20/04/2026 11:25 pm
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So Ive been shooting with the Z6II for about a year now after moving over from my old D850 and honestly Im struggling a bit with picking the right prime for my portrait work. Ive been using the 24-70 f4 kit lens and an old AF-S 85mm 1.8G with the FTZ adapter but the adapter is starting to feel clunky and I swear the focus isnt as snappy as it should be for fast moving kids or candid shots during ceremonies. Im looking to finally invest in a native S-line prime but Im torn between the 50mm 1.8 and the 85mm 1.8 because everybody says the 50 is magic but Ive always been an 85 guy for that compression and background blur.
Budget is around 1200 max so the f1.2 options are totally out of the question for now unfortunately. I have a big family session coming up in rural Vermont next month and I really want to capture those fall colors with something that has a bit more character than the kit zoom.
- Must have fast eye-autofocus tracking
- Sharp wide open (dont want to have to stop down to f2.8 just to get a usable shot)
- Lightweight enough for a 4 hour outdoor session
Is the 85mm S really that much better than the old G version or should I maybe look at the 105mm micro even if I dont do much macro work? Ive heard people use it for headshots but Im worried it might be too sharp or slow for portraits...
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21/04/2026 12:30 am
Coming back to this after checking my gear closet... honestly I was pretty disappointed with the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for what you're doing. Everyone raves about it but for fast-moving kids? Its kind of a nightmare because it hunts way too much when they're running around. Couple tips for the Vermont shoot:
- Avoid the 105mm macro for family work. Its focus is too slow for kids and it is way too clinical. It shows every single blemish which just creates more editing work later.
- Look for a used Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S instead of buying new. I felt the retail price was a bit high for what it is, and you can save some cash for that Vermont trip. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is definitely more 'magical' but if you love 85mm, just be ready for the S-line to feel a bit sterile compared to your old G lens. The S-line glass is almost too perfect sometimes, which kinda sucks for character.
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20/04/2026 11:26 pm
> Is the 85mm S really that much better than the old G version or should I maybe look at the 105mm micro even if I dont do much macro work? Honestly, I bought the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S hoping it would totally change my workflow, but unfortunately it didnt feel like the massive upgrade I expected. Its definitely sharper than the G version and the AF is way more reliable for those eye-tracking shots you need, but the character is just... clinical. I had issues with the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S too. I tried it for headshots but the AF hunting is just too slow for kids running around in a field, which is super frustrating. If you want safety and reliability for that Vermont shoot, the 85mm S is the only real choice in your budget. Its lightweight and wont fail you, even if the bokeh feels a bit soul-less compared to the old F-mount stuff. Its a safe bet, just not an exciting one.
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21/04/2026 12:00 am
Saw this thread late but figured id weigh in since i made that exact jump from F-mount. Ngl if you love that 85mm compression just stick with what you know and get the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. Its easily the safest bet for your budget and probably the most reliable lens in the lineup for general portrait work. The AF speed on the native Z version is night and day compared to using the old G series with an FTZ, which is huge for those Vermont sessions where kids wont sit still. While the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a gem, it wont give you that bokeh look you're clearly used to. The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a decent option but maybe too clinical for some, and the focus throw can be a bit slow for candids. The 85 S is just solid and super lightweight for long shoots.
