50 and 85mm lenses
Chromatic aberation can sometimes make your bokeh look better
Another great video and oddly enough the first one of your Nikon lens reviews I watched from you. Fingers crossed you will have more in the works : )
I'm a beginner photographer currently with a handful of Canon lenses but suddenly find myself drawn to the currently second release of the Nikon Z line.
This 85mm S-Line is probably the first lens I'd be looking to acquire and until just now watching your video I didn't realise the 85mm S-line didn't have lens stabilisation. Even though Nikon features body stabilisation I'm curious about your view about using this lens in hand held low light situations.
I'd appreciate any additional comments in regard to this. Thanks
hi #christopher frost, if size and weight are not factors, which is better between sigma 85mm 1.4 art or this nikon z 85mm 1.8s
Contrast seems unusually low, even stopped down. Have you changed your test procedures at all recently?
There's been soo many mtz charts which shows the z1.8 s blows away most 1.4 's on the market
Hi Chris, thanks a lot! I have the Canon EF 1.2/85mm L USM lens which I use via a Fringer smart adapter on my Nikon Z6. What is your assessment of this combination compared to this 1.8/85mm? Is image quality equally good? Best wishes, Ralf
No idea I'm afraid
Can you please make a independent review of AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G or compare this to the Z mount.. thanks chris.. love from philippines!
Great review as always! I'd love to see a video on your test charts and how you made them!
nikon 85mm 1.8g with ftz adapter vs nikon 85 mm 1.8s which one is better ? camera body:Z6 ii
Using ftz can cause delay shutter
Hey remade a video of the canon 50 mm f1.8 stm to see how it performs with today camera (r5)
Hi Chris,
Some lenses you tested probably have decentering. How do you choose the exact corner for sharpness evaluation?
That's a good question. If there's only a small amount of decentering, then I will always choose the sharpest corner. That way I'm being fair to every lens from different manufacturers and giving them the benefit of the doubt. If a lens is strongly decentered, then I will mention the decentering in the video, or test a different copy of it. Hope that helps
I am sure a 20MP APSC camera sensor is as challenging as a 44MP full frame sensor.
Can you please review the new tamron 70-300 for sony E? You are the reviewer i trust the most:)
Eventually I will, yes :-)
@@christopherfrost great!!
Another great review with awesome explanations and tips. Is it just me but did you include a whole host of additional sample photos in this review? Way more than usual? NICE. And those samples! Oh my, some are absolutely exquisite. The cat on the bench and the silhoutted building spring to mind. Would you mind showing some EXIF info when you do show your sample photos though? (Sorry if they're there and I missed them)... Your reviews (possibly unintentionally) do review the capabilities of the cameras, and it'll be interesting to consider the ISO / Shutter speed / Aperture as a viewer. Sorry, it's more work! ;-)
Glad you enjoyed it! Providing all the EXIF info will be a little too much work unfortunately - I sadly just don't have the time
@@christopherfrost Fair enough. Keep up the great reviews!
@@christopherfrost just post the pics in Flickr and share the link 😉
I try to find several review and see you got a different performance of LoCA and performance in brightlight , it's look lower performance than other review .You might got a not good copy one.
if i ever pick up a new zed mount camera at least i have great optics on my wishlist for it
Yeee this is the review i waited for ages
Yay! Keep up the Nikon reviews
It's laser sharp 🔥
What’s the point of making the bodies smaller then going Jumbo size on the lenses ? And why so expensive ? No wonder Fuji sales are so strong
Small, light, affordable a mix Canon & Nikon can’t duplicate.
Fuji XF 50mm f1 and 90mm f2!
Back in my day f1.8 was for the baby photographers. Now it’ll set you back nearly the price of a z50
These Z lenses are professional grade “S” lenses that are vastly superior in optical quality than the f-mount f1.8 lenses.
If you’re wanting cheaper then I am sure they will release some non S prime lenses at a much lower price tag.
Some pros favour light weight and smaller size, whom these lenses are made for.
Back in the day lenses generally had serious issues at f/1.8. Now the only thing stopping you from shooting at f/1.8 all day is the paper thin DOF, not any technical limitations of the lens. Which is pretty cool for astrophotography.
Have you ever considered finding and reviewing the Nikon AF 85mm 1.4D? It's a rather legendary 85mm lens in Nikon land, and for good reason - beautiful character.
