Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Released

Lens News

by Jeff LochFebruary 9^th, 2023

A couple of weeks after the announcement of their development, Nikon released the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and the tiny NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a high-end professional prime lens perfect for portraits, weddings and any content creators that need an incredibly fast lens that can easily isolate subjects. On the other end, the tiny and lightweight NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is a handy, affordable wide-angle prime lens that can stay on your camera at all times. So let’s take a closer look at these lenses!

It only took three weeks for Nikon to finish the development and launch the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8. Therefore, we can say that the first one is made to fill a gap in the yellow company’s lineup, considering some competitors such as Sony with its FE 50mm f/1.2 GM and Canon with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are already available for quite some time.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S – features

Let’s start with what we could call the second Nikon flagship prime lens after the 58mm f/0.95 S Noct: the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S. This new 85mm is part of Nikon’s high-end S-line of lenses, and you’ll quickly understand why:

• It covers full-frame image sensors.
• The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.2 which is handy in low-light shooting situations or when you need to isolate a subject from the background.
• With such a shallow depth of field, the NIKKOR 85mm f/1.2 S is compatible with Eye AF and features two STM focus motors for “fast and precise focus,” according to Nikon.

• It is dust and weather sealed.
• On the lens, you’ll find one focus ring, one ring to control the aperture or exposure compensation, and one control ring that can be user-assigned.

• There is also an Auto/Manual focus switch and an L-Fn button that you can assign to AF Lock, image tracking, or playback.

With a weight of 2.6lb/1.1kg and a length of 14.1cm for a diameter of 10.2cm, this 85mm f/1.2 S is a serious piece of glass for professional content creators.

Lens design

The lens design of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S consists of 15 elements in 10 groups, including one ED and two aspherical elements, to reduce chromatic aberrations and correct distortion. There are many lens elements to move to achieve fast autofocus performances, which is probably why there are two focus motors.

Like every S-line Nikon lens, the 85mm f/1.2 S internal elements feature a Nano Crystal coating to eliminate internal reflections and cross-lighting.

The 11-blade aperture should provide a smooth and pleasing bokeh. Lastly, the minimum focusing distance is 85cm/2.7ft, and the front filter diameter is 82mm.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 – features

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is a compact and lightweight pancake lens ideal for street photography and to carry on your camera in your everyday backpack. Indeed, with a length of only 7cm/2.8″ and a weight of 125g, this is the opposite of the 85mm f/1.2 S.

However, this pancake lens stills cover full-frame image sensors and is compatible with every Nikon Z mirrorless camera.

On the lens, there is only one ring which is set by default to adjust manual focus. One nice thing is that you can change its function to aperture or exposure compensation, for example.

Talking about focus, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 features an STM stepping motor that moves all lens groups and elements in unison. It also means the lens will extend/retract when the focus adjusts. Also, the lens is dust and drip resistant, which is handy for an everyday lens.

Lens design

The lens design of the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 consists of 8 elements in 6 groups with three aspherical elements to correct wide-angle distortion and improve sharpness.

The aperture diaphragm consists of seven round aperture blades. The minimum focusing distance is 20cm/7.9″. Also, you can’t attach filters “natively” to the lens; instead you’ll need to connect the included HB-111 lens hood that features a 52mm front filter thread.

Pricing and availability

Both lenses are available for preorder now and should start shipping soon. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is $2.797/€3349, and the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is $497/€599.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

What do you think about these two new Nikon NIKKOR Z lenses? Do you believe the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a nice addition to the company’s lineup? Are you considering the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 as an everyday lens? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!