§ 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G vs Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4 is 545 g lighter. Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 5 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Nikon F mount: the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G better than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- 545 g lighter (595 g vs 1140 g)
- 54 mm shorter (84 mm vs 138 mm long)
- Is weather sealed
- Smaller filter thread (77 mm vs 86 mm)
Why is the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G?
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.8 m vs 0.85 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2014 vs 2010)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G has the edge: it is 545 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G | Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 595 g (20.99 oz) ◆ | 1140 g (2.51 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 86.5 x 84 mm | 101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.85 m (33.46 inches) | 0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.12x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes ◆ | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 10 elements / 9 groups | 11 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 6 anomalous partial dispersion elements) |
| Filter size | 77 mm ◆ | 86 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 2010 | 2014 |
04
Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Zeiss
- 84 × 86.5 mm
- 138 × 101 mm
The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is 54 mm longer and 545 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G.
05
Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G weighs 595 g, 545 g less than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 (1140 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 0.85 m for the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G has the edge: it is 545 g lighter to carry.
08
Other comparisons
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Sigma A 85 mm f/1.4 DG HSM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 EF vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen CF 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Canon EF 85 mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang AE 85 mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4



