Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AI-S Review

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Thanks to Torkild Kaland For borrowing me this lens.

Introduction

The Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 is said to be the king of portrait lenses, with its f/1.4 aperture, it`s excellent in low light photography. It`s the fastest telephoto lens in Nikon`s lens lineup, and the first telephoto lens to feature Nikon`s CRC (Close-Range Correction) This lens is a favorite by many portrait photographers, providing you with a nice working distance and a creamy Bokeh. I find that this lens on a DX Dslr gives me a more comfortable working distance then on a 35mm Slr.

Specifications

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Lens Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups

Picture Angle: 28 degrees 30 minutes (35mm)

Closest focusing: 0.85m/3 ft.

Filter Size: 72mm

Lens Hood: HN-20

Included accessories: Front & Rear Caps

Weight: 1.37 lbs (620g)

Diaphragm: 9 bladed with straight blades.

price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Bokeh. Possible the best Bokeh I've ever seen.
• Fast. With a f/1.4 aperture this lens is excellent for low-light photography

Drawbacks

• Price. Even on the second hand market this lens sell for quite a bit.
• Tiny bit of CA wide open, by f/2 is gone.

Verdict

A perfect portrait lens, with a sweet Bokeh. If you want a similar focal length on a DX Dslr the Nikon AF 50mm f/1.4 is a good alternative, it will also save you allot of money. If money is not a problem, get the 85mm f/1.4 which will give you a more comfortable working distance, and a sweeter Bokeh. With the manual focus version, you need your subjects to stand completely still when used wide open, the tiniest move and your subject will be OOF.

Alternatives

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF. From $ 924.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D. From $ 359.95 USD

Nikon PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D. From $ 1199.95 USD

Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 ZF Planar T. From $ 984.00 USD

Tamron 90mm f/2.8

Or if you want a similar lens for a DX Dslr

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS. From $ 499.95 USD

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AIS. From $ 299.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. From $ 104.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D. From $ 259.95 USD

Sample Pictures

Nikon D200, 85mm f/1.4 @ 1/180 sec f/1.4

Nikon D200, 85mm f/1.4 @ 1/60 sec f/2.8

Nikon D200, 85mm f/1.4 @ 1/4 sec f/11

Nikon D200, 85mm f/1.4 @ 1/2 sec f/16

Nikon D200, Tamron 90mm @ 1/45 sec f/3.2
Home

D200, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 @ 1/60 sec f/1.8