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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4NikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024September 2019
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical construction10 elements in seven groups; internal focusingTwelve elements in eight groups
Special elementsOne aspherical elementTwo ED elements
Coatings–Nano Crystal Coat
Aperture detailf/1.4–16f/1.8–16
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 28°30′; DX 18°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX cameras
Image circle detail–Physical 85 mm focal length; 127.5 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as Photography Blog notes
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.37 m0.8 m
Maximum magnification0.17×–
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusingNikon Multi-Focus System with quiet focus motors
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance publishedInternal focusing; minimum 0.8 m from the focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notes
Magnification detailMaximum 0.17×–
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyNikon's launch announcement confirms compatibility with the in-body five-axis VR in the Z6 and Z7
Video featuresSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ringReduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus; control ring can adjust aperture smoothly
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm75 mm
Length86.5 mm99 mm
Weight420 g470 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerA/M focus switch and programmable ring for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation; no distance scale
Zoom designInternal focusing keeps lens length unchanged–
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch. Photography Blog's 62 mm reference conflicts with Nikon's specification and is not used
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionNikon states sealing of moving parts against dust and water droplets; this is not a waterproof claim
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 75 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 420 gApproximately 470 g
Lens hoodHB-115 includedHB-91 bayonet hood included
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hoodLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-91 hood and CL-C1 case
Release detailNikon USA states late September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessorNikon USA's July 2019 announcement states September availability. Earliest exact global and first UK retail day are unconfirmed, so month precision is retained

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