Thanks for the video. In 1969, I purchased the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 as my second lens for my Nikon F camera (the 35mm f/2 was the first). My 85 was the pre-AI version that I sent to Nikon for conversion to AI. I used my 85 in a 35/85/180mm kit that I used primarily for black & white film reportage. In 2002, I replaced it with the 85mm f/1.4D autofocus version which I use primarily for color portraits. Since my older Nikon film cameras need aperture rings, I avoid G lenses.
Does the back element of the 1.8D come loose? I have a user condition one and even holding the focus ring at infinity and cleaning the back element there's a lot more play then I'd expect, i don't think it is the normal group af slop. Thanks!
Hi Ken, I am thinking about re-buing a Nikon micro nikkor PC-E 85mm f/2.8 D for the purpose of macro, architecture but also for portrait work. I used to have the previous PC generation 85 and loved it, but sold it for another lens. I have reviewed the design and it is also having 6 elements in 5 groups. Similar to the Zeiss 85 f1.4. Have you ever had this nikon lens? If I do not need the speed (1.4, plus I have the nikon 85 1.8 G) and I am fine to shoot portraits from f/2.8 upwards to f/8, would the 85 PC-E micro render similar to the 85 Zeiss? Thanks.
I have owned the 1.8D before. the bokeh is pretty smooth but my copy was not sharp until f/2.8. i hope that the new G version could beat that wide open.
Man, I like your realistic approach to lenses. But I do have a question for you. how does the 85mm f1.8d stack agains the 85mm f2 ai/s for video use and does it retain similar character to the ai/s? I’m looking into it for my nikkor set and I’m stuck between the two. Thanks!
hi man, I'm about to do an experiment: since I'm a poor guy and i can't buy that 56mm 1,2 from fuji, I'm opting for a legacy lens to adapt on my xt10. so my idea was getting a lens turbo 2 from mitakon and try out an 85 nikkor. but here comes my question: since the 85 f2 and the 85 1.8d are very close in pricing on ebay, which one would you chose? thanks in advance!
A quick note, I owned a 85mm 1.8D and sold it because I did not see any difference between my nikkor zoom 70-210mm 4-5.6D at 85mm besides bokey, one can shoot at 1.8 the other will do it at f4 at 85mm. The nikkor 70-210mm 4-5.6D push pull is tek sharp and very fast with focusing a recommendation.
These AP 4-5yrs old vids are still relevant. At least to me! Kenny-for portrait indoors/outdoors on Nikon FX body which: Nikon 85/1.8G or Tokina 100/2.8. As always, thanks for your insights.
my friend i need a reply, please i have a nikon D610 bought used, good condition. i want to save money but want get good quality pictures too. in your opinion what is a good compromise? should i get a 85mm 1.8D or G ? pls help, thanks in advance
Get the G version if you can afford it. It's sharper and easier to focus in low light, especially with the not so excellent focusing system of D610. The build quality is not as great as the D, but D610 is a small body anyway.
I just got an 85 1.8D in today that I only paid $200 for because it had a ding on the filter threads. I got that worked out, and it's otherwise perfect. I did own the non-D version way back in the day, and it's as nice as I remember.
Hi Ken. I'm struggling between this decision. To get the Nikkor 85mm F/2 Ai for $180 or Nikkor 85mm F/1.8D for $270. Which one should I get for using it wide open? I can NOT afford the 85mm F/1.8G. (sports photographer that's trying to use primes instead of the big 80-200mm to avoid ironfacing. I do need lenses that are faster than F/2.8 because that's surprisingly too slow in the environments I'm in)
phuzzz82 indeed i do, i have one Zeiss, theyre very poor value and only about 3% superior optically and the rest is just their damn name. Samyang makes one nice WIDE lens, the rest are crap.
Man...i'm having the hardest time picking a lens and i need your advice. My son is only a few weeks from being born and i have in my budget for 1 lens. The 3 i'm thinking of are the 85mm 1.8g, the 100mm tokina, & 24-70mm 2.8 tamron VC. I only lens i have so far is 50mm 1.8d. This will be going on a D750 body. Any advice would be much appreciated.
+RockTheCage55 the REAL question is what R U gonna be shooting? certainly NOT that tammy lens for anything,...........both the tokina and 85mm nikkor are great for portraits, however the tokina is INFINITELY more useful for many things and macro is fun as hell.
Hi Ken... okay I recently added a D750 to my D7100 and my three Tamron SP "Holy Trinity" group of lenses (15-30mm, 24-70, 70-200). I've been getting wonderful portrait results from the 70-200mm, but am considering getting a Nikon 85mm f/1.8G mainly because it would be easier to handle than the big Tamron zoom. How would the image quality compare between the N85mm vs. the T70-200? Have you ever done a comparison between those lenses for portrait work? Can't afford the Tamron 85 sp or your Zeiss Planar. Need to stay under $500. Advice? This would be strictly for portrait work. Thanks. Time to send you another couple bucks. ; ) Bob
ahhhhhh…..the Nikkor 85mm 1.8G is a damn winner to be sure. compare? they dont, apples and oranges. the Tammy SP85mm, i used and tested , no dice on that lens :( under 500? easy, used nikkor 85mm 1.8G ……Ebay
Any thoughts on the Rokinon 85 mm f1.4 ??? I have the Nikon 85 mm f1.8 G and love it but have taken a liking to manual focus lens. The 85 mm Rokinon reviews have been pretty good but I've never considered the Nikon 85 mm f2 you referenced until your review. Thank you for your input on the 85mm f1.4 AI-S by the way. I'd been pinning for it as a manual focus addition but the asking price on Ebay was consistently over $550.00.
Hi Ken, I'm looking for your advice. I have to choose between 2 lenses and I'm stuck. I am moving into portraiture photography, I have the f1.8 50mm (Ais) and I have a 35mm (1.8G) I now have funds for a new lens and I'm stuck between the 85mm 1.8G and 135mm f2.8 AIs. Both of which I can get at the same price. The choice is giving me a headache because I covet both lenses :/ Not a clue what to do. The likelihood is that the 135mm would be waaay too long for most of the indoor portraits but would be fine in a bigger environment. The 85mm would be ok I think (longish livingroom) both indoors and out, but I can't get past the want of the 135 haha! Don't know quite what to do. I don't want to buy one and regret not getting the other. Know what I mean?
