Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S compared with NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
NikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 SNikonNIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2023June 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm105 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionFifteen elements in ten groups16 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED and two aspherical elementsThree ED elements and one aspherical element
CoatingsNano Crystal CoatNano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/1.2–16f/2.8–32 at infinity; effective f/4.5–51 at the closest focus distance of 0.29 m. Main aperture figures refer to infinity
DiaphragmEleven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 28°30′; DX 18°50′FX 23°10′; DX 15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Image circle detailPhysical 85 mm focal length; 127.5 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as both reviews note–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m0.29 m
Maximum magnification0.11×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two stepping motors moving two focusing groups in synchronisationMulti-focus stepping-motor system; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing, minimum 0.85 m; manual override during autofocus. Linear manual focusing supported on selected cameras according to Nikon's announcementMinimum 0.29 m from focal plane; limiter selects full range or 0.29–0.5 m. Manual focus throw is adjustable; focus direction reversal requires a compatible Nikon Z body released in October 2020 or later
Magnification detailMaximum 0.11×Maximum 1×, reproducing subjects at life size
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisationLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim with an FX camera in Normal mode. Stabilisation becomes less effective at macro distances, as both reviews note; the USA release's generic footnote refers to maximum telephoto although this is a prime
Video featuresQuiet operation, stable aperture transitions and reduced focus breathing. Nikon cautions that breathing may still be noticeable depending on subject distanceQuiet autofocus, smooth aperture control and reduced focus breathing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter102.5 mm85 mm
Length141.5 mm140 mm
Weight1,160 g630 g (better)
ControlsFocus ring, independent programmable control ring, L-Fn button and A/M switch; no OLED information display, as both reviews noteSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings, L-Fn button, information panel with DISP button, AF/manual switch and focus limiter; Digital Camera World confirms distance, depth-of-field and aperture display
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps lens length unchanged
Filter detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMagnesium-alloy body with seals around moving parts and the mount. Nikon says dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation or conditionSealing around mount and moving parts for dust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all conditions; fluorine front coating repels water, dirt and dust
Dimensions detailApproximately 102.5 mm maximum diameter × 141.5 mm from the lens mount flangeApproximately 85 mm maximum diameter × 140 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1160 gApproximately 630 g
Lens hoodHB-106 includedHB-99 included
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-106 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-99 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailNikon USA's February 2023 announcement states late March availability. Exact earliest global and first UK retail day are unconfirmed, so month precision retainedNikon USA states late-June 2021 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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