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Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionTwelve elements in eight groupsEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED elementsOne aspherical ED element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
Aperture detailf/1.8–16At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 28°30′; DX 18°50′DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Image circle detailPhysical 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 distance0.8 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification–0.67×
Optical stabilisation–No
Autofocus detailNikon Multi-Focus System with quiet focus motorsStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.8 m from the focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notesMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detail–Actual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
Stabilisation detailNikon's launch announcement confirms compatibility with the in-body five-axis VR in the Z6 and Z7No optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresReduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus; control ring can adjust aperture smoothlySuppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter75 mm70 mm
Length99 mm72 mm
Weight470 g220 g
ControlsA/M focus switch and programmable ring for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation; no distance scaleCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch. Photography Blog's 62 mm reference conflicts with Nikon's specification and is not used52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states sealing of moving parts against dust and water droplets; this is not a waterproof claimDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 75 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the lens mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 470 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hoodHB-91 bayonet hood includedOptional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-91 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon USA's July 2019 announcement states September availability. Earliest exact global and first UK retail day are unconfirmed, so month precision is retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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