@Reply #2 - good point! Everyone loves that 85mm look, but tbh if you're on a tight budget, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 is the absolute smartest move. I've been shooting with Z glass for years and the 40mm is way more versatile for a daily driver than a dedicated portrait lens. You can find it for way less than 300 bucks usually. Sure, 85mm is better for headshots, but the 40mm gives you that sweet bokeh without breaking the bank. I actually used it on my Z6 for a whole wedding season and nobody complained. Save your extra cash for a SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I card or a backup battery instead. Don't stress about chasing the perfect portrait focal length yet, just get some fast glass and start shooting.

Congrats on the Z5! Its a solid camera, but honestly the kit zoom is just meant for learning the basics. If you want that dreamy background blur, you gotta go for a prime lens. Just be careful with manual focus adapters if you go the cheap route, honestly they can be a headache. I would suggest sticking to native glass so you dont lose autofocus:

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2
• This is super tiny, cheap, and honestly feels like a toy but performs like a beast.
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
• Might be slightly over budget if you buy new, so check the used market. Seriously, look for a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S on eBay or MPB. It gives way better bokeh than the 40mm. Just make sure to check the glass for scratches before you pull the trigger...

TL;DR: Grab a native prime and you'll be obsessed instantly. I remember when I first ditched my kit glass. It was like magic! Honestly, just look into any fast 50mm or 85mm prime from Nikon. The background separation is just insane compared to the zoom. You really cant go wrong with any of their budget primes, they are super sharp and light. You're gonna have so much fun with it!