Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Both are Nikon Z mount primes for portrait and low-light — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 | Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 85mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | full-frame |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
Which should you buy?
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 opens wider (f/1.4) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 (50mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S (85mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
Where to buy
Check the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 price on Amazon →
Check the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S price on Amazon →
FAQ
What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm f/1.4 prime, full-frame; the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.
Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 — its f/1.4 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/1.8 of the other.
Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 and Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C).
More Nikon Z comparisons: Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S vs Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 · Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 · Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 · Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 · all Nikon Z lenses · all comparisons