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Nikon 85mm f1.4 AF IF  Hot PDF Print E-mail
Lenses Nikon
User rating
4.6
out of 5
Editor's rating
1.0
out of 5
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Reviewed by:
Editor
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Average user rating: 4.6 
41 User reviews
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Lens Summary

Overview

The fastest Nikkor telephoto — great for indoor portraits
1995 Release
  • Fast and high-performance medium telephoto lens with maximum aperture of f/1.4
  • IF (Internal Focusing) technology for fast AF operation
  • Nine-blade rounded diaphragm achieves a natural Blur for out-of-focus elements

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications
Lens Type: Prime
IS / VR / OS: None
Min Focal length (mm): 85
Max Focal Length (mm): 85
Number of Elements: 9
Element Groups: 8
Max Aperture: 1.4
Minimum Aperture: 16
Diaphragm Blades: 9
Closest Focus Distance (m): 0.85
Filter Type: Screw In
Filter Diameter (mm): 77
Diameter at widest (mm): 80
Lens Length (mm): 72
Weight (g): 550

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Editor review : Nikon 85mm f1.4 AF IF
Overall rating (weighted)
1.0
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
Editor review will be updated shortly.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided

User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 41 user(s)

Overall rating (weighted)
4.6
Sharpness
4.6
Build Quality
4.7
AF Speed
4.6
Value for Money
4.6
 

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Splendor of The Mind's Eye, Friday, 18 June 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Whether you analytically prove or only deliciously imagine the the superiority of the 85 1.4 over the 85 1.8 matters little. They both excel.

The bigger excitement really comes in the basics:

1. The extreme confidence you gain from solid construction throughout and the power to perform in critical, extremely low-lit settings.

2. The awaiting adventure of playing with artistically shallow Depth of field and hints of focal compression. The near 3-d renditions make this lens a toy in every good (but expensive) way.

Take a peek at plenty of samples at lifeascinema . blogspot . com
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Nikon Glass - and lots of it!, Friday, 21 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens really is incredible. I'm surprised that its not depicted more often from a head-on perspective. Looking through it, you see glass - and only glass - from edge to edge.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

The lens my D700 has been waiting for!, Tuesday, 04 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I have a variety of Nikon and Sigma lenses and the 85mm 1.4 surpasses them all. The previous reviewers are not wrong: the sharpness and bokeh are things you must see to believe. The saturation and Contrast must also not be forgotten: I do very little post-processing on photos shot with this lens. I hesitated for a long time because of the price, but now that it's in my hands, I have no regrets!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

85mm f1.4, Monday, 29 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have only had this lens for a few days so fyi. I also shoot FX not DX. I also own many Nikon lens and the awesome 50mm f1.4 which is the sharpest lens I have period. The 85mm f1.4 I wanted for portraits, head shots, etc. but I also wanted the best bokeh possible without a tele. I have to say so far the bokeh is really good, but is it a $1000 dollars better than the 50mm f1.4 bokeh? Not really. Here is what I would say, if you already have the 50mm f1.4 and don't need a specific prime portrait lens skip this. it all depends on what you want. Also this is an old lens that does have some flaws. It does need improved lens coatings and a new hood design like all have said. I do like the old build quality, not plastic-y like other new lens can be. Am I happy I have it? Yes, but just barely. Wide open, which is WHY you buy this lens, it is not as sharp as the 50mm f1.4 wide open IMHO. It is good, but for this price and being a fixed lens it should be tack sharp wide open. Also wide open it has blue fringing that you can see at 100%, It is not terrible but it is there. Another sign of its age. Yes software can correct this, but again for this price that is not cool. If this lens were $799, I would say buy it no questions asked. But it is not. So think long and hard about why you are getting this. If your 50mm f1.4 is too wide for you and you don't want a tele then this is a fine alternative. If you think this lens will do everything and be your main lens, I think that is false hope. The 50mm is much better at an all around everyday lens. That's my two cents. I tried to be honest and not sugary sweet as some reviews are who gush over this lens. It is not the end all be all lens some describe it to be. What it is is a very good older lens that has great bokeh wide open but is not the sharpest lens at f1/4. Keep in mind also the resell on this will drop when an update does come out. I plan to use this for many years to come.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