No point in 2021, fella. It can not resolve the mega pixels of a D810. It would be even more noticeable on a Z7ii. Why? Soft images and CA. That less is only decent on a camera that is around 20 mega pixels. I should know, I used it for 2 months.
Which mic do you use?
AudioTechnica AT2020 USB
is it only me see this lens a bit soft and not to good at background separation !
It is only you.
Howdy everyone!
I thought I would try to do a little survey here.
Should the cameras built in lens correction function be turned ON when testing the lenses?
Please give a like to this comment if you think it should, and only if you do.
I will do another comment just like this one, but ask the opposite question, and I wish this might be useful to Christopher when he ses the respective likes.
Third party lenses have a quite significant disadvantage as the cameras do not help them compensate for flaws in the optics.
And personally I am curious to see the worst in lenses. 🙂
Thank you!
So overall 85mm or 50mm? Which one do you recommend for mostly portrait , street and landscape?
85 and the 35 are all I need for my z6ii. My 50 gathers dust.
Portrait, I'd pick the 85. Street and landscape? 24-70.
If 1.8 is 1/3 the light of f1.4, what is f2? Hmmmmm.... hmmmmmmm
It was a slip of tongue, I guess. 1.8 will let in 2/3rd light as that by a 1.4.
impressive!
Crystal Pepsi!
I Like the John 1:1!!!!!!!
Bokeh of this lens looks better than that of the Sony's 85mm F1.8. Good :)
👏🏻
They’re all huge though. Why Nikon
Sadly the F1.8 is just the new F1.4. The next tier in Nikon's lineup is the F1.2 which cause $2000+.
Well they do perform better than their 1.4 Nikon counterparts typically.
Nikon is broke, hence the need for high prices. Only pixel peepers will see the difference in bokeh and modern sensors are good at high ISO so increase the iso in lowlight if you need it.
@@sexysilversurfer I wouldn't say that, all of the lenses have premium coatings and elements so I can see the price increase. That 50mm 1.8 S is probably the best performing lens I have owned and sharpness at F/1.8 is unbelievable. That much I can at least say it is easily worth the price. The 85mm 1.8 S is a good lens it removes the chromatic aberration I used to get on my 85mm 1.8G lens at F/1.8 it is slightly sharper also, but I could live with my 1.8G that was already great I didn't want to use the adapter so I got the S anyway.
Nice
hello
Jordan B. Peterson! Although I don't agree with him on everything, and sometimes think he's a bit one-sided, I thought about getting one of his books as well.
12 Rules For Life!!! So cool to know you're a fellow lobster!
nice vid
oh wow that sure was a jordan peterson book
I don't like the exterior look of these Nikon lenses
😆😆😆😆😆 $1000 CAD. What is Nikon thinking? 😆😆😆😆😆 Yeah, no. Not for a 1.8 lens.
Wait till you hear about the prices for Summicrons.
I feel like the look of this lens is unique enough to earn it a nickname. Maybe....the toilet tube? The soda can?
I can’t help myself, despite the Z lenses being optically excellent, Canon just makes the more interesting lenses... think about it: RF35mm 1.8 has IS (for cheaper bodies and eventually cheap RF-APS C) and 1:2 Macro for versatility, the same goes for the RF 85mm f2 IS Macro. Then you have the f1.2 primes (instead of a pointless f0.95 Noct), and they have the genius RF 70-200 f2.8 in a f4 body size/weight, whereas the Z 70-200mm 2.8 is as huge as ever. I only actually adore the Z 14-30 f4, but other then that, RF is just so attractive. Difficult times for Nikon.
Nikon has f/1.2 lenses as well, the 50 is available for pre-order, and the 85 is on the roadmap for next year. No doubt they will also be making a 35.
The trade-off with the RF 70-200 is the lack of compatibility with teleconverters, and concerns over its extending design, although for my needs the smaller size would be worth it.
Nikon didn't add IS or VR in Z lenses because of the fact that all Nikon Z cameras (except the Z50) has IBIS built into the bodies and the stabilized lens are only reserved on longer lenses where it needed the most. The F0.95 noct is just existed to reach the limits of the Z mount that wasn't meant to make a money.
@@carjac820 The Z50 isn’t stabilized.