Dear angry photographer I love your videos and have a question . iv been a photographer for 4 years I have a Nikon D3100 kit lens and 55 - 200 zoom . I only have 600 hounded dollars to spend should I up grade to a D700 or buy some nice glass ?
Hello AngryP, I like your true reviews and i believe in what you say about faster or $$$ is not always better. I have been having a dilema. I want to upgrade my D7000 to an FX or stay the same as DX. I have done a few weedings and friends family portraits. This is not my full time gig. Wondering if I should upgrade my cam or add more glass to my arsenal. I currently own tokina 12-24, nikon 35 1.8G DX, 50 1.8G and 80-200 2.8. I will like to add a classic 20, 85 2.0 and the 135 classic. Any advise on the D7100, D600, D800 or D700 I shot mainly portraits when asked.
jvanterpool ok, mainly portrait shots?! .......the question then becomes , what is your budget ? Forget the D600 period however. D800 used prices are too high and a bad value ($1500 roughly) D700 were going for $700 until i talked them up so much, now theyre sky high on ebay! (my fault). If your budget is up to $1600, a gray market D750 would be wonderful. but always yes on the glass to add,.......but the question remains that when you sell your D7000 thats enough to buy 2 of your lenses you want, but not the 20mm So , again, what budget on camera?
i just got back from KEH and snagged a beautiful 105 2.5 for 179 taxes included. Now you got me on track with the D750. the D700 you mentioned is nice and buttery on the image. Is the D750 similar? I have a friend who got a D700 and love it too. But I know the D750 might be a better choice in terms of ISO, buffer, mpx and others. Any insight will be appreciated. I want quality work out of the camera not extras that I will not use.
Ken, Is that Nikon 85mm f2 one of those radioactive lens that has thorium in its glass? If it does, what effects does it have on the pixels on my D700, D3 cameras? Is it safe to have on my camera body for a day of street photography? Thank you Ken.
No thorium in the 85mm lenses, none of them is known for yellowing. 😊 The only Nikkor affected I know of is the early 1.4/35 mm, there may be more, though.
mark thode the Nikkor 1.8G 85mm is the worlds sharpest, lowest distortion 85mm, even more so than the 85mm 1.4G nikkor. i dont like its construction, but its optics are undeniable.
Hi Ken, chances are odd you will respond tot this, but not trying isn't going to work for sure so here's a question: Would you pick the Nikon 85mm 1.8 over the Tokina 100mm 2.8 for product photography, like food and drinks? I bought a D700, the Tokina 100mm and the Nikon 28-85 3.5 4.5 on your recommendation, been loving every bit of it.
All the Nikon 85mm lenses have an 80 or 85cm minimum focus distance. Unless the product is huge, the Tokina 100mm will be a lot better for product photography since it is a macro lens. The bokeh of an f1.8 lens will be a little better, so there could be cases where the 85mm would give some advantage, but that would be the exception and not the rule.
I have the 1.8G and i'm very happy with it. I do however remember that you crossed it out on a list a while ago. Was this a dream or did it refer to film cameras? Great vids btw
babarfyi well, the G costs more, and its not terribly better than the much cheaper D version you must have asked a price related question, of value or bang for buck. i cant remember.
+Theoria Apophasis Thanks for getting back. Yes indeed these PC lenses are for product, architecture, landscape etc photographers but I'd like to know how you rate them in terms of optical quality, colour rendering etc. I appreciate your hones and open minded opinion on all Nikon gear. Anyway thanks again.
Hi Ken, I final got the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D AF as you recommended...Shooting pictures back in the beginning of the 80s, I never own a 85mm lens ....But I got a steal it from an antique shop they didn't know what they had in the cabinet case,so I jumped on it but forgot to get a receipt..aha!! That lens is very difficult to shoot with it we requires lots practice even at 1/3200sec..I get blur images at f/1.8- how ever I realize that the subject should not move either that changes the plane of the focus to.. So tell how did you get sharp images from the 85mm f/1.8??? What's your secret?
Hello, Is it possible to explain how to work with the 85mm 1.4D IF lens on the D7100? If you lock in F16, you cannot use the aperture dial as it does nothing. THX
In order to use the old AI lenses, physically set the aperture to the largest value (it is f16 for the 85mm f1.4D). Push the lock button to hold it there. Since there are no electrical contacts, set up the lens information in the setup menu under 'non cup lens'. Give the lens number (probably 1 if you did not add any yet). Give the focal length of 85mm, and the maximum aperture of f16. Now the camera knows how to use the lens. You can use aperture priority and set the aperture electronically. Focus the lens using the focus ring and press the shutter button. All the other modes like program mode work too. HTH
Not just California Ken, but the author, Moose, on the 85mm 1.4 manual. I have to confess to having bought the 85 ƒ1.4 AfD simply because I was charmed by the metal exterior.
Thanks for your video, Ken! I found a very used and cheap 85 1.8 D. Unfortunately, with the price increase in Europe, I can't afford the G version for my D3200. Do you think it is a good idea to buy the 85 1.8 D and use it manually for my portrait attempts? Thank you for your time!
Ken Rockwell pushes exspensive lenses. Before i found angry i almost bought a nikkor 200 f2 on his recommendation. And i dont think he ever had one in hand. Again thanks Ken.
I liked the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF the best lens with my two Nikon D3 and my Nikon F5. I used the lens since 1996 and it's a beautiful piece of glass. Not razor sharp than my Nikon 105mm DC and my Nikon 135mm DC. Most of the time i used manual override than AF mode. My best portrait lens is the 105mm DC because 9 out 10 it's heaven..Yes i used a old Nikon D3 but it's make great A3 photos.
hi ken. good morning from bangladesh. hey , did u try the new zeiss milvus 85mm 1.4? one of my friends sez he finds it better than the classic planar 85mm 1.4. I can't agree till I hear your verdict on this milvus 85 1.4.