over-rated? You decide., Wednesday, 24 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
This is a tentative review, and I've factored in the high price for the rating, but
I tested this lens for sharpness, and it isn't much different from other, cheaper lenses I tried. (50-1.8) I somehow had the illusion that the lens would yield a sharper image when shooting the books in my library and looking at the printed titles. My 70-200 vrii kicks the 85 out of the park with sharpness, because the main source of blur is hand shake (which the vr cures.) But I don't deny the perceptions of other shooters in this review forum.
Now I am classified as color-blind, because I don't pass the tests where you have to see the numbers buried in the colored balls. Yet, I see color! Am I kidding myself? Anyhow, I notice the lens + D700 brings out colors that my naked eye doesn't pick up.
Evidently the quality of this lens isn't measured by simple sharpness tests of shooting and blowing up images. What I found is that hand shake trumps all sources of blur, and if you control that, you get great results with many lenses.
What the other reviews are talking about is an evanescent quality in the image that magically emerges in shooting. It is bokeh and color vividness mainly...
So I am going to review this and up the rating as I actually shoot with this lens, if I see what others are talking about. Until then, I am bringing my vr lenses along.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

over-rated? You decide. - new edit, Wednesday, 24 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
This is a tentative review, and I've factored in the high price for the rating, but
I tested this lens for sharpness, and it isn't much different from other, cheaper lenses I tried. (50-1.8) I somehow had the illusion that the lens would yield a sharper image when shooting the books in my library and looking at the printed titles. My 70-200 vrii kicks the 85 out of the park with sharpness, because the main source of blur is hand shake (which the vr cures.) But I don't deny the perceptions of other shooters in this review forum.
Now I am classified as color-blind, because I don't pass the tests where you have to see the numbers buried in the colored balls. Yet, I see color! Am I kidding myself? Anyhow, I notice the lens + D700 brings out colors that my naked eye doesn't pick up.
Evidently the quality of this lens isn't measured by simple sharpness tests of shooting and blowing up images. What I found is that hand shake trumps all sources of blur, and if you control that, you get great results with many lenses.
What the other reviews are talking about is an evanescent quality in the image that magically emerges in shooting. It is bokeh and color vividness mainly...
So I am going to review this and up the rating as I actually shoot with this lens, if I see what others are talking about. Until then, I am bringing my vr lenses along.

Added 3/28 - I have just realized the apparent softness could be a limit of the lcd screen on the D700. It seems that printing the picture is the main test...But here's another comment about the reviews of my review. I notice a 1/3 favorable, which is hardly statistically significant, but it points out a serious failing in the thought process of people. Here it is in a nut-shell: Cultivate and consider contrarion opinions to your own, especially if you think they are wrong. This is because partisanship ("I'm right, you're wrong.) makes you stupid. I have to force myself to do this, as it's a strong tendency of the human mind to do this.. Science tries (with varying success) to overcome this, but I offer this as a view on how you can judge a lens. For example, the limit in Resolution of the lcd could be a cause, but no one offered that idea. Overall, I am disturbed by the inability of the D700 to catch subtle shadings of light (The Canon 5D I tested was much better.) Is my perception a result of the D700 lcd? If so, why does the Canon 5D seem a better "light-catcher?" Comments welcome!
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Unmatched., Tuesday, 23 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I would rate myself as an skilled amateur.
My style of photography leans almost completely towards candid, no flash photography and to capture moments as they happen with no influence from the photographer.

