A prime portrait-length lens characterized by its complex Planar construction, the Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens from Zeiss features a fast maximum aperture along with a unique spherical design to produce especially smooth bokeh for selective focus applications. The Planar design incorporates seven anomalous partial dispersion glass elements to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and other distortions for clean, well-corrected imagery. A floating elements system is used for consistent performance throughout the focusing and aperture ranges, in order to achieve even sharpness and clarity. An enhanced Zeiss T* anti reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions. Its manual focus design is complemented by a rubberized focus ring for fine-tuned precise control over your focus position. This ZF.2 lens also features a manual aperture ring that can be manually de-clicked for silent, stepless switching between aperture setting to benefit video applications. This 85mm f/1.4 lens is designed for FX format Nikon F mount DSLRs, and can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also offers extensive control over depth of field.
A prime portrait-length lens characterized by its complex Planar construction, the Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens from Zeiss features a fast maximum aperture along with a unique spherical design to produce especially smooth bokeh for selective focus applications. The Planar design incorporates seven anomalous partial dispersion glass elements to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and other distortions for clean, well-corrected imagery. A floating elements system is used for consistent performance throughout the focusing and aperture ranges, in order to achieve even sharpness and clarity. An enhanced Zeiss T* anti reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions. Its manual focus design is complemented by a rubberized focus ring for fine-tuned precise control over your focus position. This ZF.2 lens also features a manual aperture ring that can be manually de-clicked for silent, stepless switching between aperture setting to benefit video applications. This 85mm f/1.4 lens is designed for FX format Nikon F mount DSLRs, and can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also offers extensive control over depth of field.
A prime portrait-length lens characterized by its complex Planar construction, the Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens from Zeiss features a fast maximum aperture along with a unique spherical design to produce especially smooth bokeh for selective focus applications. The Planar design incorporates seven anomalous partial dispersion glass elements to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and other distortions for clean, well-corrected imagery. A floating elements system is used for consistent performance throughout the focusing and aperture ranges, in order to achieve even sharpness and clarity. An enhanced Zeiss T* anti reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions. Its manual focus design is complemented by a rubberized focus ring for fine-tuned precise control over your focus position. This ZF.2 lens also features a manual aperture ring that can be manually de-clicked for silent, stepless switching between aperture setting to benefit video applications. This 85mm f/1.4 lens is designed for FX format Nikon F mount DSLRs, and can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also offers extensive control over depth of field.
A prime portrait-length lens characterized by its complex Planar construction, the Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens from Zeiss features a fast maximum aperture along with a unique spherical design to produce especially smooth bokeh for selective focus applications. The Planar design incorporates seven anomalous partial dispersion glass elements to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and other distortions for clean, well-corrected imagery. A floating elements system is used for consistent performance throughout the focusing and aperture ranges, in order to achieve even sharpness and clarity. An enhanced Zeiss T* anti reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions. Its manual focus design is complemented by a rubberized focus ring for fine-tuned precise control over your focus position. This ZF.2 lens also features a manual aperture ring that can be manually de-clicked for silent, stepless switching between aperture setting to benefit video applications. This 85mm f/1.4 lens is designed for FX format Nikon F mount DSLRs, and can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 127.5mm equivalent focal length.Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also offers extensive control over depth of field.