+masum khan khan i was gonna make a video tonight about the milvus, youll learn why its WORSE, its actually VERY logical what? newer lenses getting worse? YEAH......why???? youll find out why
Theoria Apophasis man i have nikon d7200 and 35mm/f1.8 lens and it's not good for portraits but it's amazing for street photography and landscape and group photos. but now i want lens for portraits should i go for 85mm/1.8 but as you know it will be around 127mm on my camera because it's crop sensor or should i go for zoom lens like 18 to 200 or 18 to 140 ??? please help me man i want good lens for portraits which blur the background ????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mohamed Hussein you dont want zooms for portraits, ONLY PRIME 85mm is perfect on any FX or DX camera .......ive got 8 85mm lenses. 127mm is fine because the serious portrait FX lens is the 135mm You have a D7200, top best for buck recommendation is to get a 85mm 1.8 D Nikkor for $300 minty used Ebay
I will probably get made fun off here but I recently got a Nikon F-2 with a DP-1 photomic prism and a Nikkor K 85mm f/1.8 for free in lot of cameras someone was giving away. What do people with knowledge think about this older lens ?
Theoria Apophasis So we had a conversation last week about me maybe buying a 60mm 2.8D micro....Long story short, I didn't. I traded in my 50mm for credit towards a new 85mm f/1.8G and I couldn't be happier. This thing is ridiculously sharp...dangerously sharp, in fact. It should seriously come with a warning label. Thank you for the video, it made my decision easier.
totally agree with the ais 85/2 - what you think about the 135/2.8 is what i think about the ais 85/2. back in the days (when a F3 was the king on the hill) it was my favorite lens. if you want the same but with contrast and nice colors get the 90/2 leica R lens. even though it is made in canada it is still a very good lens and there are adapters to use it on a nikon. and it is cheap too.
After watching lots of your videos, I have confirmed that I have made some good lens choices. 20 mm f/2.8 AF D 50 mm f/1.4 G 60 mm macro f/2.8 AF D 85 mm f/1.8 G 180 mm f/2.8 MF AI-S ED - I haven't seen you post anything about this one.
Take the 85/1.4G and 85/1.8G outside on a portrait shoot and see how much how much the 1.4G is better at skin color rendition. Also, at the SAME EXPOSURE SETTINGS notice, that 1.4G lets more light through, making it effectively faster than by 2/3 of a stop relative to the 1.8G. If you go about it praising yourself, calling people who have other opinions idiots and calling what you say facts and not opinions, consider being a little more thorough about your own reviews. You know there is more to a lens than pixel-peeping. I am looking forward to seeing your updated review. Take care, Angry
Used all the 85s, sticked with the AIS 1.4. The latest 1.4G or 1.8G is a tad sharper wide open, but they are pretty much equal from f2 on. The AF one is slightly inferior. Portraits are slow and I shoot a lot of manual cameras, too, so I do not own an AF(-S) version. Perfect on a D3 from f2 and perfect on a D850 from f3 on. If you get one for around 400$, thats a steal. Can’t confirm this lens is inferior.
You are absolutely correct. No one needs an 85mm f/1.4. Ever. There are lots of slower lenses that are sharper, lighter, cheaper. And your admonition against überfast lenses is especially true with modern digital cameras and their spectacular, high ISO performance. The only reason to have one, as you said yourself, is for artistic effects. So you're right on two out of three. The only thing I question is why you assume anyone who has one is some kind of idiot. I considered getting a Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G. But I already have a perfect Nikon 75-150, which I use occasionally, and a Tokina 100, which goes everywhere with me. Adding an 85, no matter how sharp, would be a duplication and a waste of money. On the other hand, artistic effect...
I've had both the f/1.4 and f/2 at the same time. The 1.4 is better but the f/2 will get you 90% of the way there. If you're outdoors the f/2 is more than good enough.
I have the 85mm f1.8 G, and is very happy with that lens. However, I tried a 85mm f1.4 ais (a friend of mine owns one), and l loved it. If it was a little bit cheaper l would definately buy one. I’m all for having strong opinions, but l don’t think anyone can claim that no one needs a f1.4. Lots of people spends lots of money on f1.2’s. If mr. Rockwell was here he may have asked; «who needs 3 of the 85mm f2’s??» Anyway, using the ais lens (85mm f1.4) was pure joy, going manuel was way more funny than l expected so based on this video l may go all in for the f2😊 Its 40% of the price of a f1.4, that suits my price range👍
I had both ais 85mm (1.4 and 2) At the time I loved the 1.4 and liked the 2. I now have the Voigtlander 58 1.4 and a Nikkor 85 1.8D. I had both 180mm 2.8 D and 2.8 ais. I sold the D. I like the look of less elements and groups.
In 90% plus of situations and considering the typical skill level of the average photographer and the real world results of output variations and lack of overall production control from shutter trip to print stage my personal opinion is you would be hard pressed to find a better overall value than the 85 f1.8 D version. Photographers need to think more about pay back (ROI) than being sucked in by theory and higher costs.
You'll be so proud of me, I just bought 4 mint Nikkor Ai's that you recommended. I also just returned a Sigma 18-35 after doing some research and stumbling upon your rave reviews of it. But I'd like to think The Afghan Girl approached me in a dream begging me to return that awful "art" lens and buy a 105mm F2.5.
Excellent information. I have the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus AI-S lens (not mentioned in your video). It has chromatic aberration and color fringing, so I convert to grey scale. But I really like the images it produces. They look like the images of the 1970s. Are they ultra sharp? No, but sharp enough. My sharpest 85mm for Nikon is the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 AS IF UMC lens (I think it was not even manufactured yet when you made your video and it's not a Nikon lens anyway.) But the sharpest lens is not what is always wanted, unless you want to see every wrinkle and pore in maximum detail. I understand that the new Z mount Nikon lens is ultra sharp, but I don't have a Z mount camera. On Canon, Sigma is sharpest but the Canon lens is sometimes to be preferred. I wish you made more Nikon videos, but I guess you are bored of it.
Ken, I agree with about 95% of your reviews, and I don't know how you could have gotten TWO bad examples of the 85/1.4 AiS, but it is the sharpest 85 I have ever owned, though I have not owned any of the autofocus versions. Here were my results, in brief: 85/1.4 AiS- Best, by a pretty big margin 85/1.8 Ai converted- 2nd, had two of them, both excellent, but not as good as the 1.4 85/2.0 Ai marginally inferior to the 1.8 Honorable mention: the 80-200/4.5 Nikkor, last version, with the rectangular rear opening, was pretty close to the fixed 85s, and considering it is a zoom, that is pretty amazing. So, Rockwell may have been on crack, but I guess I was too when using the 85/1.4 manual focus. Now, if you compare wide open to wide open, and thus a 1.4 lens to a 1.8 or 2.0, I feel there is an unfair comparison there. I usually make my primary comparisons at working apretures from 5.6 to 11.0, but if I compare a 1.4 to a 2.0, then I compare them at 2.0 on both, with sort of an asterisk to the fact that the 2.0 does not even have 1.4. Thanks for your great reviews, and like I said, I agree most of the time. ESPECIALLY on the Voigtlander 40/2.0 Ultron S II, mine is unbelievable! I don't know if you afford them or get loaners, but I would also like to see Zeiss Otus vs. Leica APO Summicron, in normals. Of course, the Leica can't be had in Nikon mount, which we both use. Thinking about starting my own channel at some point, comparing view camera lenses on 6x9 rollfilm cameras. A huge variety can be had at reasonable prices. Only issue is processing cost.