In order to achieve this indoors, I only use fast glass such as the Nikon 17-55mm 2.8, Nikon 35mm 1.8, Sigma 70-200mm 2.8

I never thought of actually considering replacing one of these lenses as I was buying the the 85mm 1.4.

However, after using it and looking at the back of the LCD on my D90, I realized that there is something extraordinary happening here.

As well the sharpness being excellent, I had no idea that bokeh could look this creamy and smooth. I can throw a variety of backgrounds and this lens would blend almost everything into an painting-like cream.

The impact this has on the subject it stunning. It brings the subject out into another dimension and almost always turns 'recording the moment' into 'creating art'.

Initially, I thought that my subject wasn't turning out as sharp as I would like at f/1.4, however I did a test and rested the camera on a stable surface and took a picture. I took a picture of an ottoman and when I zoomed into the image, I could see a fine hair. This was about 2 meters away. Sharpness wasn't the problem, it was just the hand-holding technique and shutter speed that affected the sharpness.

I am now seriously considering replacing my sigma 70-200mm 2.8. I'm willing to sacrifice the 200mm reach with the performance of the 85mm 1.4.
This is how good this lens is - even on a crop sensor body like the D90.

The construction of the lens is very good, however the barrel is plastic nearer to the mount (the crinkly finish part). The M - A dial is slightly awkward but OK.

The moment you look at the front of the lens, the sheer size of the front element look really unique. You can tell this is really fast glass. It looks very professional.

Screw in hood is OK - would prefer bayonet mount. I'm glad that the hood is metal.

I've had the lens for around 4 days, and people are already getting mesmerized by the pictures created by this lens more so than any of my other lenses. People ask me what I did on the computer to make the picture look so good and I tell them that this is straight from the camera.


'Legendary' is THE word for this lens. there is nothing like it.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Unmatched., Tuesday, 23 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I would rate myself as an skilled amateur.
My style of photography leans almost completely towards candid, no flash photography and to capture moments as they happen with no influence from the photographer.

In order to achieve this indoors, I only use fast glass such as the Nikon 17-55mm 2.8, Nikon 35mm 1.8, Sigma 70-200mm 2.8

I never thought of actually considering replacing one of these lenses as I was buying the the 85mm 1.4.

However, after using it and looking at the back of the LCD on my D90, I realized that there is something extraordinary happening here.

As well the sharpness being excellent, I had no idea that bokeh could look this creamy and smooth. I can throw a variety of backgrounds and this lens would blend almost everything into an painting-like cream.

The impact this has on the subject it stunning. It brings the subject out into another dimension and almost always turns 'recording the moment' into 'creating art'.

Initially, I thought that my subject wasn't turning out as sharp as I would like at f/1.4, however I did a test and rested the camera on a stable surface and took a picture. I took a picture of an ottoman and when I zoomed into the image, I could see a fine hair. This was about 2 meters away. Sharpness wasn't the problem, it was just the hand-holding technique and shutter speed that affected the sharpness.

I am now seriously considering replacing my sigma 70-200mm 2.8. I'm willing to sacrifice the 200mm reach with the performance of the 85mm 1.4.
This is how good this lens is - even on a crop sensor body like the D90.

The construction of the lens is excellent, The M - A dial is slightly awkward but OK.

The moment you look at the front of the lens, the sheer size of the front element look really unique. You can tell this is really fast glass. It looks very professional.

Screw in hood is OK - would prefer bayonet mount. I'm glad that the hood is metal.

I've had the lens for around 4 days, and people are already getting mesmerized by the pictures created by this lens more so than any of my other lenses. People ask me what I did on the computer to make the picture look so good and I tell them that this is straight from the camera.


'Legendary' is THE word for this lens. there is nothing like it.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Unmatched, Tuesday, 23 March 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I would rate myself as an skilled amateur.
My style of photography leans almost completely towards candid, no flash photography and to capture moments as they happen with no influence from the photographer.