Last updated at 07/25/2026 05:31:19
Zeiss Milvus 85mm F/1.4 Zf.2 Lens For Nikon F
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
ZEISS MILVUS 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F
Delivery $15
Zeiss Milvis 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 - Nikon F Mount
Delivery $9.90
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Status: Enthusiast. I'am using this lens on a Nikon D850 and shoot raw. Also use Zeiss Milvus 100mm and the Zeiss Milvus 135mm and they are also in their own right spectacular lens. But the Zeiss Milvus 85mm is in a class of it's own. Incredibly sharp. Please do not let the lack of auto focus be a deterrent. I have grown to like the manual focus better than auto focus, the precision and the length of the focus throw is so precise you are on target a great percent of the time. Please note these lenses are in my opinion for slow and deliberate photography which is most pleasing for me. I use them with a tripod. The color rendition is nothing short of phenomenal. The samples I have provided are from the Zeiss Milvus 85mm /1.4 for Nikon mount and have had no post ... MoreStatus: Enthusiast. I'am using this lens on a Nikon D850 and shoot raw. Also use Zeiss Milvus 100mm and the Zeiss Milvus 135mm and they are also in their own right spectacular lens. But the Zeiss Milvus 85mm is in a class of it's own. Incredibly sharp. Please do not let the lack of auto focus be a deterrent. I have grown to like the manual focus better than auto focus, the precision and the length of the focus throw is so precise you are on target a great percent of the time. Please note these lenses are in my opinion for slow and deliberate photography which is most pleasing for me. I use them with a tripod. The color rendition is nothing short of phenomenal. The samples I have provided are from the Zeiss Milvus 85mm /1.4 for Nikon mount and have had no post processing color adjustments. Please treat yourself to a Zeiss Milvus they are all special.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This lens has no flaws, but it very much magnifies any error the user makes. I don't see this as a problem with the product?hence the 5-star rating?but I do feel I should share my experience. This lens is insanely sharp wide open for its class, and the quality of its bokeh is sublime, as is the transition between in focus and out of focus areas. The obstacle I ran into was that I could only ever get the full quality this lens had to offer 100% of the time when shooting from a tripod. Of course, I knew going in that this is a manual focus lens. I have plenty of experience focusing manually, but I'd always done so with film equipment or with old glass on my new digital bodies. In such cases, very minute differences in focusing were not as apparent due to the softer ... MoreThis lens has no flaws, but it very much magnifies any error the user makes. I don't see this as a problem with the product?hence the 5-star rating?but I do feel I should share my experience. This lens is insanely sharp wide open for its class, and the quality of its bokeh is sublime, as is the transition between in focus and out of focus areas. The obstacle I ran into was that I could only ever get the full quality this lens had to offer 100% of the time when shooting from a tripod. Of course, I knew going in that this is a manual focus lens. I have plenty of experience focusing manually, but I'd always done so with film equipment or with old glass on my new digital bodies. In such cases, very minute differences in focusing were not as apparent due to the softer image. While I had no issue with camera shake (just use an appropriate shutter speed), I found that while shooting wide open, I would regularly not achieve absolutely perfect focus because I or my subject would move very slightly between achieving focus and releasing the shutter. Because depth of field at f/1.4 at 85mm is so thin at a portrait shooting distance, any movement, even very small, of either myself or subject would push the shot out of focus enough that the Milvus's supreme sharpness would not come through. Working from a tripod solved all problems when working with a landscape or still life, but I still sometimes had problems with subjects moving. In the end, while this is an absolute masterpiece of optical engineering and manufacturing, I returned the lens, opting instead for the newly released Nikon 105mm f/1.4E and it's autofocus. The Milvus 85mm is fantastic, but I prefer shooting handheld and could only nail focus 100% of the time at f/2.8 or smaller at close focusing distance. While not a problem with the lens, I decided it wasn't versatile enough for my needs. However, if you're a master of manual focus and/or always shoot from a tripod, I recommend this lens most highly.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I purchased this lens to complete a set of Milvus lenses for the Nikon d850. Beyond the optical qualities of these lenses, the most compelling reason I found to own them is the precision in focus one has. This is especially true when one takes the time to compose carefully on a stable tripod. Wide open, accurate manual focus is a breeze using the back screen with magnification when necessary. Off the tripod, of course the combination is somewhat heavy, but that's both bad for those not used to it but good for handheld stability, and all a matter of to what one is has become accustomed. Coming from a long experience with medium format film cameras, I find that there's nothing much here to complain about. When handheld, of course, one has to be mindful of having ... MoreI purchased this lens to complete a set of Milvus lenses for the Nikon d850. Beyond the optical qualities of these lenses, the most compelling reason I found to own them is the precision in focus one has. This is especially true when one takes the time to compose carefully on a stable tripod. Wide open, accurate manual focus is a breeze using the back screen with magnification when necessary. Off the tripod, of course the combination is somewhat heavy, but that's both bad for those not used to it but good for handheld stability, and all a matter of to what one is has become accustomed. Coming from a long experience with medium format film cameras, I find that there's nothing much here to complain about. When handheld, of course, one has to be mindful of having sufficient shutter speed and it helps to stop down a bit to increase depth of field, but none of this is new practice. If the conditions permit it, I prefer to have control of exact focus myself rather than depending on an autofocus system, as good as it may be, make decisions about what's in focus for me. Run and gun with shallow depth of field would, of course, be a different matter, but here you're guessing anyway.
