The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 85mm f1.8D and the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM is the longer of the two lenses at 100mm. The Nikon 85mm f1.8D with a length of 59mm, is 41mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 85mm f1.8D has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM's 70mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 85mm f1.8D weighs 380g, which means it is 120g (24%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM which has a weight of 500g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 85mm f1.8D has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 85mm f1.8D:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 85mm f1.8D has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM has the Leica M lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Leica M EV1, Leica M11-D and Pixii Max for the Leica M Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Nikon 85mm f1.8D has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T2/85 ZM's widest aperture value is
F2.0.
