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Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Prime/zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,599
VS
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S wins by 7
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Prime/Zoom

95
/ 100
From $2,099
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G lands at 88 and Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S at 95. That puts Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S leads on sharpness (95 vs 88).

Autofocus

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S leads on af (94 vs 84).

Value for money

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G more score per dollar ($1,599 vs $2,099).

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G 88
vs
95 Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S
95
sharpness 95
af 94
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G versus Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G vs Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S? +

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G worth the price? +

At $1,599, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Is Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S worth the price? +

At $2,099, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S? +

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S? +

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S — leads on sharpness (95 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.