In order to achieve this indoors, I only use fast glass such as the Nikon 17-55mm 2.8, Nikon 35mm 1.8, Sigma 70-200mm 2.8

I never thought of actually considering replacing one of these lenses as I was buying the 85mm 1.4.

However, after using it and looking at the back of the LCD on my D90, I realized that there is something extraordinary happening here.

As well the sharpness being excellent, I had no idea that bokeh could look this creamy and smooth. I can throw a variety of backgrounds and this lens would blend almost everything into a painting-like cream.

The impact this has on the subject it stunning. It brings the subject out into another dimension and almost always turns 'recording the moment' into 'creating art'.

Initially, I thought that my subject wasn't turning out as sharp as I would like at f/1.4, however I did a test and rested the camera on a stable surface and took a picture. I took a picture of an ottoman and when I zoomed into the image, I could see a fine hair. This was about 2 meters away. Sharpness wasn't the problem, it was just the hand-holding technique and shutter speed that affected the sharpness.

At f/1.4, Depth of field becomes extremely shallow - a few centimeters - even shallower if the subject is closer. I find myself taking high speed continuous shots even on stationary subjects in order to increase the likelihood to nail the focus perfectly on the subjects eyes. This can be a challenge but the resulting image is a winner. It just takes a Bit of getting used to with such a fast lens.
True high speed AF-S (not the slow kind found on consumer nikons) and VR would make this lens VERY good.

I am now seriously considering replacing my sigma 70-200mm 2.8. I'm willing to sacrifice the 200mm reach with the performance of the 85mm 1.4.
This is how good this lens is - even on a crop sensor body like the D90.

The optical quality is not completely without its flaws. At high contrast points in the image, purple/green fringing is quite apparent. This is only towards wide open. For portrait work with nice balanced light, it hasn't been a problem for me.

The construction of the lens is excellent, The M - A dial is slightly awkward but OK.

The moment you look at the front of the lens, the sheer size of the front element looks really unique. You can tell this is really fast glass. It just looks very professional.

Screw in hood is OK - would prefer bayonet mount. I'm glad that the hood is metal.

I've had the lens for around 4 days, and people are already getting mesmerized by the pictures created by this lens more so than any of my other lenses. People ask me what I did on the computer to make the picture look so good and I tell them that this is straight from the camera.

'Legendary' is THE word for this lens. there is nothing like it.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

For what it is, it is perfect, Wednesday, 03 February 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
If you are looking at this lens, you will probably already know what it is. Within the limitations of it's design, it is perfect and a real classic.

Having said that, it is what it is. Obviously it is a Prime Lens, not a zoom, so you have to want that. And also clearly it is an old design - no AF-S, no VR. But, you already knew that didn't you?

Bokeh, especially wide open, is wonderful... This is the reason people buy this lens.

Build quality could not be better. All metal construction. You could use it to hammer nails if the need arose. It also feels great in the hand (I have it mounted on a D700 with battery grip).

Only slight irritation (not worth deducting a star for) is the lens hood. It is a screw in design, not a quick bayonnet mount and can not be reversed for storage. When mounted it is slighly tricky to get the lens cap securely on (I had it falling off a few times). However, it is a good, solid metal hood so will also give some physical protection.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Blown Away, Tuesday, 19 January 2010


Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I didn't expect this lens to be so astonishingly good.

I've read all the reviews and all the tests, and I've used my share of older Nikon AF and AF-D lenses, and I expected a performance from this lens along the lines of what I'd experienced with other, similar lenses - just with the addition of the legendary bokeh that everybody seems to buy it for and the giant fast aperture.

Instead what I got is a lens that exceeds its spec sheet, exceeds the performance implied by every formal test I've ever seen of it, and exceeds nearly every expectation I had for it.