Casey Vee well you said youve not owned any of the AF versions so that nixes that conclusion :P the (albeit PLASTICY) 85mm AF D and AF G blow the hell out of all of those AI and AIS lenses :)
Theoria Apophasis But I was not addressing the AFs, only the MFs, and you said that the 85/1.4 MF was inferior to the 85/2.0 MF, correct? I found both the 85/1.4 and the 85/1.8 Ai converted lens to be better than the 85/2.0 MF. So, I am not saying they are better than the AF D or AF G, only that I found the 85/2.0 MF to be worst of the MFs. Also found the 105/2.5 Ai better than all of the 85 MFs except the 85/1.4, but then we are not comparing apples to apples any longer.
ive owned 2 of the 85mm F1.4, theyre insanely overpriced "collector" lenses, with blurry corners and generally a huge inferior large hunk of glass. they werent made all that long for good reason.
www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#85 Dude, what are you talking about? They were in production for 24 years! See above link. As far as sharpness, maybe I just got an unusually good one, but from about 2.8 down, it was deadly sharp.
+Casey Vee .. i was kind of surprised with his review too as i have the 85mm 1.4 ais. And i also owned the 1.8 D. But as i had both i decided to sell one of them, and i kept the 1.4 AIS.... I agree with Theoria that for most people the price difference is way to much for the extra stop, and they have been overhyped. But it is a very sharp lens. And it does some nice artsy fartsy low light stuff at 1.4. But it fits somewhere in the same place as the 50mm 1.2. You pay a lot extra for something that most people are not really going to use and you have to manually focus. So i understand the recomendation of the 1.8 d and g.
I've not questioned "the cat's ass" before but I think the phase is "the cat's whiskers" not, "cat's ass", more correctly "cat's arse". "Cat's ass" must be a combination of "the dog's bollocks" and "cat's whiskers".
Considering a 85mm lens for my D700. Based on your recommendations I am going to get the 85mm 1.8D for casual portraiture and some street photography, and the Carl Zeiss 85mm 1.4 planner for studio bokeh and night time street photography to be rendered black & white. I think these two should cover 85mm bases nicely. The Carl Zeiss might have to wait till next tax return, but I am sure the 85mm 1.8 D will suffice until then.
Silk sex and sugar ... I love you man hahahaha... Btw I always check your channel before buying any lenses! Great reviews, great comments and suggestions!
It never fails I look and you’re reviewing the exact lens I wanted to hear about the 85 mm 1.8 g. It’s pretty inexpensive new and thank you so much for talking stuff about Ken Rockwell, I think he’s full of shit
Everybody is wrong sometimes. Ken Rockwell says never use raw, and I almost always use it. But if you look at the images he makes on his web page, they are fantastic. I never go by one person's advice. I examine several trusted sources and try it myself before I buy it.
Can you do a full vedio on getting into photography what camera you should get what lens to get first then second what is important what is not when you should get into flash photography when to upgrade your gear this will be a very good vedio because people who is getting into photography are people who wants cheap in price things and need to know what to buy first and what to buy later if you can make this your next vedio
forgaming masry well, i made a few on the flash part......on those however there is no upgrade time, only when it dies! ive made tons of flash videos already but the first part of what you said, i plan on doing that video !!!
Thank you for responding I need that vedio because iam 15 years old and believe it or not when I was 10 I used to shoot film with my father then I upgraded to point and shoot and now I want a dslr so iam buying the d7100 with 50mm pancake and 135mm lenses and I will shoot portraits of my friend I want to know what other thing I do and iam really into macro but I do not have the money to buy a macro lens some people say that reverse old lens is good enough is that true? I have been watching your Vedios since 4k subs and I swear I watch them every day before doing any thing any one of the cameras that were in the give away was in my father arsenal and I had used it so keep up the good work and I would like to know what beside portraits I can do at this age ?
I had been watching since 4k subs and I had been enjoying them and I need that vedio because iam a 15 years old and iam getting into dslr world believe it or not I had been shooting film since 10 years then upgraded to point and shoot then to a very good smart phone now I want to get a dslr and iam getting Nikon d7100 with 50mm and 135mm lenses for portraits and I love shooting macro but I do not have money to get a macro lens some people say that reverse lens macro is good is it?
it works, but a bit of a pain to do. but hey, some people NEVER shoot macro, and nobody HAS to!!! youre getting an awesome camera and have 2 excellent lenses. next lens would be a WIDE ZOOM! such as a 12-24 F4
On aesthetics alone, prefer to pick up the 1.4G than the 1.8G after that the lens does a job regardless, sharpness is relative and can be edited in post if needed.
All practical and functional considerations aside, the lens porn factor on the 1.4 d is 10!
Bombastic Elastic got that bad boy for like $440. For that price it’s a better pick over the 1.8g. They going for crack prices these days.
The 85mm 1.4 is an EXCELLENT casual portrait lens. I really liked the one I got in '84- a lot.
Ok, I was going to get rid of my 85 1.8g but now I'ma keep her. Thanks again, Angry
does the 85mm f2 work with the auto indexing metering on the f2 nikon camera?
I agree with Ken , the 85mm 1.4 ais, is the best 85mm I ever had. I dont know what you test, but It is simply the best.
Thanks for the video.
In 1969, I purchased the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 as my second lens for my Nikon F camera (the 35mm f/2 was the first). My 85 was the pre-AI version that I sent to Nikon for conversion to AI. I used my 85 in a 35/85/180mm kit that I used primarily for black & white film reportage. In 2002, I replaced it with the 85mm f/1.4D autofocus version which I use primarily for color portraits.
Since my older Nikon film cameras need aperture rings, I avoid G lenses.
