Nikon has announced two fast prime lenses, a Nikkor Z 85mm f1.2 S portrait lens and Nikkor Z 26mm f2.8 wide-angle lens.
Nikon Australia unfortunately didn’t provide the availability date or local RRP, however the Nikon e-store has the 85mm f1.2 priced at $4799, and the 26mm f2.8 at $899. Might come today, or tomorrow, or in six months!
The 85mm looks like a beauty, and will be highly-sought after professional portrait lens. The 26mm is Nikon’s slimmest and lightest Nikkor Z lens, and an ideal fit for street and landscape photographers.
Here are both press releases starting with the 85mm:
True-to-life expressions with the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Elevate your creativity with unparalleled depth and realism from the latest NIKKOR Z S-Line lens
Sydney, Australia – 7 Feb 2023 – Nikon Australia introduces the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, the latest S-Line lens that is an embodiment of dependability, mobility, and outstanding optical performance. Encased in a well-balanced body, the lens delivers incredible high-quality impression of dramatic and romantic portraits and is designed with a fast and highly accurate autofocus (AF) that enables users to maximise the shallow depth of field of f/1.2. Users are also able to capture not only refined stills but also impressive videos with the adoption of stepping motors that reduces drive sounds, and with an operability that provides a natural shift in focus positions and brightness levels.
“The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is designed to offer unrivalled capabilities especially when capturing portraits, as it renders large and soft background bokeh with beautiful gradation and minimum colour fringing. The outstanding optical performance, accuracy, and versatility of the lens is bound to inspire professionals and creators alike to express their creativity and showcase their captures with unparalleled depth and realism,” said John Young, General Manager of International Marketing, International Business Division of the Imaging Group, Nikon Asia.
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S PRIMARY FEATURES
Exceptional optical performance
Get ready to capture the world in stunning accuracy with the pairing of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and your Z series camera. An f/1.2 S-Line lens with outstanding optical performance made possible with the large Nikon Z mount, it enables users to capture the details of skin and hair textures beautifully and impressively, while at the same time produce large, beautiful bokeh that complements the subject. The maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows for more light to enter the sensor, which smoothly creates shapely round and large bokeh that is gradual and looks natural for an ethereal impression.
Achieve clear and sharp images, even under backlight situations, with the high-performance Nano Crystal Coat that eliminates most ghost and flare effect under strong sunlight or light source from the back of subjects. Chromatic and spherical aberrations are also reduced via two aspherical lens and one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements.
Achieve sharper images with accurate focus
The lens is equipped a multi-focusing system with two stepping motors (STMs) to provide precise focusing on subjects with speed and accuracy even at its shallow depth of field of f/1.2. When used in conjunction with the camera’s Eye-Detection AF, users can easily capture portraits with the subject’s eyes in focus. Pair the lens with the Z 9 and enjoy more further support with the Enhanced Eye-/People-Detection performance which detects the subject when they turn around and also for smaller faces, subject tracking, and focusing in backlit situations.
In addition, users can expect smooth AF when performing slow focusing with the lens when filming videos.
Designed for seamless video shoots
Enjoy smooth and quiet operation from the lens’ STMs and ‘click-less’ control ring which effectively minimises unnecessary operational sounds in quiet settings such as weddings and corporate events. With effective focus-breathing compensation [1] from the lens, users can record videos with a natural shift in focus position and brightness level. Even when the focus point shifts from one subject to another, the angle of view is maintained thus creating videos that are smooth and natural with stable exposure.
Excellent reliability
Feel rest assured when capturing stills and videos with the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S. It features superior dust- and drip-resistant performance [2] with a sealing on various moving sections of the lens barrel, and the adoption of a rubber gasket on the lens mount, which effectively prevents dust or water droplets from entering the lens.
Highly customisable, the lens, weighing approximately 1,160g, is designed with a L-Fn button for users to assign their favourite functions enabling one to quickly switch to their most-used settings without having to toggle the camera menu. Operate the lens intuitively as the controls are separated on each level of the lens.