Here's why:

Any lens will tend to lose acuity as larger apertures are used. This is due to Spherical aberration and occurs to very different degrees in different lenses, but occurs to some degree in every lens. Tests of this lens show this loss of acuity to a similar degree to that which occurs in its smaller f/1.8 sibling, which I found to be mediocre wide open, and to most of Nikon's older AF and AF-D primes, the performance capabilities of which I'm also familiar with and not always particularly impressed by.

Yet while those other lenses are indeed diminished in terms of image quality as their wide-open aperture is approached, the 85/1.4 doesn't seem to lose a thing in terms of the visual impact of its images no matter how wide it's opened up. Even wide-full-open at f/1.4, this lens gives stunning images with excellent sharpness, excellent contrast, and beautiful colors that leap right out of the image in full three-dimensional glory.

The reason, I suspect, has to do with the fact that the perception of sharpness in an image is not at all the same thing as pure optical acuity. Acuity is the element effectively measured by performance tests, which look at the loss of contrast on a tiny scale barely resolvable by a digital sensor. Quite different is what our eyes perceive when we look at an image. The "snap" we find striking when looking at a stunning photo has to do with color and contrast on a somewhat larger scale, and also with other factors in the image as a whole, such as the contrast between in-focus and out-of-focus parts of the image. Under close inspection at full magnification, it is clear that this lens, like any other, loses acuity at very large apertures. The overall color and contrast, though, the snap and pop that makes images look vibrant, alive and three-dimensional, does not diminish. That is extraordinary in an f/1.4 lens. It means that I can take a photograph of a colorful, detailed subject with this lens at f/1.4, and with another excellent lens at f/5.6, and the image made by this lens will have at least as much of those qualities, even viewed with moderate magnification, as the f/5.6 image will have. That is the reason this lens deserves its legendary reputation.

Of course, that f/1.4 image will also have the beautiful bokeh that this lens is famous for, and it will have a degree of de-focus (not the same as bokeh, which is the QUALITY of the de-focus) that can make the background meld into a soft blur of color mere inches from the plane of perfect focus. That of course is also what this lens is legendary for. Many lenses can create de-focus, though: wider, slower lenses can do it close-up, and longer, slower lenses can do it at similar distances - and some, to my eyes at least, have bokeh that is just as nice as the 85/1.4. What makes this lens remarkable is the combination of those qualities: excellent quality of bokeh, degree of blur controllable all the way to extreme at f/1.4, and a rendering of the in-focus part of the image that is just superb, and that loses not one whit of perceived quality even at wide-open aperture. That is a combination that will let you make magic.

It is not perfect. This lens' biggest optical flaw is something that is most commonly called purple fringing. This is a Chromatic aberration that occurs in out-of-focus contrast transitions and can also, I believe, be called longitudinal chromatic Aberration. It occurs because different wavelengths of light are focused slightly differently as they pass through the various lens elements, and it is very noticeable in certain types of images if you look closely. The lens is also susceptible to flare, so it's important to take care to shade the front element, if possible, when shooting into backlit scenes. These qualities do affect the usability of the lens to a degree, but this lens is a rather specialized tool, and knowing when to use it, and how to use it properly, should be considered a reasonable requirement for anybody who wishes to benefit from its extraordinary capabilities.

Perfection is one way to greatness, and there are lenses out there that come close to perfection without being extraordinary in any particular way. Some of those lenses are deserving of five-star ratings. This lens does the exact opposite, being extraordinary despite significant imperfections, and I give it five stars as well. It is utterly unmatched, probably by a wide margin, and probably at any price, at doing what it does well. Regardless of its relatively minor imperfections it is, with a capital "G," one of the Great Nikon lenses.

Notes:

- This lens has a near complete lack of any of the latest Nikon buzzword tech: there are no ED elements and no aspherical elements, it does not have Nikon's close-ratio correction (CRC) floating-element design, and of course it does not have AF-S focusing. It could probably benefit from all of those things, the first two of which would no doubt help with its issues with chromatic aberration. It does, however, have Nikon's excellent "SIC" lens Coating, which I suspect is responsible, along with a good overall optical design, for its excellent performance in terms of contrast and color rendition, especially wide-open. Having fewer elements than the complex zooms no doubt helps as well, as each air/glass and glass/glass interface causes some attenuation in lens performance. The complex zooms with multiple ED and aspheric elements seem to need those tricks, while this lens gets by without them.