Does the back element of the 1.8D come loose? I have a user condition one and even holding the focus ring at infinity and cleaning the back element there's a lot more play then I'd expect, i don't think it is the normal group af slop. Thanks!
Hi Ken, I am thinking about re-buing a Nikon micro nikkor PC-E 85mm f/2.8 D for the purpose of macro, architecture but also for portrait work. I used to have the previous PC generation 85 and loved it, but sold it for another lens. I have reviewed the design and it is also having 6 elements in 5 groups. Similar to the Zeiss 85 f1.4. Have you ever had this nikon lens? If I do not need the speed (1.4, plus I have the nikon 85 1.8 G) and I am fine to shoot portraits from f/2.8 upwards to f/8, would the 85 PC-E micro render similar to the 85 Zeiss? Thanks.
You said to get the d version 1.8 but not the info on its value as a portrait lens. Is tje 1.8d worth it to buy
i have an 85 f2 very VERY similar to your AI-s, how can i send you a pic, i need to know if it is a good lens, and what lens is
Specifically
Thanks for this one Kendo.. Just got the 1.8D 👌
Own the 85mm AI-S 2.0 love it!
Hey Ken, have you used the 85mm 85mm f2 on one of your GFX bodies? I had one years ago for my X-T2 but sold it. Thanks a lot!
What do you think of the 85mm pre AI?
I have owned the 1.8D before. the bokeh is pretty smooth but my copy was not sharp until f/2.8. i hope that the new G version could beat that wide open.
What are your thoughts on nikon 85mm f1.8 not the d or g models?
Man, I like your realistic approach to lenses. But I do have a question for you. how does the 85mm f1.8d stack agains the 85mm f2 ai/s for video use and does it retain similar character to the ai/s? I’m looking into it for my nikkor set and I’m stuck between the two. Thanks!
Hi, did you tried the 85mm 1.8 AI? How it compare to the f2 version?
hi man, I'm about to do an experiment: since I'm a poor guy and i can't buy that 56mm 1,2 from fuji, I'm opting for a legacy lens to adapt on my xt10. so my idea was getting a lens turbo 2 from mitakon and try out an 85 nikkor. but here comes my question: since the 85 f2 and the 85 1.8d are very close in pricing on ebay, which one would you chose? thanks in advance!
hi there, Nikkor af-s 85mm F/1.8G lens would work on Nikon D5600? Thanks in advance
how is the nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS ?
I had the f/2 version for 30 years but 3 years ago I upgraded to the Zeiss 85 f/1.4 over any of the Nikon offerings and couldn't be happier.
A quick note, I owned a 85mm 1.8D and sold it because I did not see any difference between my nikkor zoom 70-210mm 4-5.6D at 85mm besides bokey, one can shoot at 1.8 the other will do it at f4 at 85mm. The nikkor 70-210mm 4-5.6D push pull is tek sharp and very fast with focusing a recommendation.
I want to buy a portrait lens has to be an AI S one but I,m debating between 85 or 105 mm
Any advice, will be most appreciated.
85 half body and couples, 105 face portraits.
So between the 85mm 1.8G and the 85mm 1.8D, which one would you recommend the most if you could choose one? And why?
+KuDo xFactor easy, 85mm 1.8G
These AP 4-5yrs old vids are still relevant. At least to me! Kenny-for portrait indoors/outdoors on Nikon FX body which: Nikon 85/1.8G or Tokina 100/2.8. As always, thanks for your insights.
Hi sir
How can I connect ais lens to dslr camera ?
Tell me which one should I buy:
F1.8 or f1.8 D or f1.8 G.
Thanks
my friend i need a reply, please
i have a nikon D610 bought used, good condition.
i want to save money but want get good quality pictures too. in your opinion what is a good compromise?
should i get a 85mm 1.8D or G ?
pls help, thanks in advance
Get the G version if you can afford it. It's sharper and easier to focus in low light, especially with the not so excellent focusing system of D610. The build quality is not as great as the D, but D610 is a small body anyway.
I just got an 85 1.8D in today that I only paid $200 for because it had a ding on the filter threads. I got that worked out, and it's otherwise perfect. I did own the non-D version way back in the day, and it's as nice as I remember.
Theo, could you please give me a quick verdict on the 85mm 1.4G?
Hi Ken. I'm struggling between this decision. To get the Nikkor 85mm F/2 Ai for $180 or Nikkor 85mm F/1.8D for $270. Which one should I get for using it wide open? I can NOT afford the 85mm F/1.8G.
(sports photographer that's trying to use primes instead of the big 80-200mm to avoid ironfacing. I do need lenses that are faster than F/2.8 because that's surprisingly too slow in the environments I'm in)
you can get a 1.8 D for cheaper than that....... about $220+
Just picked up an f2. Seems nice so far but not done anything serious yet! 😉
Would be interested to know if you have any experience with 3rd party lenses. Samyang, Sigma's, Zeiss lenses. Thanks for the videos! :)
phuzzz82 indeed i do, i have one Zeiss, theyre very poor value and only about 3% superior optically and the rest is just their damn name.
Samyang makes one nice WIDE lens, the rest are crap.
One more quick question. ..is there a significant difference between the 85 mm f2 ai and the ai-s ???
I've read optically no...
Ken Davis this is true, theyre both identical twins.
Man...i'm having the hardest time picking a lens and i need your advice. My son is only a few weeks from being born and i have in my budget for 1 lens. The 3 i'm thinking of are the 85mm 1.8g, the 100mm tokina, & 24-70mm 2.8 tamron VC. I only lens i have so far is 50mm 1.8d. This will be going on a D750 body. Any advice would be much appreciated.
+RockTheCage55 the REAL question is what R U gonna be shooting?
certainly NOT that tammy lens for anything,...........both the tokina and 85mm nikkor are great for portraits, however the tokina is INFINITELY more useful for many things
and macro is fun as hell.
i know this is an old vid but i seen someone showing on a DOF calculator whats the difference between the 1.8 and 2.0 and on 2m you cant see it
Hi Ken... okay I recently added a D750 to my D7100 and my three Tamron SP "Holy Trinity" group of lenses (15-30mm, 24-70, 70-200). I've been getting wonderful portrait results from the 70-200mm, but am considering getting a Nikon 85mm f/1.8G mainly because it would be easier to handle than the big Tamron zoom. How would the image quality compare between the N85mm vs. the T70-200? Have you ever done a comparison between those lenses for portrait work? Can't afford the Tamron 85 sp or your Zeiss Planar. Need to stay under $500. Advice? This would be strictly for portrait work. Thanks. Time to send you another couple bucks. ; ) Bob
ahhhhhh…..the Nikkor 85mm 1.8G is a damn winner to be sure. compare? they dont, apples and oranges.
the Tammy SP85mm, i used and tested , no dice on that lens :(
under 500? easy, used nikkor 85mm 1.8G ……Ebay
Robert Dumon ohas plqoopiipio
Any thoughts on the Rokinon 85 mm f1.4 ??? I have the Nikon 85 mm f1.8 G and love it but have taken a liking to manual focus lens.
