okay so im in a bit of a panic right now because my sisters engagement shoot is literally happening in two weeks here in chicago and my trusty old 85mm f/1.8 G lens just decided to stop autofocusing with my FTZ adapter and i think it’s finally time to just go native with the Z series. i’ve been putting this off because i didnt want to spend the money but now i have no choice and the pressure is on. i’m shooting on a Z7II and i really need that tack sharp look but with some nice creamy bokeh because we’re doing half the shots in a local park and the other half in her tiny apartment which is gonna be a nightmare for space.
i’ve narrowed it down to three main contenders but im stuck:
- Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S
- Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- Nikkor Z 105mm f/2.8 MC
the 85mm seems like the safe bet and it’s way cheaper at like $800 so id save some money for a new flash or something. but then there is the Z 50mm f/1.2 S... i know its huge and costs like $2100 which is stretching my budget to the absolute limit but i keep seeing these sample shots and the way it renders skin is just insane. my worry is the weight since i’ll be running around the city all day. then there is the 105mm f/2.8 MC macro lens which i’ve heard people actually love for portraits? i dont know if that f/2.8 is going to give me enough blur though especially compared to the 50mm.
i need to pull the trigger on this by tuesday night to make sure it gets here in time for the weekend rehearsal. is the 50mm 1.2 actually worth double the price of the 85mm for someone doing mostly lifestyle and engagement stuff? or should i just get the 85mm and call it a day? honestly im so torn because i want the wow factor for her photos but i dont want to regret carrying a 2lb brick around if the 85mm is 90% as good...
the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is definitely the most practical choice here. it works perfectly for these types of gigs and ive used it a ton.
- 85mm: very sharp and decent price
- 50mm: better for tight spaces but heavy and expensive
- 105mm: way too long for that apartment going native with the 85mm is gonna make your life much easier. you got this.
Re: "the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is definitely the most practical choice here."
- I'm in total agreement with this. Having used the system for years, I've found that the 85mm hits the sweet spot for professional work. I've been very happy with the results on my own Z7II and have no complaints about the rendering.
- Sensor Resolution: Your camera demands high-quality optics. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is specifically engineered to resolve those 45 megapixels. The edge-to-edge sharpness is miles ahead of the old F-mount glass.
- Practicality: That Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a dream, but it's a specialty tool. For a full day of shooting, you'll be much happier with a lighter setup that wont kill your wrist.
- Financial Logic: Use the money you save to pick up a Nikon SB-700 Speedlight. Good lighting in that tiny apartment will do more for your photos than f/1.2 ever could. You wont regret it.
Just catching up on this thread and honestly, its a classic Z-mount dilemma. Like someone mentioned, that 105mm is probably gonna be too tight for a Chicago apartment shoot. In my experience, reliability is the only thing that matters when you've only got one shot at an engagement session. Quick question for you though: how much room do you actually have in that tiny apartment? If we're talking a literal shoebox, even 85mm is gonna have you backing into the hallway just to get a torso shot. Here is what I've found over the years:
- The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is an optical masterpiece but those dual STM motors have a massive amount of glass to move. Its precise, but its a total workout for your wrist and the battery.
- Dont overlook the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Its technically one of the sharpest lenses Nikon has ever made, way lighter than the 1.2, and much better for tight indoor spaces.
- The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is basically the gold standard for native Z portraits right now. The AF is snappy and reliable, which is exactly what you need since your old lens just died on you. If you want that wow factor without the back pain, the 85mm is usually the winner, but that 50mm 1.8 is a sleeper hit for tight spots.
tbh skip the macro lens for this shoot. its way too clinical for portraits and youll spend forever retouching skin. plus 105mm is way too long for a tiny apartment. that Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is gorgeous but its a total brick... your wrist will really feel it after an hour without a battery grip. tl;dr: avoid the Nikon NIKKOR Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S MC for small spaces, watch the weight on the 50mm.
> the 85mm seems like the safe bet and it’s way cheaper at like $800 Building on the earlier suggestion, the 85mm is definitely the most sensible path here. I would suggest sticking with Nikon native glass instead of trying to gamble on other brands, especially since you're on a tight deadline and cant afford any glitches. Be careful with that 50mm 1.2 tho... it is a beautiful lens but it really is a total workout to carry around all day. Honestly, if that apartment is a shoebox, maybe consider renting a wider prime just for those couple of hours? It might save you a lot of stress.
Building on the earlier suggestion, you might want to consider the actual logistics of shooting in a Chicago apartment. If its a standard tiny walk-up, an 85mm is gonna have you literally pinned against the wall trying to get a headshot. I would suggest looking at the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S as a serious alternative to the big 1.2 version. Ive been thinking about your budget and that Z7II sensor really needs clean glass. Heres a quick comparison from a technical DIY perspective:
- Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S: Perfect for the park shots. Its sharp enough to cut paper and the bokeh is smooth without the 1.2 weight tax.
- Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S: This lens is the real sleeper hit. Its tiny, incredibly sharp, and gives you that extra breathing room indoors where the 85mm fails. Honestly, you could probably buy both the 85mm and 50mm 1.8 primes for way less than that single 50mm 1.2. Be careful with those heavy lenses if you arent used to them tho... the balance on a Z7II without a grip can get pretty front-heavy after a few hours. Having two lighter options gives you a safety net if the space is tighter than you expected.