@@andreasbuder4417 because it's inteded as a consumer camera that is intended for casual users who doesn't need expensive glass. And besides no similar camera at that price range has IBIS either. However the high ISO and low light capabilities of the Z50 makes it a good alternative for the lack of IBIS. All camera and lenses are built upon tradeoffs. You can't expect a perfect camera regardless of the brand.
@@carjac820 That’s exactly the point: No camera at this pricepoint has IBIS. But the lenses do. I give you an example: The Canon RP with 24-105mm f4-7.1 is now 999$. That is WITH lens. Pair that with the 35mm and 85mm (complete cost 2099$ excl. tax) and you have everything stabilized, a three lens kit (one zoom, two primes) with semimacro capabilities included. Try that with Z, you simply can’t. The Nikon Z5 is arguably the better camera, but pricewise it can’t compete and it loses its biggest advantage: IBIS. Canon is firmly battling APS-C ground, Z isn’t despite the Z50.
Nikon boasted about new z mount allowing them to tackle focus breathing and corner brightness and sharpness. They delivered first 3 lenses, nailed 24-70f4 and 50f1.8s hit and miss on 35f1.8s, then failed to deliver on 85f1.8s 24f1.8s 20f1.8s, delivered on 24-70f2.8s. All those less bending light advantages stayed on paper. Sony 24GM 20G uses the smallest full frame mirrorless mount and delivers better results for cheaper in the case of 20mm. 70-200S after 8months delay is still just on par or behind @f2.8 200mm infinity compared to its own predecessor 70-200FL depending on whose tests you watch. Meanwhile LoCA has continued to be the Nikon's signature in its prime lenses, as we have seen here on 85S.
You are out of your mind... hit and miss, seriously? These are spectacular, especially the 85.
@@NVIK5 yes it is sharper than any 85f1.8 in the past as it should but that's it. Vignette like crazy if opening raw without profile, focus breathing worse than nikon 85f1.4 or canon 85f1.2, af speed is slightly worse than 85mm from Sony and Canon may partly due to Z6/Z7. It is not a flagship performance.
@@frankluo230 would be glad to hear your recommendations for a better 85 in this price range.
@@frankluo230 AF speed worse than the Canon 85mm equivalent? Err.. maybe you should check out this video: ruclips.net/video/1nD2e7MatRI/видео.html. In terms of price and aperture, that's the closest Canon equivalent. It's better in a few areas but worse in others, one of them being the autofocus.
@@starbase218 you compared to the wrong lens I am afraid. Lots lots of Nikon users want flagship performance regardless of price. Nikon only has one 85mm prime to need demand of both ends which is never going to work in the first place.
I just can't get over how cheap it looks 😅
I had this lens when i was still with Nikon. I got rid of it pretty quick. Ended up with Sony and recently the Sigma 85/1.4 dg dn.
For the life of me i don't know what Nikon did with this S lens. It doesn't seem cheap, or high performing, or small. Especially when i compare it against an "inferior" Sony mount and "crappy" 3rd party lenses like this Sigma.
I hope Nikon brings its A game for future lenses. But from my experiences and your results, this lens is way too expensive for what it is
Let's be honest with each other here. You never owned this lens nor a Nikon camera did you?
@@mpgnz73 very wrong you are. I had the z6 and a smattering of z and f mount lenses. Tbh, for the most part they were ok. But not what i was looking for
@@oftensalty it's not huge and heavy. The dg dn I'm referring to is 625 g and shorter than this 85 S lens. And i said "crappy" in quotes because Sigma and Tamron are actually awesome. I was praising Sigma. I actually think Sigma is my favorite lens maker ahead of Sony and Nikon. Which says a lot.
@@oftensalty Salty, Sigma with their latest design "language" is astoundingly good. They were always good, just too big.
I hope they end up making lenses for your mount. I like 3rd party, if it's available for all mounts, as it tends to make things a little less fanboy and more platform neutral.
Howdy everyone!
I thought I would try to do a little survey here.
Should the cameras built in lens correction function be turned OFF when testing the lenses?
Please give a like to this comment if you think it should, and only if you do.
I will do another comment just like this one, but ask the opposite question, and I wish this might be useful to Christopher when he ses the respective likes.
Third party lenses have a quite significant disadvantage as the cameras do not help them compensate for flaws in the optics.
And personally I am curious to see the worst in lenses. 🙂
Thank you!
Nice