So I finally made the jump from my trusty old D750 to the Z6 about six months ago and honestly I’m never looking back the EVF alone is a game changer for me. Been using my old F-mount glass with the FTZ adapter which works fine I guess but I’m starting to feel like I’m not getting the full potential out of this sensor with the older lenses. I’ve got this really high-profile engagement shoot and then a wedding coming up at a resort in Lake Tahoe in about three weeks and I really want to treat myself to a native Z prime that just knocks it out of the park for portraits.
I’ve always been an 85mm guy through and through. That focal length just feels right for how I frame things. But everyone online is raving about the 50mm f/1.8 S and how it punches way above its weight class and is sharper than lenses three times its price. Is it really that good? I’m worried 50mm might feel a bit too wide for the tight headshots I like to do but if the rendering is as creamy as people say maybe I should switch it up. Here is what I am mainly looking for:
- super fast eye-autofocus tracking
- that nice background separation for outdoor shots
- something that doesnt feel like a brick after 8 hours of shooting
Then there's the 85mm 1.8 S which is well within my $1500 budget but then I see the f/1.2 and my heart says yes but my wallet and my lower back say absolutely not lol. I do a lot of low light stuff during receptions so that extra stop is tempting but is the autofocus speed actually fast enough on the original Z6 to justify the cost? I need something that can handle a fast-moving bride and groom without hunting all over the place. I’m basically stuck in a loop of watching YouTube reviews and I just need some real world advice from people who actually use this kit every day. Should I stick with what I know and grab the 85mm S or is that 50mm really the must-have lens everyone claims it is?
I stuck with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for my last few mountain weddings because it just works. Shot a twelve-hour day recently and my back didnt complain once. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is incredible glass but if you prefer tight framing, the 50mm will feel too wide. Just keep your shutter speed high on the Z6 for those walking shots.
I was in your exact shoes about a year ago after finally retiring my D750. Honestly, dont let the internet hype train talk you into a focal length you dont actually like. If you are an 85mm guy, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is gonna feel awkward for your style, no matter how sharp people say it is. I tried forcing myself to love a 50mm for weddings because everyone raved about it, but I just kept wishing I had that 85mm compression and distance from the subjects. Regarding the monster lenses... the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a work of art, but on the original Z6? You are basically putting racing tires on a sedan. The Z6 is solid but it lacks the AF power to really whip those heavy f/1.2 glass elements around as fast as you would want for a moving bride. Plus, lugging that thing around Lake Tahoe for 8+ hours sounds like a nightmare for your ergonomics. I went with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and honestly its the most practical choice. The eye-af is snappy, it weighs next to nothing, and it leaves you with way more cash for other gear. The Z6 sensor handles high ISO so well that f/1.8 is plenty for dark receptions. Just stick with the focal length you know... itll make the shoot way more relaxing.
Like someone mentioned, that 50 might feel too wide. Are you shooting the ceremony solo?
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Make sure to check AF speed bc it might hunt...
