What To Know
- If you’re a professional photographer or enthusiast who demands the best image quality and weather-sealed construction, the Nikon Z 85mm is the better choice.
- However, if you’re a casual photographer or on a tight budget, the Viltrox 85mm is a great value for the price.
- The Viltrox 85mm is a great value for the price and is a good option for casual photographers or those on a budget.
In the world of portrait photography, the choice of lens can make a significant difference in the final image. Two popular options for Nikon Z-mount cameras are the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S and the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z. Both lenses offer excellent image quality and a fast maximum aperture, making them ideal for capturing stunning portraits. But which one is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon Z 85mm and Viltrox 85mm lenses in terms of their key features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision.
Comparing Key Features
1. Lens Construction and Build Quality
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a well-built lens with a solid metal construction. It features a weather-sealed design, making it resistant to dust and moisture, which is essential for outdoor photography. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z, on the other hand, has a plastic construction, which makes it lighter but less durable. It is not weather-sealed, so it’s not suitable for use in harsh weather conditions.
2. Optical Performance
Both the Nikon Z 85mm and Viltrox 85mm lenses offer excellent optical performance. They produce sharp and detailed images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. However, the Nikon Z 85mm has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and color reproduction. It also features a 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm, which creates more pleasing bokeh (background blur) than the Viltrox’s 8-blade diaphragm.
3. Autofocus
Both lenses feature fast and accurate autofocus, thanks to their stepping motors. However, the Nikon Z 85mm has a slight advantage in autofocus speed and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. It also offers Eye-AF (eye autofocus), which is a useful feature for portrait photography.
4. Price
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is priced at around $800, while the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z is available for around $400. This makes the Viltrox lens a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Which Lens Should You Choose?
The choice between the Nikon Z 85mm and Viltrox 85mm lenses depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re a professional photographer or enthusiast who demands the best image quality and weather-sealed construction, the Nikon Z 85mm is the better choice. However, if you’re a casual photographer or on a tight budget, the Viltrox 85mm is a great value for the price.
Additional Considerations
1. Compatibility
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is only compatible with Nikon Z-mount cameras. The Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z, on the other hand, is also compatible with Sony E-mount and Canon RF-mount cameras, making it a more versatile option if you own multiple camera systems.
2. Size and Weight
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is slightly larger and heavier than the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z. This may be a consideration for photographers who need a lightweight and compact lens for travel or street photography.
3. Customer Support
Nikon has a well-established reputation for excellent customer support. If you encounter any issues with the Nikon Z 85mm lens, you can be confident that you’ll receive prompt and helpful assistance. Viltrox, on the other hand, is a relatively new company, and its customer support may not be as comprehensive as Nikon’s.
Deciding Factors: Nikon Z 85mm vs Viltrox 85mm
Ultimately, the decision between the Nikon Z 85mm and Viltrox 85mm lenses comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as image quality, build quality, autofocus performance, price, compatibility, size and weight, and customer support when making your choice.
Wrapping Up: The Best Portrait Lens for Your Needs
Whether you choose the Nikon Z 85mm or Viltrox 85mm lens, you’ll be getting a high-quality portrait lens that will help you capture stunning images. The Nikon Z 85mm is the better choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts who demand the best image quality and weather-sealed construction. The Viltrox 85mm is a great value for the price and is a good option for casual photographers or those on a budget.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which lens is sharper, the Nikon Z 85mm or Viltrox 85mm?
The Nikon Z 85mm is slightly sharper than the Viltrox 85mm, especially at wider apertures.
2. Which lens has better bokeh, the Nikon Z 85mm or Viltrox 85mm?
The Nikon Z 85mm has slightly better bokeh than the Viltrox 85mm, thanks to its 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm.
3. Which lens is better for low-light photography, the Nikon Z 85mm or Viltrox 85mm?
Both lenses perform well in low-light conditions, but the Nikon Z 85mm has a slight advantage in autofocus speed and accuracy.
4. Which lens is better for video recording, the Nikon Z 85mm or Viltrox 85mm?
Both lenses are suitable for video recording, but the Nikon Z 85mm has the advantage of being weather-sealed, making it a better choice for outdoor shoots.
5. Which lens is better for travel photography, the Nikon Z 85mm or Viltrox 85mm?
The Viltrox 85mm is a more compact and lightweight lens, making it a better choice for travel photography.
