The new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a bright new standard portrait lens for Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S will be available in September 2019 priced at £799 / 949 EUR / $799.95.

Nikon UK Press Release

CAPTURE REMARKABLE PORTRAITS WITH NIKON’S NEW NIKKOR Z 85MM F/1.8 S LENS

WWA: 31st July 2019

Sales Start: 5th September 2019

RRP:

UK - £799 GBP

IE - £949 EUR

London, United Kingdom, 31st July 2019: Nikon today welcomes a bright new standard portrait lens to the Nikon Z family – the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a fast-focusing lens that delivers incredible detail throughout the frame. Whether shooting stills or video, this full-frame mirrorless lens lets photographers portray subjects with astonishing clarity.

From classic head-and-shoulder shots to environmental portraits, intimate settings to big events, the advanced optical performance of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S enables stunning results in any location. Edge-to-edge sharpness is superb - even when shooting at the widest aperture of f/1.8. Bokeh is beautifully natural-looking and lens flare is effectively countered even in back-lit situations.

 Focusing is also incredibly fast, and the new Eye-Detection feature of the Nikon Z cameras can lock onto a subject’s eye whether they’re alone or a face in a crowd. Movie shooters can utilise the 85mm focal length to isolate subjects and shoot video footage with stunning shallow depth of field.

Robert Harmon, Senior Commercial Planning Manager, Nikon UK, says: “The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 is an incredibly versatile lens. With its fast multi-focusing system and large maximum aperture, you don’t need to worry about challenging light or unexpected opportunities. Whether you’re shooting at an event, in the studio or out in the open, you’re free to capture vibrant portraits that are anything but ordinary.”

Summary of key features

NIKKOR Z: designed around the wide Nikon Z mount, this lens can capture more light across the entire frame.

S-Line: next-dimension optical design. Anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat. Smooth, silent multi-focusing system.

Sharp detail: exceptional edge-to-edge performance. Minimum focus distance of just 0.80 m

Tough build: every movable part of the lens barrel is sealed to protect from dust and water droplets.

Great for movies: silent aperture adjustment and near silent AF. Focus breathing is all but eliminated.

Customisable control ring: can be used for manual focusing (default), aperture control, or exposure compensation.

Nikon USA Press Release

NIKON UNVEILS THE NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S - A FAST, FLATTERING PORTRAIT LENS FOR Z SERIES CREATORS

The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Delivers Gorgeous, Natural Bokeh and Remarkable Edge-to-Edge Sharpness for Crisp Portraits and Dramatic Video

MELVILLE, NY (July 31, 2019) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens, bringing a fast prime with a classic medium telephoto focal length to Z series full-frame mirrorless cameras. Ideal for headshots, fashion, wedding/event photography and tight video shots, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is designed to take full advantage of the wider, brighter and faster Z mount. This new addition to the S-Line delivers exceptional sharpness all the way to the corners of the frame, even at f/1.8, while integrating the latest NIKKOR optical technologies for intense rendering capability. Nikon Z series photographers and videographers who want to bring striking clarity to a subject’s eyes or who demand shallow depth of field and beautiful, natural bokeh will find the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S a welcome addition to their kit.

“The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens is so sharp, yet the background blur is so natural; the incredible detail captured with this lens is nothing short of striking,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “For fashion and portrait photographers, to wedding shooters and all types of videographers, now is the time to discover why the new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 will be an indispensable asset for those creatives who are familiar with the outstanding performance of the Nikon Z series.”

With the addition of the new 85mm f/1.8 S, Nikon Z series photo and video shooters now have a native Z mount option for capturing incredible portraits, fashion photography, event images, tight interview shots or B-roll footage that add emphasis to any scene. This is also the latest lens to join the NIKKOR S-Line, representing pinnacle in optical superiority and construction. 

The NIKKOR Z 85mm’s fast f/1.8 maximum aperture allows users to confidently shoot in low light and capture gorgeous, shallow depth of field that adds dimensionality and character to high-resolution images and 4K video footage alike. Helping to provide a natural look is a lens diaphragm consisting of nine rounded blades, which produce smooth, natural bokeh that gently leads the viewer’s eye to the subject of the frame. With the addition of Eye-Detection autofocus included in the recent release of Firmware 2.0, the Nikon Z series cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses offer even more control and capabilities when capturing stunning portraits and candids. 

This lens uses an all-new optical design of 12 elements in 8 groups and features the industry-leading lens technology consumers have come to expect from NIKKOR glass. Two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements help ensure minimal aberration, while Nikon’s patented Nano Crystal Coating offers superior control of ghosting and flare. Additionally, the high-speed Multi-Focus System realizes superior resolving power at minimum focus distance. These cutting-edge features are protected from the elements by Nikon’s professional-grade dust and drip resistance.

As with all NIKKOR Z S-Line lenses, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is crafted to cater to the needs of videographers as well as image-makers. The lens features ultra-quiet focus motors, minimized focus breathing, a customizable control ring for smooth adjustment of aperture or exposure compensation, and full compatibility with the in-body 5-axis VR found in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 full-frame mirrorless cameras.

NIKKOR Z S-Line

The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S joins the superb “S-Line” of NIKKOR Z lenses. Designed alongside the revolutionary Nikon Z mount system, S-Line lenses boast superior resolution, beautiful bokeh rendition, exceptional point-image reproduction, enhanced video recording performance and unmatched edge-to-edge sharpness, even when shooting at the maximum aperture.

Born out of Nikon’s heritage of optical excellence, the S-Line sits at the cutting edge of imaging technology and innovation and represents a new potential for image expression.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S will be available in September 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $799.95*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com. 

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