The 85 mm Rokinon reviews have been pretty good but I've never considered the Nikon 85 mm f2 you referenced until your review.
Thank you for your input on the 85mm f1.4 AI-S by the way. I'd been pinning for it as a manual focus addition but the asking price on Ebay was consistently over $550.00.
Ken Davis Rokinon = sandpapering your crotch ..
nope on that pooper.
85 1.4 isnt not worth it at all, just snag a 1.8 D for $300
Hi Ken, I'm looking for your advice. I have to choose between 2 lenses and I'm stuck. I am moving into portraiture photography, I have the f1.8 50mm (Ais) and I have a 35mm (1.8G) I now have funds for a new lens and I'm stuck between the 85mm 1.8G and 135mm f2.8 AIs. Both of which I can get at the same price. The choice is giving me a headache because I covet both lenses :/ Not a clue what to do. The likelihood is that the 135mm would be waaay too long for most of the indoor portraits but would be fine in a bigger environment. The 85mm would be ok I think (longish livingroom) both indoors and out, but I can't get past the want of the 135 haha! Don't know quite what to do. I don't want to buy one and regret not getting the other. Know what I mean?
+Karen Gray easy answer, 85mm 1.8G
HOWEVER at that price, youre far far better off getting a 105mm F2 DC AF Nikkor for $720 used ebay
Please comment on the 85mm F1.8 (NON AI) in comparison with the lenses you have reviewed on this video
Dear angry photographer I love your videos and have a question . iv been a photographer for 4 years I have a Nikon D3100 kit lens and 55 - 200 zoom . I only have 600 hounded dollars to spend should I up grade to a D700 or buy some nice glass ?
bobsteve md it may be to late, but always buy (good!) glass before you upgrade your body!
for portrait whats better. the G or D? as far as saturation and rendering.
D
Hello AngryP,
I like your true reviews and i believe in what you say about faster or $$$ is not always better. I have been having a dilema. I want to upgrade my D7000 to an FX or stay the same as DX. I have done a few weedings and friends family portraits. This is not my full time gig. Wondering if I should upgrade my cam or add more glass to my arsenal. I currently own tokina 12-24, nikon 35 1.8G DX, 50 1.8G and 80-200 2.8. I will like to add a classic 20, 85 2.0 and the 135 classic. Any advise on the D7100, D600, D800 or D700 I shot mainly portraits when asked.
jvanterpool
ok, mainly portrait shots?! .......the question then becomes , what is your budget ? Forget the D600 period however.
D800 used prices are too high and a bad value ($1500 roughly)
D700 were going for $700 until i talked them up so much, now theyre sky high on ebay! (my fault).
If your budget is up to $1600, a gray market D750 would be wonderful.
but always yes on the glass to add,.......but the question remains that when you sell your D7000 thats enough to buy 2 of your lenses you want, but not the 20mm
So , again, what budget on camera?
i just got back from KEH and snagged a beautiful 105 2.5 for 179 taxes included. Now you got me on track with the D750. the D700 you mentioned is nice and buttery on the image. Is the D750 similar? I have a friend who got a D700 and love it too. But I know the D750 might be a better choice in terms of ISO, buffer, mpx and others.
Any insight will be appreciated. I want quality work out of the camera not extras that I will not use.
both will produce quality, but it sounds like you want the D750
see recent videos with test shots from D700 and D750.
105 2.5 is a wonderful lens :)
Does the 85mm 1.8G have ring type SWM?
does not, has a micro motor.
Ken,
Is that Nikon 85mm f2 one of those radioactive lens that has thorium in its glass? If it does, what effects does it have on the pixels on my D700, D3 cameras? Is it safe to have on my camera body for a day of street photography? Thank you Ken.
No thorium in the 85mm lenses, none of them is known for yellowing. 😊 The only Nikkor affected I know of is the early 1.4/35 mm, there may be more, though.
Worth considering the Sigma 85 1.4 Ken, or roll with the Nikon 1.8G?
mark thode the Nikkor 1.8G 85mm is the worlds sharpest, lowest distortion 85mm, even more so than the 85mm 1.4G nikkor.
i dont like its construction, but its optics are undeniable.
Thanks Ken! I'm not one of those 0.001% users either :)
Hi Ken, chances are odd you will respond tot this, but not trying isn't going to work for sure so here's a question:
Would you pick the Nikon 85mm 1.8 over the Tokina 100mm 2.8 for product photography, like food and drinks?
I bought a D700, the Tokina 100mm and the Nikon 28-85 3.5 4.5 on your recommendation, been loving every bit of it.
All the Nikon 85mm lenses have an 80 or 85cm minimum focus distance. Unless the product is huge, the Tokina 100mm will be a lot better for product photography since it is a macro lens. The bokeh of an f1.8 lens will be a little better, so there could be cases where the 85mm would give some advantage, but that would be the exception and not the rule.
I have the 1.8G and i'm very happy with it. I do however remember that you crossed it out on a list a while ago. Was this a dream or did it refer to film cameras? Great vids btw
babarfyi well, the G costs more, and its not terribly better than the much cheaper D version
you must have asked a price related question, of value or bang for buck.
i cant remember.
Hello, how about 85mm tilt shift lens. In fact I've never seen you talking about any PC lenses.Please your opinion.
+alf redis PS can correct most of such issues, only a hardcore architectural or other photographer needs those
+Theoria Apophasis Thanks for getting back. Yes indeed these PC lenses are for product, architecture, landscape etc photographers but I'd like to know how you rate them in terms of optical quality, colour rendering etc. I appreciate your hones and open minded opinion on all Nikon gear. Anyway thanks again.
