F1.2 Shootout! Nikon 85 1.2 Z vs 50 1.2 Z 

Hi Matt. I bought both the Nikkor Z 50 & 85 f1.2 lenses and love them both! The 85 is always on my Z9 unless I have a reason to change it for another application. My Nikkor Z24-70 f2.8 is normally attached to my Z7. I find the Z lenses are the best Nikon has ever produced and I have 7 of them. Stay Cool! Rick

Given that you hesitated to pick one up yourself, I find it somewhat ironic that it was your video (and the sample shots you provided specifically) that convinced me to purchase the 85/1.2. Zero regrets.

Of the 2 lenses the 85mm would be the wiser choice for my portrait needs. The 50mm 1.8 z is more than good enough.

Hello Matt! I do use sometimes the 50mm, and I also starting to like it. Now at my last shooting my most favorit, and most used lens died on me. My loved 105mm f1.4 lost the AF motor, and repair is not worth it. So I'm thinking of trying the 85mm f1.2, but not sure if I will like as much as my 105mm. But I enjoyed this video of yours, thank you.

Thanks again, for providing the files to at review. This is a tough one. With the files provided, it left me feeling much the same way you did when "initially" reviewing the lens. Of course, I believe the 200mm f/2 (with the 105mm f/1.4 tailing a bit behind it) have ruined my idea of what I want out of a lens. The shots you took with the 50mm f/1.2 are actually more appealing to my eye, and, for what it's worth, if shot wide open appear a bit sharper than the 85mm f/1.2 - which appears just a tad soft. The fall off and bokeh are very close, but again, the shots with the 50mm appeal to my eye (but perhaps not everyone, and maybe I need to sleep on it). It was largely because of you (but also some others) that I bought the used 200mm. I've shot it for indoor sports (Ice Hockey cameos and on ice action portrait, a wedding, wildlife, and of course, outdoor portraits. That particular lens is dangerous (both from a weight standpoint and future expectation standpoint). The main appeal of the 85mm is shooting distance and relation with subject (to me). It's still heavy and costs a lot. As I've said before to you, I'm curious when and what the 135mm f/1.8 will bring to the table - albeit you are still talking large working distances. As you mentioned, your initial impression was "I don't need another lens", till you shot with the 85 or the 50mm more. Curious what you thought about the color rendition on both? I'll have to check out some FLICKR pages. I may test one out in the store, but as your initial impression, I'm not feelin' it right now.

I've found the Z 85/1.2 to be, without question, the best portrait lens I've used in nearly half a century of using Nikon (and other) gear. The only other lens I've seen that has the same visual feel is the old Zeiss 150/4 Sonnar for the Hasselblad and the Nikon blows it away in every other way while matching its feel. Mine has barely been off my Z 9 since I got it on launch day.

Matt just to say that you really hit it out of the park with these incredible images of the breath-taking and charming Eilia 🙀🙀🙀😍😍😍....the lenses are so impressive and every time i see you shoot in Hong Kong i miss it (had visited it three times before long ago) ...

Both are waaaay beyond my budget, heheh... but it's always nice seeing great gears in skillful hands. Btw, Eilia's face is so cute and exotic. Definitely one of the best models you've showcased on your channel.

I am curious if Nikon will release a 105mm 1.2. It seems as though with mirrorless they are redoing their old 1.4 f mount as 1.2s and I think a 105mm 1.2 would be insane. I’m sure it would be insanely big, heavy, and expensive as well, but I would want one preordered as soon as released.

I bought both because I started with the 50 - in my opinion the 85 is a bit smoother

Matt, as I have both lenes, really enjoy you comparisons etc. Also, what Compagnon bag is that you are using? Thanks as always.

You're in your element Matt, fantastic compositions, the best equipment and a gorgeous model...What's there not to like.... Apart from that it looks like it's going to cost you 3 grand.🙈🤣

Between the 50 and 85mm both at F1.2 who has more shallow depth of field?

Love your videos, Matt! I picked up a used F mount 85, 1.4 a few months back and have been pretty disappointed in the amount of chromatic aberration. Do these new Z mount 1.2’s suffer from that same issue? It does not appear so from the RU-vid video, and admittedly, I have not downloaded the files, but wanted to get your first hand experience. Thanks!

Is it me? The video looks blurry.

This was an amazing shoot and amazing comparison, I really need that 50mm 1.2....omgggg its so gooood ! ! !

Lens design fascinates me. For example, it's interesting to me that between these two lenses, the one with the longer focal length has a shorter overall length. You'd think the 85mm would be longer than the 50mm, but no.

Matt, very nice photos! What's your opinion on using the back screen to take pictures versus the viewfinder? Thanks!

Not a lens question but is "Hong Kong hot" as bad as "Singapore hot"?

6:35 - What hotel is that may I ask? Was reminded of the one you did long ago with DigitalRev there.

Thank you, but unable to download the sample images - error with the web page - 404 not found

Nice video and interesting lens comparison. Wanted to check out the sample files, but it give me a 404 not found error.

matt, will you ever get Tina back on? Or post the workshops with her on your website

Im subscribed why didn’t i see this before🤦🏻‍♂️

The link to the images isn't working.

I dismissed my demons and purchased both.

DOF is too too shallow for my taste. Focus must be perfect in order for photo to be successful.

Should have throw in the viltrox 85

You're suffering with a condition called G.A.S. The 105 1.4 is a beautiful lens, but sure it doesn't have the new handling feel of z mount.

Let's see... 1. Keep the 200mm f/2G when other F-mount lenses get sold? Obviously, yes. 2. Keep the 105mm f/1.4E when other F-mount lenses get sold? At the time the answer was "No", but with the performance on the Z9 + FTZII, it was re-acquired. 3. Purchase the 50mm f/1.2 S? Yes. 4. Purchase the 85mm f/1.2 S? Yes. This is all about your level of excellence as a photographer, both professionally and intrinsically. What you do and what you produce is worthy of the better lenses. I can't imagine you *not* getting it.