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
Zeiss Milvus 85mm F/1.4 Zf.2 Lens For Nikon F
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
ZEISS MILVUS 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F
Delivery $15
Zeiss Milvis 85mm f/1.4 ZF.2 - Nikon F Mount
Delivery $9.90
Status: Enthusiast. I'am using this lens on a Nikon D850 and shoot raw. Also use Zeiss Milvus 100mm and the Zeiss Milvus 135mm and they are also in their own right spectacular lens. But the Zeiss Milvus 85mm is in a class of it's own. Incredibly sharp. Please do not let the lack of auto focus be a deterrent. I have grown to like the manual focus better than auto focus, the precision and the length of the focus throw is so precise you are on target a great percent of the time. Please note these lenses are in my opinion for slow and deliberate photography which is most pleasing for me. I use them with a tripod. The color rendition is nothing short of phenomenal. The samples I have provided are from the Zeiss Milvus 85mm /1.4 for Nikon mount and have had no post ... MoreStatus: Enthusiast. I'am using this lens on a Nikon D850 and shoot raw. Also use Zeiss Milvus 100mm and the Zeiss Milvus 135mm and they are also in their own right spectacular lens. But the Zeiss Milvus 85mm is in a class of it's own. Incredibly sharp. Please do not let the lack of auto focus be a deterrent. I have grown to like the manual focus better than auto focus, the precision and the length of the focus throw is so precise you are on target a great percent of the time. Please note these lenses are in my opinion for slow and deliberate photography which is most pleasing for me. I use them with a tripod. The color rendition is nothing short of phenomenal. The samples I have provided are from the Zeiss Milvus 85mm /1.4 for Nikon mount and have had no post processing color adjustments. Please treat yourself to a Zeiss Milvus they are all special.
This lens has no flaws, but it very much magnifies any error the user makes. I don't see this as a problem with the product?hence the 5-star rating?but I do feel I should share my experience. This lens is insanely sharp wide open for its class, and the quality of its bokeh is sublime, as is the transition between in focus and out of focus areas. The obstacle I ran into was that I could only ever get the full quality this lens had to offer 100% of the time when shooting from a tripod. Of course, I knew going in that this is a manual focus lens. I have plenty of experience focusing manually, but I'd always done so with film equipment or with old glass on my new digital bodies. In such cases, very minute differences in focusing were not as apparent due to the softer ... MoreThis lens has no flaws, but it very much magnifies any error the user makes. I don't see this as a problem with the product?hence the 5-star rating?but I do feel I should share my experience. This lens is insanely sharp wide open for its class, and the quality of its bokeh is sublime, as is the transition between in focus and out of focus areas. The obstacle I ran into was that I could only ever get the full quality this lens had to offer 100% of the time when shooting from a tripod. Of course, I knew going in that this is a manual focus lens. I have plenty of experience focusing manually, but I'd always done so with film equipment or with old glass on my new digital bodies. In such cases, very minute differences in focusing were not as apparent due to the softer image. While I had no issue with camera shake (just use an appropriate shutter speed), I found that while shooting wide open, I would regularly not achieve absolutely perfect focus because I or my subject would move very slightly between achieving focus and releasing the shutter. Because depth of field at f/1.4 at 85mm is so thin at a portrait shooting distance, any movement, even very small, of either myself or subject would push the shot out of focus enough that the Milvus's supreme sharpness would not come through. Working from a tripod solved all problems when working with a landscape or still life, but I still sometimes had problems with subjects moving. In the end, while this is an absolute masterpiece of optical engineering and manufacturing, I returned the lens, opting instead for the newly released Nikon 105mm f/1.4E and it's autofocus. The Milvus 85mm is fantastic, but I prefer shooting handheld and could only nail focus 100% of the time at f/2.8 or smaller at close focusing distance. While not a problem with the lens, I decided it wasn't versatile enough for my needs. However, if you're a master of manual focus and/or always shoot from a tripod, I recommend this lens most highly.
