§ 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.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

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?

By use
  • 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

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationNikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4GZeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
Focal length85mm 85mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4 f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatFull frame Full Frame
Weight595 g (20.99 oz) ◆1140 g (2.51 lbs)
Dimensions86.5 x 84 mm 101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.85 m (33.46 inches) 0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆
Maximum magnification—0.12x
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes ◆No
Aperture ringNo Yes
Aperture blades9 9
Optical construction10 elements / 9 groups 11 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 6 anomalous partial dispersion elements)
Filter size77 mm ◆86 mm
Lens mountNikon F Canon EF, Nikon F
Released2010 2014
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • 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

Shot on each lens

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G

Atmosphère, atmosphères...
Atmosphère, atmosphères... by Cégéphoto
Jeunesse dorée / Golden youth
Jeunesse dorée / Golden youth by Cégéphoto
D7D_8297
D7D_8297 by Visuals By A. Cruise
D7D_8282
D7D_8282 by Visuals By A. Cruise

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4

Downhill from here...
Downhill from here... by micke.vmix
A new day...
A new day... by micke.vmix
I can see the light...
I can see the light... by micke.vmix
It takes two...
It takes two... by micke.vmix
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G review 1
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G review 2
Video thumbnail for Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 review 1
Video thumbnail for Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 review 2
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