Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S | NikonNIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | March 2023 | June 2021 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 85 mm | 105 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Macro lens | – | Yes |
| Optical construction | Fifteen elements in ten groups | 16 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | One ED and two aspherical elements | Three ED elements and one aspherical element |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat | Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front element |
| Aperture detail | f/1.2–16 | f/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 |
| Diaphragm | Eleven rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 28°30′; DX 18°50′ | FX 23°10′; DX 15°20′ |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX cameras | Native Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras |
| Image circle detail | Physical 85 mm focal length; 127.5 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as both reviews note | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.85 m | 0.29 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.11× | 1× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Multi-focusing system with two stepping motors moving two focusing groups in synchronisation | Multi-focus stepping-motor system; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Internal focusing, minimum 0.85 m; manual override during autofocus. Linear manual focusing supported on selected cameras according to Nikon's announcement | Minimum 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 detail | Maximum 0.11× | Maximum 1×, reproducing subjects at life size |
| Stabilisation detail | No optical VR, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisation | Lens-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 features | Quiet operation, stable aperture transitions and reduced focus breathing. Nikon cautions that breathing may still be noticeable depending on subject distance | Quiet autofocus, smooth aperture control and reduced focus breathing |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 82 mm | 62 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 102.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Length | 141.5 mm | 140 mm |
| Weight | 1,160 g | 630 g (better) |
| Controls | Focus ring, independent programmable control ring, L-Fn button and A/M switch; no OLED information display, as both reviews note | Separate 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 detail | 82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch | 62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Magnesium-alloy body with seals around moving parts and the mount. Nikon says dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation or condition | Sealing around mount and moving parts for dust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all conditions; fluorine front coating repels water, dirt and dust |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 102.5 mm maximum diameter × 141.5 mm from the lens mount flange | Approximately 85 mm maximum diameter × 140 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 1160 g | Approximately 630 g |
| Lens hood | HB-106 included | HB-99 included |
| In the box | LC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-106 hood and CL-C2 case | LC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-99 hood and CL-C2 case |
| Release detail | Nikon USA's February 2023 announcement states late March availability. Exact earliest global and first UK retail day are unconfirmed, so month precision retained | Nikon USA states late-June 2021 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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