I purchased this lens to complete a set of Milvus lenses for the Nikon d850. Beyond the optical qualities of these lenses, the most compelling reason I found to own them is the precision in focus one has. This is especially true when one takes the time to compose carefully on a stable tripod. Wide open, accurate manual focus is a breeze using the back screen with magnification when necessary. Off the tripod, of course the combination is somewhat heavy, but that's both bad for those not used to it but good for handheld stability, and all a matter of to what one is has become accustomed. Coming from a long experience with medium format film cameras, I find that there's nothing much here to complain about. When handheld, of course, one has to be mindful of having ... MoreI purchased this lens to complete a set of Milvus lenses for the Nikon d850. Beyond the optical qualities of these lenses, the most compelling reason I found to own them is the precision in focus one has. This is especially true when one takes the time to compose carefully on a stable tripod. Wide open, accurate manual focus is a breeze using the back screen with magnification when necessary. Off the tripod, of course the combination is somewhat heavy, but that's both bad for those not used to it but good for handheld stability, and all a matter of to what one is has become accustomed. Coming from a long experience with medium format film cameras, I find that there's nothing much here to complain about. When handheld, of course, one has to be mindful of having sufficient shutter speed and it helps to stop down a bit to increase depth of field, but none of this is new practice. If the conditions permit it, I prefer to have control of exact focus myself rather than depending on an autofocus system, as good as it may be, make decisions about what's in focus for me. Run and gun with shallow depth of field would, of course, be a different matter, but here you're guessing anyway.
This is a truly wonderful lens when used properly. I shoot with a Nikon D850 and appreciate how this lens adds a crispness/pop to my portraits. The lens is stellar if you have the patience for manual focus (MF). Hand held can be difficult given the relative weight of the lens combined with MF. Moving subject are tough, but not impossible, if you are willing to work on focusing skills. Both color rendition and sharpness of images is very very good.
This lens is better optically than my Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH. Absolutely perfect wide-open on a 60mp sensor on my Sony camera (I use an F-mount adapter).However, this lens is nearly 3x heavier and bigger than the Summilux, which severely limits its usefulness. I see it as an optically perfect lens for low-light situations and shoot it exclusively in f/1.4 to f/2 range. If that's your case, you'll love it!
My very first Zeiss lens! Video producer, 30+ years. Own company. Needed lens for more cinematic look and network show. I've been through the litany of ENG and field production cameras. I evolved to Nikon D850. Colors and clarity rival or surpass REDs, etc. (I can hear the camera snobs heads exploding.) Nikon camera made beautiful video, so I wanted a lens to up my game. Invested in the Zeiss Milvus 85mm. Not disappointed. Crystal clear picture and the depth of field melts away. Not the slightest fish-eye edges or dark corners. I realize the Milvus is primarily a still shot lens but again, it's my first entry into Zeiss. It proves more than capable for video. I love Nikkor lenses as well, but you can immediately notice the Zeiss quality and construction. Sturdy and ... MoreMy very first Zeiss lens! Video producer, 30+ years. Own company. Needed lens for more cinematic look and network show. I've been through the litany of ENG and field production cameras. I evolved to Nikon D850. Colors and clarity rival or surpass REDs, etc. (I can hear the camera snobs heads exploding.) Nikon camera made beautiful video, so I wanted a lens to up my game. Invested in the Zeiss Milvus 85mm. Not disappointed. Crystal clear picture and the depth of field melts away. Not the slightest fish-eye edges or dark corners. I realize the Milvus is primarily a still shot lens but again, it's my first entry into Zeiss. It proves more than capable for video. I love Nikkor lenses as well, but you can immediately notice the Zeiss quality and construction. Sturdy and accurate. I will definitely purchase other Zeiss products as my budget permits.
I have Canon 85L II, Nikon 35mm 1.4G and now this lens. First impression, the lens built like a tank. I have several Zeiss lens and have always love their high quality built. Matte Black finish is quite interesting when I get used to the glossy black previously. This lens is heavy, but pair well with my D810. It will probably better with pro body like D4 or D4S. The lens is sharp at F1.4, I found no CA at wide open and shoot against the harsh sunlight. The background is creamy and the image popped out like 3D with this lens. However, the light bokeh is not round, it shaped more like a football. The manual focus is pretty accurate when pair with the range finder system on Nikon cameras. However, the focus ring has pretty long throw due to precision focusing. It will ... MoreI have Canon 85L II, Nikon 35mm 1.4G and now this lens. First impression, the lens built like a tank. I have several Zeiss lens and have always love their high quality built. Matte Black finish is quite interesting when I get used to the glossy black previously. This lens is heavy, but pair well with my D810. It will probably better with pro body like D4 or D4S. The lens is sharp at F1.4, I found no CA at wide open and shoot against the harsh sunlight. The background is creamy and the image popped out like 3D with this lens. However, the light bokeh is not round, it shaped more like a football. The manual focus is pretty accurate when pair with the range finder system on Nikon cameras. However, the focus ring has pretty long throw due to precision focusing. It will take some practice to get used to it. But once you master it, it will be pretty easy. About the colors it produce, oh boy, I feel like I found gold. The colors are wonderful, and for my personal taste, I like a little saturate colors it produces. But if you shoot RAW, it really doesn't matter. I shoot both Jpeg and RAW at the same time, BTW. In conclusion, it is worth every penny (a lot of pennies) for this lens. From the design (the look), the built, the glass, you can't go wrong with this lens.
