What are the best prime lenses for Nikon Z series cameras?

Question

Finally made the jump from my ancient D750 to a Z6ii and honestly the autofocus is blowing my mind right now. I am so pumped to get back into shooting but I'm totally stuck on which primes to grab first. I read that the 50mm f/1.8 S is clinically perfect but then some guys on another board were saying it feels kinda sterile compared to the old F-mount stuff which has me worried.

I have a wedding I am shooting in Vermont this October and I need to figure this out fast because my budget is $1500 total. Do I just get the 35mm and 85mm f/1.8 combo or is it worth blowing the whole budget on one f/1.2 lens? Will I really notice that much of a difference?

CoffeeMountain · Accepted Answer

> Do I just get the 35mm and 85mm f/1.8 combo or is it worth blowing the whole budget on one f/1.2 lens? Ngl, blowing 1500 on just one lens for a wedding is a huge gamble when you need coverage. I remember shooting a fall wedding where the light was changing every five minutes... having a two-lens setup saved my life! Technically, the S-line 1.8 glass is incredible. They outperform almost all the old gold-ring F-mount 1.4 stuff. People call it sterile, but I call it perfectly corrected. You can always add character in post, but you cant fix soft edges! Grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S for ceremonies and the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 Z for portraits. That combo is a beast and leaves you cash for a backup flash or cards. The f/1.2 is a dream lens but man, it is heavy as a brick for a long day. Stay light and keep the cash!

Mia Turner · Answer

Honestly, just go for the 35mm and 85mm combo. I have been shooting with them for over a year now and I am beyond satisfied with the results. The f/1.2 glass is just too heavy and expensive for a wedding day anyway.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S: Great for the venue and wider group shots.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S: Incredible for portraits and very reliable. Dont worry about them being sterile... they are just crazy sharp and work well every time.

ZoomZap · Answer

^ This. Also, my back still thanks me for ditching the heavy stuff! I used the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S at a barn wedding and the bokeh was gorgeous without the f/1.2 weight.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S for dance floors

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for dreamy portraits Honestly, the S line glass is way more magical than people give it credit for!