Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is 35mm, 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 35mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 370g (13.1 oz) it's lighter than the 470g (1.04 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is 35mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is 370g (13.1 oz) vs 470g (1.04 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is 35mm, 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 35mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 370g (13.1 oz) it's lighter than the 470g (1.04 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x 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 need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is 35mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 63° | 28.5° – 28.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 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) | $849 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 73mm | 75mm |
| Length | 86.5mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 370g (13.1 oz) | 470g (1.04 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
