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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S 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/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2018September 2019
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical construction12 elements in nine groups; internal focusingTwelve elements in eight groups
Special elementsTwo ED and two aspherical elementsTwo ED elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; the maker does not list a fluorine coating for this model, despite Photography Blog describing oneNano Crystal Coat
Aperture detailf/1.8–16; electromagnetic aperture controlf/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; full-frame/FX 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 distance0.4 m0.8 m
Maximum magnification0.15×–
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailStepping motor; automatic or manual focusingNikon Multi-Focus System with quiet focus motors
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.4 m measured from the focal plane; internal focusingInternal focusing; minimum 0.8 m from the focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notes
Magnification detailMaximum 0.15× according to Nikon Japan's specifications–
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR; uses in-body stabilisation on compatible cameras. Nikon UK quotes up to five stops under CIPA standards for the original compatible camera system, not every Nikon Z bodyNikon's launch announcement confirms compatibility with the in-body five-axis VR in the Z6 and Z7
Video featuresNear-silent autofocus, reduced focus breathing and smooth aperture changesReduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus; control ring can adjust aperture smoothly
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm75 mm
Length86.5 mm99 mm
Weight415 g470 g
ControlsCombined focus/customisable control ring and AF/manual switch; no distance scale, as Photography Blog notesA/M focus switch and programmable ring for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation; no distance scale
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 resistanceMount and moving barrel parts sealed against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof ratingNikon states sealing of moving parts against dust and water droplets; this is not a waterproof claim
Dimensions detailApproximately 76 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 75 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 415 gApproximately 470 g
Lens hoodHB-90 includedHB-91 bayonet hood included
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-90 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-91 hood and CL-C1 case
Release detailAnnounced August 2018. Nikon Japan's updated November notice confirms 7 December 2018 local availability after an earlier planned date; earliest exact global and UK day unconfirmed, so December precision retained. ePHOTOzine's 2022 review introduction does not describe the original launch chronologyNikon 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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