Review
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Review: APS-C's Best Standard Zoom
The redesigned 16-55 finally adds OIS and trims weight, making it the obvious choice for Fuji X shooters.
4.7
Head to head
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.
Spec snapshot
| Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $799 | $1298 |
| Our rating | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Category | camera-lenses | camera-lenses |
| Pros | 3 | 4 |
| Cons | 2 | 2 |
The case for each
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S
4.7
Pros
- +Exceptional sharpness for the price
- +Beautiful subject separation
- +Light and compact
Cons
- −No image stabilization
- −f/1.8 not f/1.4
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
4.8
Pros
- +Stunning sharpness wide open
- +Beautiful bokeh
- +Much lighter than the f/1.2 GM
- +Fast, silent AF
Cons
- −Premium price
- −No image stabilization
Winner by use case
Vlogging & videoTie
Low-light photographyTie
Value for moneyTie
Pro & enterprise useSony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
BeginnersTie
Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.
Common questions
Is the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S better than the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
It depends on what you shoot. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S scores 4.7/5 in our review, while the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM scores 4.8/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.
Which is cheaper, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S or the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S sells around $799, and Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM around $1298. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is the cheaper of the two.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.
Should I upgrade from the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S to the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.
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