Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro
Both are Nikon Z mount primes for portrait and low-light — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 56mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | APS-C |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
Which should you buy?
- the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro opens wider (f/1.2) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro (56mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S (85mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is first-party (Nikon) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 SSee price on Amazon
Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 ProSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame; the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro is 56mm f/1.2 prime, APS-C. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.
Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S or the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro?
The Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro — its f/1.2 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/1.8 of the other.
Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C). Note the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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