“Exploring the Creative Potential of Nikon’s 26mm and 85mm Z Mirrorless Lenses”
Nikon offers details on two prime lenses that have been on the development roadmap for some time. The slim Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 and chunky Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S support photographers with mirrorless Z cameras. The former is the first pancake prime for the system, and the latter features background-blurring optics in a portrait-friendly focal length.
Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8
The Nikkor 26mm F2.8 is the smallest and lightest prime for mirrorless Z cameras. It earns the pancake designation with its 1-inch height and weighs just 4.5 ounces. Despite the slim form, the lens has a hybrid focus control ring. A lens hood is also included and will be needed if you want to add a filter.
(Source: Nikon)
Nikon bills it as a dual-purpose lens that makes sense for both full-frame cameras and DX (APS-C) models as an everyday prime. For the former, its 26mm angle is similar to the starting point of most standard zooms as well as the main lens of most smartphone cameras. It’s a familiar vantage point for creatives from all backgrounds. Put it on a DX camera like the Z fc and it becomes a more moderate wide-angle (39mm) that’s still very useful for documentary-style images and environmental portraits.
There’s already a Nikkor Z 28mm for the system, but where Nikon has positioned the 28mm as a $300 budget lens, the Z 26mm is mid-range. It’s not part of the premium S line, but includes a dust and splash guard and metal lens mount – the Z 28mm has a plastic mount, saving on weather protection.
(Source: Nikon)
The Nikkor Z 26mm F2.8 comes at a higher price than the 28mm. Nikon costs it $499.95 and expects to ship in early March.
Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S
The Z 85mm F1.2 S is the second 85mm for the system. Its optical formula sets it apart from the mid-priced Z 85mm F1.8 S. The F1.2 aperture collects twice as much light as an F1.8 lens for a razor-thin depth of field. Focus breathing is minimized for video use.
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(Source: Nikon)
As an S-line lens, the Z 85mm F1.2 is built for performance. We haven’t tested the lens, but Nikon promises fast, accurate autofocus with dual STM motors, good backlight performance with Nano Crystal anti-reflective coating, and pleasing bokeh that’s free from annoying onion skin effects. An 11-blade circular bezel is included for rounded highlights.
On-barrel controls include a large manual focus ring, a discrete control ring, and an L-Fn control button. The barrel is made of magnesium, with dust and drip protection. Of course, lenses with extra bright f-stops are usually expensive, and this one is no exception. The Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S will cost you $2,799.95 when it arrives in late March.
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Source: www.pcmag.com
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