Hi Ken, I final got the Nikon Nikkor 85mm
f/1.8D AF as you recommended...Shooting pictures back in the beginning of the 80s, I never own a 85mm lens ....But I got a steal it from an antique shop they didn't know what they had in the cabinet case,so I jumped on it but forgot to get a receipt..aha!!
That lens is very difficult to shoot with it we requires lots practice even at 1/3200sec..I get blur images at f/1.8- how ever I realize that the subject should not move either that changes the plane of the focus to..
So tell how did you get sharp images from the 85mm f/1.8??? What's your secret?
on a tripod too?
Hello, Is it possible to explain how to work with the 85mm 1.4D IF lens on the D7100?
If you lock in F16, you cannot use the aperture dial as it does nothing.
THX
In order to use the old AI lenses, physically set the aperture to the largest value (it is f16 for the 85mm f1.4D). Push the lock button to hold it there. Since there are no electrical contacts, set up the lens information in the setup menu under 'non cup lens'. Give the lens number (probably 1 if you did not add any yet). Give the focal length of 85mm, and the maximum aperture of f16. Now the camera knows how to use the lens. You can use aperture priority and set the aperture electronically. Focus the lens using the focus ring and press the shutter button. All the other modes like program mode work too. HTH
Oops, the 1.8D is not AI, so you can skip the step for non cup lens. The cameras computer will both focus and set aperture.
Would you prefer 85 1.8G or the 85 1.4D if the price is the same ? In terms of colour rendition and micro contrast
Not just California Ken, but the author, Moose, on the 85mm 1.4 manual. I have to confess to having bought the 85 ƒ1.4 AfD simply because I was charmed by the metal exterior.
ken rockwell smoking crack busted me up
thanks for the video
what would you choose 85mm or tokina 100mm
for what use???? Tokina generally
mainly for potraits. i felt like if i have tokina i could use for some other purpose too but im not sure how good it is for potraits.
Had the g version ...sold it and got the D version
I love my 1.8G and rate it juuuust behind my 180 2.8. Slightly different spectrum of use, but both are killer lenses!
Thanks for your video, Ken! I found a very used and cheap 85 1.8 D. Unfortunately, with the price increase in Europe, I can't afford the G version for my D3200. Do you think it is a good idea to buy the 85 1.8 D and use it manually for my portrait attempts? Thank you for your time!
Ken Rockwell pushes exspensive lenses. Before i found angry i almost bought a nikkor 200 f2 on his recommendation. And i dont think he ever had one in hand. Again thanks Ken.
I liked the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF the best lens with my two Nikon D3 and my Nikon F5. I used the lens since 1996 and it's a beautiful piece of glass. Not razor sharp than my Nikon 105mm DC and my Nikon 135mm DC. Most of the time i used manual override than AF mode. My best portrait lens is the 105mm DC because 9 out 10 it's heaven..Yes i used a old Nikon D3 but it's make great A3 photos.
hi ken. good morning from bangladesh.
hey , did u try the new zeiss milvus 85mm 1.4? one of my friends sez he finds it better than the classic planar 85mm 1.4. I can't agree till I hear your verdict on this milvus 85 1.4.
+masum khan khan indeedy so. Your friend says that ehhh? mmmhmmm. What kinda of illegal narcotic does he smoke normally?
:)
Ha got my answer. Thanks. Well for your answer I gotta ask him about wat he smokes! #GETANGRY
+masum khan khan i was gonna make a video tonight about the milvus, youll learn why its WORSE, its actually VERY logical
what? newer lenses getting worse? YEAH......why???? youll find out why
Theoria Apophasis waiting for the upload bruh, tc. Good day
its UP NOW
Thanks! Exactly what I wanted to know.
I own the 85mm f/2 AI. (And yes, I did also look at what Ken R. had to say.) Lovely combination with my Nikon FE and Nikon F301.
Love my 85/2.
Which lens attracts chicks the most?
ManyDoors777 the one with cash attached
Theoria Apophasis I have found it to be the D(ildo)-versions of my lenses that attracts the most pussy.
hheehhehehehe
And you have to set the camera to Manly mode off course.
yes, out of pussy mode ROFL
You don´t talk about the 85mm 1.4 AIS, why?
not that lens, no....i mention in other vids, its an overpriced 'good' , but overall poor value and not so hot/great
I love your videos
Without this knowledge I have bought 1.8D. I would say...by accident. And now I am more happy than before :)
Theoria Apophasis man i have nikon d7200 and 35mm/f1.8 lens and it's not good for portraits but it's amazing for street photography and landscape and group photos. but now i want lens for portraits should i go for 85mm/1.8 but as you know it will be around 127mm on my camera because it's crop sensor or should i go for zoom lens like 18 to 200 or 18 to 140 ??? please help me man i want good lens for portraits which blur the background ????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mohamed Hussein there is also the new Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II which one should i get ??!!
Mohamed Hussein also i heard that there is focus problem with 85mm/f1.8 on DX body is it true ??!!
Mohamed Hussein you dont want zooms for portraits, ONLY PRIME
85mm is perfect on any FX or DX camera .......ive got 8 85mm lenses.
127mm is fine because the serious portrait FX lens is the 135mm
You have a D7200, top best for buck recommendation is to get a 85mm 1.8 D Nikkor for $300 minty used Ebay
Mohamed Hussein 55 200 is a turd, dont dare buy that pile O Poo.
Mohamed Hussein whoever said that about the 85mm having an issue on DX cameras was lying and smoking crack
its not true at all !
winks
I will probably get made fun off here but I recently got a Nikon F-2 with a DP-1 photomic prism and a Nikkor K 85mm f/1.8 for free in lot of cameras someone was giving away. What do people with knowledge think about this older lens ?
Avoid caffeine awful just occasionally
Theoria Apophasis So we had a conversation last week about me maybe buying a 60mm 2.8D micro....Long story short, I didn't.
I traded in my 50mm for credit towards a new 85mm f/1.8G and I couldn't be happier. This thing is ridiculously sharp...dangerously sharp, in fact.
It should seriously come with a warning label. Thank you for the video, it made my decision easier.
totally agree with the ais 85/2 - what you think about the 135/2.8 is what i think about the ais 85/2. back in the days (when a F3 was the king on the hill) it was my favorite lens. if you want the same but with contrast and nice colors get the 90/2 leica R lens. even though it is made in canada it is still a very good lens and there are adapters to use it on a nikon. and it is cheap too.
