The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 is the little brother to the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4. The 85mm f/1.4 has a rather stiff price tag to it at almost $1000, compared to about $400 for the f/1.8 version reviewed here. One thing that's quite special about the f/1.8 version is that it's a RF design, meaning the focusing is carried out with the rear lens group. The outer casting is built with plastic, and this is where you get what you pay for comes in mind. As usual the lens will be tested on a Nikon D3 Dslr.
Specifications
| Lens Construction: |
6 elements in 6 groups |
| Picture Angle: |
28°30 (35mm/FX) |
| Minimum focus distance: |
0.85m |
| Filter Size: |
62mm |
| Lens Hood: |
HN-23 |
| Included accessories: |
Front lens cap
Rear lens cap LF-1 |
| Size: Approx. |
71.5mm length: 58.5mm |
| weight: |
380g |
| Diaphragm: |
9 straight blades |
| Price from: |
$424.95 USD |
Positives
- Price vs performance, outperforms it's price with ease.
- DOF/IR markings, although it's only provided Depth Of Field for f/11 and f/16
- Bokeh, creamy and smooth.
- CA no problems with CA was detected at any aperture.
- Size and weight, the downside is poor build quality though.
Drawbacks
- Build quality, don't bang it around to much.
- Not as much "snap" wide open as the 85mm f/1.4
Verdict
Quite an astonishing lens, performance is almost at top of the line. The lens outperforms it's price with ease, delivering great results. Contrast is pretty damn good even wide open. I rated this lens for portrait photography, as this is what the lens is more or less made for. I would rate it 4 out of 5 for other types of shooting, the reason for this is quite simple, on a portrait lens it's ok for some softness wide open. From f/2 and to f/8 the lens shows remarkable results. Definitely worth it's price.
  Features
Performance
Build
Value
Price from: $424.95 USD
Alternatives
Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days(including the lenses used for these reviews). Thanks for your support, Fredrik.
Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF. Price From: $1,149.95 USD
Nikon MF Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D PC-E. Price From: $1,699.95 USD
Nikon AF DC Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D Price From: $1,019.95 USD
Vivitar 85mm f/1.4 Series 1 Price: $349.95 USD
*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from March 7, 2010
Sample Pictures
Images have been imported to photoshop CS4 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images. |
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