Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
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/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You value portability — at 260g (9.2 oz) it's lighter than the 470g (1.04 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is $699, $100 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 reaches 1x magnification vs 0.12x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is 260g (9.2 oz) vs 470g (1.04 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
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/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you value portability — at 260g (9.2 oz) it's lighter than the 470g (1.04 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| 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 | 28.5° – 28.5° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 80 cm | 16 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 75mm | 66mm |
| Length | 99mm | 74.5mm |
| Weight | 470g (1.04 lb) | 260g (9.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
