When it comes to portraiture lenses, Nikon’s versatile Z series includes several options that are ideal for portraiture. Now, what constitutes a “good” lens for portraiture can be a bit subjective, but there are some generally agreed-upon traits: normal or longer-than-normal focal length, bright maximum aperture, and characteristic rendering. With these bedrock traits in mind, here are the best Nikon Z lenses for portrait photographers.
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
The epitome of portrait lenses, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, has an ideal short-tele focal length and ultra-bright maximum aperture that are great for separating subjects from busy backgrounds and depicting them with a flattering perspective. This 85mm f/1.2 is Nikon’s most refined 85mm lens yet—the ultra-fast f/1.2 offers a unique level of depth of field control for a high degree of selective focus precision that excels under dim natural lighting conditions. Also, the combination of S-Line optics and an 11-blade diaphragm renders smooth, rounded bokeh to complement a variety of portrait scenarios.
We also like the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S. If you don’t mind the slower design and don’t rely on the shallowest depth of field possible while shooting, the 85mm f/1.8 is a great substitute that saves on size, weight, and budget.
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
While the 85mm focal length is often considered the premiere focal length for portraits, some prefer a little bit more length for an even narrower field of view, even more dramatic subject-background separation, and a longer working distance. If this is you, the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is Nikon’s other “flagship” portrait lens, offering some of the best-quality bokeh among Nikon lenses along with refined optics that generate high sharpness, even illumination, and smooth color rendering. This high-performance lens has a unique character, and dreamlike rendering, yet is still decided sharp for resolving fine details.
We also like the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro. Nikon’s other option for a prime that’s longer than 85mm, this 105mm macro lens can sub-in as a portrait lens and the narrower field of view will contribute to a tighter perspective with more compression. The trade-offs, however, include slower AF performance and the slower f/2.8 design.
NIKKOR Z 58mmf/0.95 S Noct
For true one-of-a-kind rendering, Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is on the wider end of the portrait-length spectrum, but its speed makes up for any loss in depth of field compared to a longer focal length. With an impressive f/0.95 maximum aperture, this lens is able to isolate subjects in a buttery sea of bokeh like few other lenses can, all while still retaining a nearly-normal field of view, high sharpness for in-focus elements, and well-corrected point light sources. It’s the Z-mount spiritual successor to the famed Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 of F-mount years, still sports a manual focus-only design, and will generate a unique look for your portraits that’s hard to replicate with any other lens.
We also like the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G + FTZ II Mount Adapter. Decidedly not a Noct, a possible alternative to the unicorn lens is to adapt Nikon’s 58mm f/1.4 optic from the F-mount SLR system for a matched field of view and a commendable f/1.4 maximum aperture. This lens is no slouch and even comes out with the benefit of AF despite needing an FTZ Mount Adapter for use on your mirrorless Z-system cam.
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Possibly the true alternative to the Noct, and one that is natively a Z-mount lens, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S deserves to be called-out on its own for its supremely clear and sharp rendering with an exceptionally bright design. While the Noct is a specialized lens, this lens is more of a general-use tool, offering nearly the same speed but gaining autofocus and a nimbler design for everyday shooting. At 50mm, this will be a focal length best-suited for group portraits or wider field, full-body shots and the f/1.2 design will still yield excellent depth of field control to blur backgrounds behind your group shots.
We also like the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. If 50mm isn’t your main focal length and you don’t want to go all-in on the f/1.2 version, the f/1.8 still offers exceptional quality in a more portable and budget-friendly package.
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Finally, if prime lenses aren’t for you and there’s a preference for the versatility of a zoom, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the de facto portrait-length option for event and wedding photographers working within the Z system. It’s a workhorse lens, covering most of the popular focal lengths for portrait shooting, and sporting a quick f/2.8 constant maximum aperture that, while not rivaling some of these ultra-quick primes, is still suitable for shallow depth of field shooting and low-light work. Also, a bonus, this zoom has Vibration Reduction to better enable handheld shooting with slower shutter speeds.
We also like the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8. Nearly the same coverage as the 70-200mm f/2.8, this 70-180mm is a slimmed-down affordable option for anyone looking for the same short- to mid-telephoto range and bright f/2.8 design.
Are there any other lenses in the Nikon Z system you prefer for portraiture? Let us know your favorites down below.