Heavy lens, big, close focus at about 0.8M.Due to the compact size of the lens and weight, the mass is close to the camera body, so there is not much torque when carrying the camera & lens.Manual focus, has an aperture ring, need to lock at f16. Beautiful glass.Focusing can be difficult at times, depending on the subject.Since this is not a VR lens, best use case is in a studio, on a tripod, for still shots and for portraiture.Aperture of 1.4 great for blurring the background. At f/16 everything is in focus.A great specific use lens.I really enjoyed my time with this lens. I paired it with a Nikon D6.
Some context: I am coming from 10+ years of shooting Canon's L-lenses on the EOS mount, and Leica M lenses. I needed a fast 85mm lens for my 60MP Sony A7R IV as well as my Nikon film cameras. I used to have Canon's take on this, their 85mm f/1.2L and was looking for something similar in the F-mount.This lens is shocking. First, it is the heaviest prime lens I have ever owned. It is much bigger and heavier than Nikon's own 105mm or 85mm AI-S primes. Definitely not an every day lens, more like a tool for special occasions. I was prepared for this, and I was ready to sacrifice portability to get that f/1.4 aperture. It is so heavy and bulky that my Nikon F3 can't even sit straight with this lens mounted. The barrel is so wide, it tilts on one side.Second, I was ... MoreSome context: I am coming from 10+ years of shooting Canon's L-lenses on the EOS mount, and Leica M lenses. I needed a fast 85mm lens for my 60MP Sony A7R IV as well as my Nikon film cameras. I used to have Canon's take on this, their 85mm f/1.2L and was looking for something similar in the F-mount.This lens is shocking. First, it is the heaviest prime lens I have ever owned. It is much bigger and heavier than Nikon's own 105mm or 85mm AI-S primes. Definitely not an every day lens, more like a tool for special occasions. I was prepared for this, and I was ready to sacrifice portability to get that f/1.4 aperture. It is so heavy and bulky that my Nikon F3 can't even sit straight with this lens mounted. The barrel is so wide, it tilts on one side.Second, I was absolutely blown away by its performance at f/1.4. None of Canon L-lenses I've ever owned could deliver this at this aperture, or even smaller. At f/1.4 this Zeiss outperforms a pair of Leica Summiluxes I have.And finally, the build quality is out of this world. I prefer this lens construction to everything else I own, including not only premium 35mm choices mentioned above, but also Hasselblad/Zeiss lenses for the V-mount.Basically, the weight and bulk are the only weaknesses this lens has, even it's price is appropriate given its performance.
I shoot landscapes and cityscapes only now, I've used all the Canon L lenses, and they are very good. Switched to all Zeiss over the last 7 years. Sold my Canon 70-200 2.8 L crazy sharp lens to go with Milvus 85 and 135. Had them 3 years now in many locations. The 85 is my fav, and as you know, the reviews for the 135 are incredible. The 85 is razor sharp to the corners at f8-11. I prefer its rendering to the 135 for my landscape style. I have used all the Otus lenses, and agree at 1.4, the Otus in center and edges is a smidge sharper-more contrast. But the out of focus areas of the Milvus 85 are sublime. Smoother than my 135. I'm surprised that I tend to pack the 21 35 85 or 25 35 85 combo the most. Recent 6 week trip out west had about 35% of the images shot with ... MoreI shoot landscapes and cityscapes only now, I've used all the Canon L lenses, and they are very good. Switched to all Zeiss over the last 7 years. Sold my Canon 70-200 2.8 L crazy sharp lens to go with Milvus 85 and 135. Had them 3 years now in many locations. The 85 is my fav, and as you know, the reviews for the 135 are incredible. The 85 is razor sharp to the corners at f8-11. I prefer its rendering to the 135 for my landscape style. I have used all the Otus lenses, and agree at 1.4, the Otus in center and edges is a smidge sharper-more contrast. But the out of focus areas of the Milvus 85 are sublime. Smoother than my 135. I'm surprised that I tend to pack the 21 35 85 or 25 35 85 combo the most. Recent 6 week trip out west had about 35% of the images shot with the 85mm. Absolutely a lens I never want to be without. There is just something special about it. Strongly recommend it. If you buy on sale, unbelievable value for cost.
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
