Im honestly so done with my 24-120mm zoom right now. I tried to do a quick headshot session for my sister yesterday and the background bokeh is just... ugly. It looks busy and distracting and honestly i feel like im failing her. I have a big family reunion in Chicago next weekend and I need something that actually makes people pop. I shoot on a Z6ii and I have about 700 bucks to spend if i stretch it. Should I just get the 85mm 1.8 or is there something better that wont break the bank? Im literally scouring ebay right now and losing my mind because I need this delivered by Friday... what do you guys actually use for that pro look?
I'm very satisfied with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. It's great for headshots but can be kinda tight indoors. For a reunion, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S might be safer and its way cheaper tho. Both give that nice bokeh you're missing. Sticking with Nikon is just more reliable when you need it working perfectly out of the box...
Building on the earlier suggestion, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is the most technically sound choice for your Z6ii. Its dual-motor focusing system provides precision that your zoom simply cant match. If you want to save some cash, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 Z II is a decent third-party option. It delivers solid subject separation, though the lens coatings are less effective at managing flare.
I have been using the 85mm for ages and I am very satisfied with how it performs. It makes people pop way better than any zoom.
- Great subject separation
- Fits the 700 dollar budget
- Reliable for fast portraits Honestly, just grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and dont look back. It works well and the bokeh is lovely.
ngl i am dealing with the exact same issue right now. i tried using that zoom for a backyard party and the bokeh was just... messy. I felt so bad looking at the shots later. Im also trying to figure out which prime to grab before my own family trip because i dont want to deal with that busy background look again. Here is what im currently weighing for my own kit:
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S: Sharp and consistent. It is basically the safest choice for pure image quality but it feels pretty specialized.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S: Decent price and better for smaller rooms. Bokeh is smooth enough but wont give that massive separation.
- Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 Z II: Cheapest way to get 1.8 but third party glass makes me nervous for big events. Im honestly stuck between playing it safe with Nikon or trying to save money. Reliability is everything when family is involved tho...