- Compared to the 85mm f/1.8D: In my humble opinion, there is no comparison. This lens suffers from none of the 1.8 lens' relative lack of contrast in comparison to Nikon's newer lenses: in fact just the opposite - it seems, if it's possible, even contrastier and more vibrant in its rendition of colors than even the best of them. That alone gives its images a subtle, but noticeable, bump in quality compared to the f/1.8. This lens' wide-aperture shots don't lose the punch that the 1.8D's do. And while I didn't personally find the 1.8D's bokeh to be particularly nice, this 1.4D does certainly live up to its reputation in that area, being equal to the very best. Even if you never shot this lens wider than f/1.8 it would be twice the lens the 85/1.8 is. These differences are modest but not small, and they show up in every image. The difference between greatness and competence is often subtle. Here, to my eyes, it is nevertheless very clear.

- This lens uses 77mm filters, which is very handy for most Nikon users as that has been the standard pro filter size for twenty years or so now. To get the most out of this lens you will really need to invest in at least one high-quality neutral density filter of 2-3 stops. This will allow you to shoot the lens in brighter conditions and still benefit from its control over depth of field. I have two 2-stop ND filters and sometimes use both of them together, which the lens handles well, although focusing can become difficult. Another good investment might be a very high-grade, multi-coated protective filter, which can be helpful in diminishing the flare that this lens can suffer from. I recommend Hoya's excellent "HD" filters, the best I've used at helping to control flare.

- Focus is very accurate on my sample. That is a very important consideration for a lens with such a narrow wide-open depth of field, and I've had more than one fast lens whose wide open performance was effectively ruined by inconsistent focus. While this is not an AF-S lens and consequently lacks the subtle, incremental ability to track motion that AF-S lenses tend to have, it is extremely good for still shots even at f/1.4.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Rarely taking it off!, Tuesday, 11 August 2009


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have been shooting with this lens for 5 months now and find this is my new favorite lens to shoot with. The 85mm is a little bit too long for me at one point or another when trying to frame my kid in tight area. I have been doing a lot of foot works since I got this lens. Just be prepare to do some exercises when you decided to purchase one if not shooting in a portrait studio.

One small detail that I had noticed though is that the len is "Made In Japan" but the lens' cap is "Made In Thailand." Could this be right? Nikon uses lens' cap from Thailand instead of manufacturing their own in order to save money?
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Expensive, but worth it since it's versatile, Saturday, 14 March 2009


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I've had my eye on this lens for some time, but was very hesitant to spend the money on it. I bought it a couple of months ago and have used it almost exclusively on my D90 since then. This is a great lens, and I know it was the right lens for me to add to my photo gear right now.

I agree with previous reviewers, there are 2 main reasons to buy this lens. First, if you shoot in low light conditions this lens performs incredibly well. The other day I was at my kids' school taking some musical photos for the yearbook. The auditorium manager was out for the day, so we couldn't turn on the stage lights. We only used the house lights and a very small amount of background stage lights, so it was very dark and I wasn't feeling optimistic about getting some decent shots. But wide open, the lens was capable of producing sharp, clear, decently exposed images.

The other main reason to buy this lens is the bokeh, of course. It is very smooth and beautiful. However, this lens does take some practice and skill when shooting wide open. It is a very sharp lens even at 1.4, but there is no room for error with focus since the depth of field is so narrow.

