Rent the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S in Canada — the ultimate portrait prime in Nikon’s S-line, pairing the classic 85mm focal length with a dazzling f/1.2 aperture. It’s the top pick for portraits, weddings, fashion, beauty and editorial work on Nikon Z. Key points:
- Ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture for extraordinary subject separation and creamy, three-dimensional bokeh
- Classic 85mm portrait length — flattering compression from a comfortable working distance
- S-line optics with ED and aspherical elements plus advanced coatings for sharpness and clean colour wide open
- 11 rounded aperture blades and an 82mm filter thread, shared with the 35mm and 50mm f/1.2 S
Our thoughts
If you shoot portraits on Nikon Z and want the very best, this is the lens. The 85mm f/1.2 combination gives a look that’s hard to describe until you see it — razor-sharp eyes against a background that melts away, with a smooth, gradual falloff that makes subjects stand out beautifully. For weddings, fashion and beauty it’s a showpiece optic. The trade is size and weight: it’s a large, heavy lens, so if you want the 85mm look in something far lighter, the 85mm f/1.8 S is excellent.
— Will, Founder
Key specifications
| Lens mount |
Nikon Z |
| Format |
Full-frame (FX) |
| Focal length |
85mm |
| Maximum aperture |
f/1.2 |
| Minimum aperture |
f/16 |
| Aperture blades |
11 (rounded) |
| Optical design |
15 elements in 10 groups, incl. ED and aspherical elements |
| Coatings |
Nano Crystal, ARNEO and Meso Amorphous Coat |
| Autofocus |
Multi-focus system with dual stepping motors |
| Minimum focus distance |
Approx. 0.85m (2.79 ft) |
| Filter thread |
82mm |
| Build |
Dust- and moisture-resistant; approx. 1,160g (2.56 lb) |
Compatibility & what you might add
- Fits any Nikon Z body — it pairs beautifully with high-resolution bodies that resolve its detail. As it has no built-in VR, an IBIS-equipped body helps for handheld shooting.
- Takes 82mm screw-in filters — a polariser or ND is handy for working wide open in bright light.
- Building a fast-prime kit? Add the 50mm f/1.2 S or 35mm f/1.2 S from the Nikon Z lens range — they share the 82mm filter thread.
- Prefer something lighter? Ask us about the compact 85mm f/1.8 S.
Q&A
What’s the advantage of f/1.2 over the 85mm f/1.8 S?
More light and a much shallower depth of field. At f/1.2 the background separation is stronger and the bokeh smoother, with a more gradual transition into the blur — the signature portrait look. The f/1.8 S is optically superb, far smaller, lighter and cheaper, so the f/1.2 is the pick when you specifically want the ultimate rendering and low-light ability.
Is it sharp wide open at f/1.2?
Yes — the S-line design keeps the subject crisp right from f/1.2, so you get that dreamy background blur without losing detail on the eyes and face. It’s an outstanding portrait performer straight out of the box, with advanced coatings to control flare and maintain contrast.
How big and heavy is it?
It’s a substantial lens at around 1,160g — balanced on a full-size Z body but noticeably larger than the 85mm f/1.8 S. For portrait, wedding and fashion work where the look matters most, that size is a fair trade; for lighter travel, the f/1.8 may suit better. We’re happy to advise.
Does it have image stabilisation?
There’s no VR built into the lens, so it relies on your camera’s in-body stabilisation. On modern Nikon Z bodies with IBIS that works well for handheld portrait shooting at this focal length.
What filter size does it take?
82mm — the same as Nikon’s 35mm f/1.2 S and 50mm f/1.2 S, so filters carry across the f/1.2 trio. A polariser or ND pairs well; just let us know and we can add one to your rental.
