Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G compared with NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8GNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2012March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionNine elements in nine groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elements–One ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coatings, according to Nikon USA's announcementMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmSeven rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 28°30′; DX 18°50′FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter support–Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.8 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.124×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modesSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front element; minimum 0.8 m from the focal planeDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.124×Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by both reviewsMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter67 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm90 mm
Length73 mm208 mm
Weight350 g (better)998 g
ControlsFocus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance windowAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail67 mm screw-in filters–
Weather resistanceBoth reviews identify a rubber seal at the mount. Digital Camera World says broader weather sealing is limited; Nikon UK's specifications give no general protection ratingDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 80 mm diameter × 73 mm length from the lens mountApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 350 gApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mount–Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hoodHB-62 bayonet hood includedHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-67 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-62 hood and CL-1015 flexible pouchLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon Japan records first sale on 16 February 2012. Nikon USA's announcement states March availability in the USUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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