The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S’s finishing is best defined as functional with a touch of luxury, thanks to the improved coating texture resulting in a sharp form that extends throughout the lens. Users will also recognise the familiar and well-loved S metal emblem, a hallmark of the S-Line, that caps off the latest addition to the ever-expanding NIKKOR Z range.
[1] Focus-breathing may be noticeable depending on the distance between the lens and the subject due to the characteristics of the lens.
[2] Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations and under all conditions.
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Flexibility to create with the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
Meet Nikon’s slimmest and lightest NIKKOR Z lens yet – a wide-angle prime lens that inspires creators with the confidence to create memorable everyday shooting experiences.
Sydney, Australia – 7 Feb 2023 – introduces the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, the slimmest (1) and lightest (2) in the NIKKOR Z lens line-up, making it an ideal full-time companion for the Z series cameras. Built for superior optical performance despite its compact form, the full-frame/FX-format lens strikes an optimum balance between advanced functionality and unobtrusive size.
“The NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is the perfect travel companion for creators. Designed in a compact, lightweight body, this small but mighty lens is capable of capturing a myriad of perspectives from cityscapes to portraits and everyday moments,” said John Young, General Manager of International Marketing, International Business Division of the Imaging Group, Nikon Asia.
NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 PRIMARY FEATURES
Slim design for everyday use
Measuring 70mm(D) x 23.5mm(L) and no bigger than an average credit card, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f /2.8 is Nikon’s slimmest (1) lens for the mirrorless full-frame/FX-format cameras to date. Compact to fit in a purse or bag and light enough to carry without causing fatigue, this pancake lens with its weight at approximately 125g, gives users the freedom to capture whenever inspiration strikes.
The lens’ extremely slim build is made possible with a design that adopts an all-element focusing system, and with an effective arrangement of three aspherical lens elements that further contribute to minimise aberrations, all while maintaining excellent optical performance in a small body.
With its 26mm focal length (3), the lens provides a versatile angle of view to capture dynamic images of various everyday perspectives such as street, cityscapes, landscapes, and portraits.
Superior image quality with easy operation
Despite the lens’ build, it packs a punch in terms of performance. Dynamic images that make the most of background blur and perspective are made possible with the lens’ minimum focus distance of 0.2m, so get closer and witness the superiority of the NIKKOR Z optics.
Designed to expand the range of scenes and subjects, as well as creative possibilities, users can rely on the lens for everyday use. Whether shooting handheld or in low-light situations, the lens’ bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides flexibility to capture sharp and clear images by minimising camera shake with a potential faster shutter speed. Emphasise your subjects, especially useful for capturing portrait shots with beautiful bokeh, with the f/2.8 brightness and depth of field. In addition, high-precision autofocus control is delivered by a stepping motor (STM), while accurate focus adjustment on top of a comfortable operation is realised by a control ring.
Designed for seamless usability
The NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is the embodiment of precision and sharpness with its dynamic and tiered form, and great attention to detail. A dedicated lens hood helps to retain the slim design of the lens while protecting the protruded parts. Users can also attach 52mm filter (sold separately) to the lens hood for further creativity.
Feel at ease on never missing out a spontaneous moment with the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8. Its non-retractable barrel design allows users to start capturing immediately without having to extend the lens – perfect for capturing those elusive moments that would be missed if you’re not prepared to shoot them. The lens’ subtle extension means users enjoy a precise look and feel while shooting.
Customise the shooting experience with the lens’ control ring to set frequently used functions such as focus (M/A), ISO sensitivity, aperture, or exposure compensation on the lens itself.
Adding on to the robust qualities of this everyday lens is the dust-and-drip resistant (4) design which helps to prevent dust and liquid from entering the lens. Further protect the slim lens with a dedicated push-on cap that can be attached to either the lens or its hood. Capping off the sophisticated design is the adoption of metal parts and components for a sleek and sophisticated design of form and function.
[1] Based on Nikon research of AF lenses for interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras equipped with a full-frame (35mm [135] equivalent) image sensor available as of February 7, 2023.
[2] Amongst NIKKOR Z lenses available as of February 7, 2023.
[3] When used with a DX-format camera, the angle of view is close to the standard 39 mm (equivalent in 35mm [135] format).
[4] Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed under all conditions or in all situations.
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