Nikon says more about its Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S and 26mm f/2.8 S lenses

In early January 2023, Nikon presented two future lenses for its Z-mount mirrorless cameras: the Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 and 85mm f/1.2 S. The Japanese optician now says a little more about their characteristics , their prices and availability.

The king of portraits

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S is the portraitist par excellence and Nikon sees it as the successor to the AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED which put faces in the spotlight in the days of DSLRs. It is relatively imposing with 14.5 cm long for 10.5 cm in diameter and a weight of 1.16 kg. It is reminiscent of the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, which is already very thick, the 85mm getting rid of the small control monitor. It retains the switch to alternate between manual or automatic focus, a button and a configurable ring in addition to the focus ring.

The optical construction is based on a formula of 15 lenses divided into 10 groups (including 1 ED glass lens, 2 aspherical lenses and lenses with nanocrystal coating). The minimum focusing distance is 85 cm when the diaphragm has 11 blades, which promises a soft bokeh with very round bubbles. Between the focal length and the large aperture, this type of lens makes it possible to bring out the subject well while intensely blurring the background, hence its appeal to portrait enthusiasts.

High-end optics

Usually on fairly long and very bright focal lengths, focusing can be the poor relation, but Nikon explains here that the beast’s motors allow fast, precise and silent autofocus, with smooth and natural transitions. Obviously, the S range obliges (the top of the Nikkor Z basket), the lens is protected from the weather thanks to numerous seals.

An ultra-compact 26 mm

On the other side of the spectrum, Nikon presents the 26mm f/2.8 in more detail. Even more compact than a lens pancakes usual, it almost acts as a camera cap, but capable of taking pictures. Indeed, with its diameter of 7 cm and especially 2.3 cm in length (weight of 125 g), the lens is thinner than the handles of the devices on which it is mounted. Thus, it will fit perfectly on a 24×36 hybrid as well as on an APS-C sensor body, such as the Nikon Z50, where we will end up with a 39 mm in 24×36 equivalent. The lens is also tropicalized and will not fear rain and dust.

Price and availability

The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S will be marketed at a price of €3,349 with availability set for the end of March 2023. A high price, but consistent with the competition, like the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM which is negotiates at 3200 €.

The Nikkor Z 26mm f/2.8 S will be offered at a lower price of €589 for availability at the end of February 2023. However, it remains more expensive than the very similar Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 launched at €279 in December 2021.

Illustrative images courtesy of Nikon