What do you think of the Nikon 85mm f/1.8?

[Dinardy]

I just scored an 85mm f/1.8G for $400 even on eBay. I felt good about it... eBay bidding is always so exhilarating for me, until after I pay. But I think I'll feel better when its in my hands.

I know this is a pretty well regarded lens as far as consumers/prosumers go. But I'm curious as to what my fellow TPF'ers thought of the lens, I've shot 100mm and a 105mm and I dig the focal length but those were both manual lenses.

Maybe someone somewhere over the could post a few of your favorite 85mm photos for me?

THANK YOU! :heart:

 

[cptkid]

Is it the 85mm 1.8d?

If so, I asbolutley LOVE that lens.

It's my favorite lens in my kit, and it hardly ever leaves my d7000 now.

My most recent thread in "people photography" with 4 portraits, they were all shot using the 85mm 1.8d

 

[Dinardy]

Is it the 85mm 1.8d?

If so, I asbolutley LOVE that lens.

It's my favorite lens in my kit, and it hardly ever leaves my d7000 now.

My most recent thread in "people photography" with 4 portraits, they were all shot using the 85mm 1.8d

Aw no its a G lens. I'll go check that out now though!

 

[cptkid]

Is it the 85mm 1.8d?

If so, I asbolutley LOVE that lens.

It's my favorite lens in my kit, and it hardly ever leaves my d7000 now.

My most recent thread in "people photography" with 4 portraits, they were all shot using the 85mm 1.8d

Aw no its a G lens. I'll go check that out now though!

I believe the optics are almost exactly the same on the G version. Its just an updated lens body, & missing the aperture ring.

 

[Dinardy]

Is it the 85mm 1.8d?

If so, I asbolutley LOVE that lens.

It's my favorite lens in my kit, and it hardly ever leaves my d7000 now.

My most recent thread in "people photography" with 4 portraits, they were all shot using the 85mm 1.8d

Aw no its a G lens. I'll go check that out now though!

I believe the optics are almost exactly the same on the G version. Its just an updated lens body, & missing the aperture ring.

I wasn't overly impressed with my 35mm 1.8G I've sent it back to Nikon once already for a super squeaky AF, I also felt that I was fine tuning it more than I should have to... I hope this 85mm G is a complete opposite case!

 

[cptkid]

Aw no its a G lens. I'll go check that out now though!

I believe the optics are almost exactly the same on the G version. Its just an updated lens body, & missing the aperture ring.

I wasn't overly impressed with my 35mm 1.8G I've sent it back to Nikon once already for a super squeaky AF, I also felt that I was fine tuning it more than I should have to... I hope this 85mm G is a complete opposite case!

I had to fine tune my 35mm 1.8g on my D7000, i've not had to touch the fine tune for the 85mm (but that is the D version)

 

[Dinardy]

I believe the optics are almost exactly the same on the G version. Its just an updated lens body, & missing the aperture ring.

I wasn't overly impressed with my 35mm 1.8G I've sent it back to Nikon once already for a super squeaky AF, I also felt that I was fine tuning it more than I should have to... I hope this 85mm G is a complete opposite case!

I had to fine tune my 35mm 1.8g on my D7000, i've not had to touch the fine tune for the 85mm (but that is the D version)

Nonetheless good to know, I'm glad I wasn't the only one

 

[kundalini]

I've got the D version. Great lens. Good build quality, nice size, great color rendition and pleasing bokeh. Works well on DX and FX format cameras. Hope the G version serves you well.

 

[Dinardy]

I've got the D version. Great lens. Good build quality, nice size, great color rendition and pleasing bokeh. Works well on DX and FX format cameras. Hope the G version serves you well.

Thats good to hear. I hope it does too, I'm beginning to feel left out with the G unit. Should be here Wednesday. I guess I'll update with some pictures

 

[Helen B]

The G is a different optical formula from the D. It is generally sharper and more contrasty, particularly wide open. It's a great lens, like most of Nikon's 85 mm lenses. I've had more 85 mm Nikkors than any other focal length and the 1.8G is a favourite - shame it has no aperture ring.

 

[Derrel]

I've owned two 85/2 Ai; one 85/2 Ai-S; one 85 1.4 Ai-S; the 85 1.4 AF-D, one 85/1.8 AF-D, and now the 85 1.8 G over the past 30 years...so, I guess like Helen, 85mm (or maybe 50???) is the Nikon lens I've had the most individual models and samples of. I like the defocus character and high central sharpness + kinda softer edges of the 1.4 AF-D for portraits, but for landscapes and high-detail stuff, the new 1.8 G is, simply put, easily the best 85mm lens I've owned. It's a remarkably good lens, with optics that seem to me to be well,well above the expected level considering the price.

I don't have any scientific testing equipment, but DxO Mark does; they have a set of 72 F-mount lenses, and they've tested the same,exact lenses on the D600 and D800...the two 85mm's in the G-series from Nikon, and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 are the three highest-resolving lenses in their test set of lenses.

I am surprised that the 1.8 and 1.4 G models are so,so close in performance.

 

[bmw_guy]

Derrel (and others), irrespective of the price difference or bang for buck factor, if you had the choice would you choose the 1.4 G over the 1.8 G. I know I will purchase a 85mm prime and haggling over the choice. Yes the 1.9\8 represent better value but given its a long term investment, down the road I dont want to be wishing I had spent the money to purchase the 1.4.

 

[Dinardy]

I've owned two 85/2 Ai; one 85/2 Ai-S; one 85 1.4 Ai-S; the 85 1.4 AF-D, one 85/1.8 AF-D, and now the 85 1.8 G over the past 30 years...so, I guess like Helen, 85mm (or maybe 50???) is the Nikon lens I've had the most individual models and samples of. I like the defocus character and high central sharpness + kinda softer edges of the 1.4 AF-D for portraits, but for landscapes and high-detail stuff, the new 1.8 G is, simply put, easily the best 85mm lens I've owned. It's a remarkably good lens, with optics that seem to me to be well,well above the expected level considering the price.

I don't have any scientific testing equipment, but DxO Mark does; they have a set of 72 F-mount lenses, and they've tested the same,exact lenses on the D600 and D800...the two 85mm's in the G-series from Nikon, and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 are the three highest-resolving lenses in their test set of lenses.

I am surprised that the 1.8 and 1.4 G models are so,so close in performance.

Thank you for the real-life experience Helen (and Derrel) ! I am completely stoked to receive this lens, I will wait patiently at the door for its arrival for the next 34 hours.
I guess I should check out DxO Mark more often... But From the looks of it I need to upgrade my body to take full advantage of this lens

I also picked up a 50mm F/1.4 AiS just to do a personal comparison against my F/1.8

 

[Shipman]

I love these lenses and this is what I intend on making my next purchase. Congrats on getting it, Im jealous

 

[tirediron]

You simply cannot go wrong with any Nikkor 85mm lens. I've not tried the 'G' versions (I love my 1.4 D) but by all accounts it's even better, and I have to tell you, I think the 'D' glass is pretty damn fine. I'd say you got a good score!