Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is 24-70mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for standard zoom, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.12x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is $699, $100 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is 24-70mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for standard zoom, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.12x.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 28.5° – 28.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 75mm |
| Length | 88.5mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 500g (1.10 lb) | 470g (1.04 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