One other thing that I really like about this lens is it's size and weight. It's hefty and well-built, but isn't too heavy or cumbersome on my D90. I feel perfectly comfortable walking around with this lens. Sometimes people suggest getting a 70-200mm before or instead of the 85mm, but for me this lens is a much better fit and more versatile. Yes, the 70-200mm also has great bokeh, has a more versatile range, and can be better for indoor sports. But it's size and weight are a major negative me. I wouldn't use a 70-200mm for casual portraits, or as a walk around lens, or everyday casual shots. In my opinion, the 85mm is great in all of those situations.

There are some negatives to this lens - it is a little too long on a DX body at times and there are some chromatic aberration and flare issues when shooting wide open.

If you are thinking about getting this lens, do your homework and figure out of this is a right fit for you. For me, it is a very versatile lens and a great performer and I am completely satisfied with it.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Great for portraits but quite old., Monday, 02 March 2009


Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4 has been hailed as legendary lens for Nikon DSLR or film camera. I think it is because of its unique characteristic but also its age. This lens has been around for thirteen years.

Image Quality and characteristic
Mounted in Nikon full frame camera D700, the lens is sharp at maximum aperture of f/1.4D, which is excellent. Stopped down to f/2.8, the lens become very sharp. But extreme sharpness is not what this lens is made for. It is primarily made for its ability in low light condition, and its ability to create a beautiful out of focus effect in background or foreground.

Because of those characteristic and its fixed focal length, this lens is ideal for portrait. It is also good for candid portraiture such as in wedding. For Nikon pro wedding shooters, this lens is one of must have lens.

Unfortunately, this lens suffers a bit from purple fringing in high contrast area (see sample pic below), it is also susceptible to flare, but not as bad as other lenses.

Auto Focus operation
Because Nikon 85mm f/1.4D does not have built-in motor focus like modern lenses (AF-S) lens, it relies on camera body to focus. It speed will also depend on the camera body. The more higher-end model such as Nikon D700, D3 or D3X will focus faster than the entry-level camera.

When mounted in Nikon D700, the lens focus very fast. Unfortunately entry level user such as Nikon D40, D40X and D60 only can use manual focus because the camera body doesn't have the capability to focus AF lenses. This lens also create some noise when focusing because lack of Silent Wave Motor.

In sport games such as basketball, the lens has difficulty in continuous tracking. It fails to lock on the object properly resulting in many blur image. I don't recommend it for sports.

Build Quality
Built quality of this lens is awesome, it is average in size and weight and very nice to handle. The focus ring is smooth. Closest focusing is 85cm, make it not very ideal for macro / close-up photography.

It will come with "metal" lens hood. Unfortunately the lens hood it screw in type and you can't reverse it for more compact storage. In spite of that, the lens hood is fully metal, so it is better than regular plastic type and a lot more durable.

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D vso 85mm f/1.8D
Compare to f/1.8D version, This lens is 2.5 times more expensive, the cheaper lens is not as sharp as f/1.4D in its maximum aperture of f/1.8. At f/2.8, the sharpness is almost equal. The build quality is also a lot worse than the f/1.4D. But the 85mm f/1.8 is more compact and portable.

In Conclusion
You might want to get this lens because of several reasons:

* You frequently shoot at extremely low light condition which f/1.4D is often needed
* You are concern about artistic, especially smooth background blur.
* You are looking for the sharpest lens from edge to edge of the image. (The lens is designed to be sharp in the center "focus" and soft in the corner).

Don't buy this lens for indoor sports, it is better to get either f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens or lighting equipment.

check out www.radiantlite.com for other reviews
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

mfarwell, Sunday, 22 February 2009


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Ok, I just did it! Ive listed my nikon 80-200 2.8 on ebay. I ordered this lens with alot of anticipation!!!! Ive drooled over the idea way to long.
I feel like a 52 year old kid at christmas getting his first bike. Portraits are my number one addiction, my 2.8 was great in low-light doing stage work{live musicians}. If the 2.8 was what I thought was great I can only imagine what I'll be able to pull off at 1.4-2.0!
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