Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 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/1.8 S compared with NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
NikonNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019June 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm105 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionTwelve elements in eight groups16 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED elementsThree ED elements and one aspherical element
CoatingsNano Crystal CoatNano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/1.8–16f/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
DiaphragmNine 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 Photography Blog notes–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.8 m0.29 m
Maximum magnification–1×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailNikon Multi-Focus System with quiet focus motorsMulti-focus stepping-motor system; 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 0.29 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 1×, reproducing subjects at life size
Stabilisation detailNikon's launch announcement confirms compatibility with the in-body five-axis VR in the Z6 and Z7Lens-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 featuresReduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus; control ring can adjust aperture smoothlyQuiet autofocus, smooth aperture control and reduced focus breathing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter75 mm85 mm
Length99 mm140 mm
Weight470 g (better)630 g
ControlsA/M focus switch and programmable ring for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation; no distance scaleSeparate 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 detail67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch. Photography Blog's 62 mm reference conflicts with Nikon's specification and is not used62 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 claimSealing 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 75 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the lens mount flangeApproximately 85 mm maximum diameter × 140 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 470 gApproximately 630 g
Lens hoodHB-91 bayonet hood includedHB-99 included
In the boxLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-91 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-99 hood and CL-C2 case
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 USA states late-June 2021 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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