The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 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. Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 203mm. The Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 with a length of 138mm, is 65mm shorter. On the other hand, the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 has a larger diameter of 101mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR's 89mm 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. Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 weighs 1140g, 20% (290g) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR's weight of 1430g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 has a 86mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR:
And these are the 86mm filters that we recommend for the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 is also available in Canon EF , Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR has a focal range of 70-200mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 300mm.
On the other hand, the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 127.5mm.