Nikon Z 85mm/1.2

[Wally]

Nikon's patent application was published Feb-02, 2022
https://twitter.com/FukuiAsobiWeb/status/1488720126950137858?s=20&t=Aoawlr74JMecFWVRb0SjTA

[MILLIREHM]

One of the few lenses, we know about as it showed up in the Z-roadmap long ago, but are still waiting for.

[Jan Anne]

Haven’t compared both thoroughly let alone check designs from other lenses but on the roadmap the 85/1.2 seems fat and short where the patent shows a long slender design like the 50/1.2.

[Ilkka Nissilä]

Haven’t compared both thoroughly let alone check designs from other lenses but on the roadmap the 85/1.2 seems fat and short where the patent shows a long slender design like the 50/1.2.

The roadmap "shadows" are not reflective of the finished product. Neither are patent diagrams. ;-)

[Akira]

Apparently, there are four different versions.

https://hi-lows-note.blog.ss-blog.jp/2022-02-03

[MEPER]

I vote for the 85.8 mm version :-)
A quick head calculation tells me it has less CA......

[Akira]

I vote for the 85.8 mm version :-)
A quick head calculation tells me it has less CA......

I'm not sure of the amount of CA, but, interestingly, the 85.8mm version is the only one that focuses with one group of elements.  Its mechanical construction would be the simplest and thus it could be the cheapest.  On the other hand, the focus breathing may not be well corrected.

[Jan Anne]

The roadmap "shadows" are not reflective of the finished product. Neither are patent diagrams. ;-)

I know, but I am kinda digging the short fat silhouette on the roadmap

Also have a soft spot for fast lenses with big front elements, the 50/1.2S is enormous compared to the competition but does provide the sensation and emotional connection I associate with using fast primes with its solid metal built and big front element.

Compare that to the plastic fantastic Canon 50/1.2 RF which looks more like 50/2 with that tiny front element, a far cry from my Canon 85/1.2 FD. The Sony is somewhere in between with a fatter design and bigger front element.

So it will be interesting to see what the 85/1.2 lenses from the big three will look like, exciting times for sure

[MEPER]

Can the 50/1.2S be regarded as a "poor mans noct"?

[Frank Fremerey]

The 1.2/50S is the best lens I used so far.  In my experience it outperforms my 2/200VR as well as the 1.4/105E and the 1.4/58G ... It is as charming as my Zuiko Range from the 1980ies but with a snappy precise autofocus. The 0.95/58S has no AF so it is not useful for fast action at all. It is a heavy beautiful slow photo tool

[John Geerts]

The 1.2/50S is the best lens I used so far.  In my experience it outperforms my 2/200VR as well as the 1.4/105E and the 1.4/58G ...

Thanks for the info Frank.  Where and how does this lens outperform the mentioned lenses?

[Lucabeer]

I have the 50/1.2 too. Can't compare it to the 200/2, but I find it less "sterile" than the 105/1.4 although equally sharp. And MUCH MUCH sharper than the 58/1.4 on the focal plane at full aperture, while at the same time retaining many of its qualities (delicate out of focus transitions, natural skin tones, etc). The 58/1.4 is a deeply flawed lens that, due to these flaws, shines with certain subjects (and sucks with others, again due to said flaws), while the 50/1.2 is a technically proficient one that manages to shine with ALL subjects.

I hope the external link works... I am not at home now, so I can't upload directly:



If the new 85/1.2 will have the same quality PLUS the defocus feature that I so love on my 105 DC, I guess it will be another sure purchase.

[Lucabeer]

[MEPER]

Looks like a very nice lens.
Light dots at night will probably show up as dots at 1.2. This was the purpose of the old noct Nikkor.
It seems all S-lenses have this property.

[John Geerts]

Thanks for the explanation and the great samples with the lens. Lucabeer.  Especially the last one.

I do not agree the 58G is not sharp