Just received an 85 f2 Ai-s purchased on ebay from Japan. Excellent condition and delivered to Austin in three days.
Michael Wynkoop fast as hell isnt it!!!! :)
The first sharp prime I bought was a used 85 mm 1.8D. I was shocked at how sharp it is. A ton of saturation, and a bit contrasty.
time to add the S model, is sharp AF and no color fringe at all
Missing the 85mm 1.5 S
1.8G rules supreme over all my other lenses for IQ
+619RobdoG except for ZEISS lenses :P
After watching lots of your videos, I have confirmed that I have made some good lens choices.
20 mm f/2.8 AF D
50 mm f/1.4 G
60 mm macro f/2.8 AF D
85 mm f/1.8 G
180 mm f/2.8 MF AI-S ED - I haven't seen you post anything about this one.
***** He's mentioned the 180mm f2.8 I believe, I think it was in one of the telephoto videos
*****
check
check
check
check
double check
winks ;)
i did make a video while ago about 180mm 2.8
its no diff. than the 180mm 2.8 in THIS VIDEO
***** all of those are damn winners ! !!!
Ohh, i made 2 videos on the 180mm 2.8
Theoria Apophasis I'll have to find those 180 vids. Thanks. You ROCK!
Take the 85/1.4G and 85/1.8G outside on a portrait shoot and see how much how much the 1.4G is better at skin color rendition. Also, at the SAME EXPOSURE SETTINGS notice, that 1.4G lets more light through, making it effectively faster than by 2/3 of a stop relative to the 1.8G. If you go about it praising yourself, calling people who have other opinions idiots and calling what you say facts and not opinions, consider being a little more thorough about your own reviews. You know there is more to a lens than pixel-peeping. I am looking forward to seeing your updated review. Take care, Angry
Hi! Have you ever used the 85mm f/1.4D? If so, how would you say it stands up to the 1.4G?
I love this guy ☺
Used all the 85s, sticked with the AIS 1.4. The latest 1.4G or 1.8G is a tad sharper wide open, but they are pretty much equal from f2 on. The AF one is slightly inferior. Portraits are slow and I shoot a lot of manual cameras, too, so I do not own an AF(-S) version. Perfect on a D3 from f2 and perfect on a D850 from f3 on. If you get one for around 400$, thats a steal. Can’t confirm this lens is inferior.
Seeing the comments after your thorough videos, LMAO. Pure triple s like you say, honestly. Σεβασμός
You are absolutely correct. No one needs an 85mm f/1.4. Ever. There are lots of slower lenses that are sharper, lighter, cheaper. And your admonition against überfast lenses is especially true with modern digital cameras and their spectacular, high ISO performance.
The only reason to have one, as you said yourself, is for artistic effects.
So you're right on two out of three. The only thing I question is why you assume anyone who has one is some kind of idiot.
I considered getting a Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G. But I already have a perfect Nikon 75-150, which I use occasionally, and a Tokina 100, which goes everywhere with me. Adding an 85, no matter how sharp, would be a duplication and a waste of money.
On the other hand, artistic effect...
I have the kit lens and take better pictures than most of those brats with expensive primes, can only agree that no one needs all that.
I've had both the f/1.4 and f/2 at the same time. The 1.4 is better but the f/2 will get you 90% of the way there. If you're outdoors the f/2 is more than good enough.
I have the 85mm f1.8 G, and is very happy with that lens.
However,
I tried a 85mm f1.4 ais (a friend of mine owns one), and l loved it. If it was a little bit cheaper l would definately buy one.
I’m all for having strong opinions, but l don’t think anyone can claim that no one needs a f1.4. Lots of people spends lots of money on f1.2’s.
If mr. Rockwell was here he may have asked; «who needs 3 of the 85mm f2’s??»
Anyway,
using the ais lens (85mm f1.4) was pure joy, going manuel was way more funny than l expected so based on this video l may go all in for the f2😊
Its 40% of the price of a f1.4, that suits my price range👍
I had both ais 85mm (1.4 and 2) At the time I loved the 1.4 and liked the 2. I now have the Voigtlander 58 1.4 and a Nikkor 85 1.8D. I had both 180mm 2.8 D and 2.8 ais. I sold the D. I like the look of less elements and groups.
You and fro agree on one point... You both call Rockwell out for BS!
Southcoast Kicks not really, i call bs on SOME things, he just outright hates the guy.
i dont.
The 85mm f1.4D is great at f2.8 though lol. And yes it makes a great hammer.
glad I bought the right one, lol
In 90% plus of situations and considering the typical skill level of the average photographer and the real world results of output variations and lack of overall production control from shutter trip to print stage my personal opinion is you would be hard pressed to find a better overall value than the 85 f1.8 D version. Photographers need to think more about pay back (ROI) than being sucked in by theory and higher costs.
You'll be so proud of me, I just bought 4 mint Nikkor Ai's that you recommended. I also just returned a Sigma 18-35 after doing some research and stumbling upon your rave reviews of it. But I'd like to think The Afghan Girl approached me in a dream begging me to return that awful "art" lens and buy a 105mm F2.5.
Excellent information. I have the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 Manual Focus AI-S lens (not mentioned in your video). It has chromatic aberration and color fringing, so I convert to grey scale. But I really like the images it produces. They look like the images of the 1970s. Are they ultra sharp? No, but sharp enough. My sharpest 85mm for Nikon is the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 AS IF UMC lens (I think it was not even manufactured yet when you made your video and it's not a Nikon lens anyway.) But the sharpest lens is not what is always wanted, unless you want to see every wrinkle and pore in maximum detail. I understand that the new Z mount Nikon lens is ultra sharp, but I don't have a Z mount camera. On Canon, Sigma is sharpest but the Canon lens is sometimes to be preferred. I wish you made more Nikon videos, but I guess you are bored of it.
Ken, I agree with about 95% of your reviews, and I don't know how you could have gotten TWO bad examples of the 85/1.4 AiS, but it is the sharpest 85 I have ever owned, though I have not owned any of the autofocus versions. Here were my results, in brief:
85/1.4 AiS- Best, by a pretty big margin
85/1.8 Ai converted- 2nd, had two of them, both excellent, but not as good as the 1.4
85/2.0 Ai marginally inferior to the 1.8
Honorable mention: the 80-200/4.5 Nikkor, last version, with the rectangular rear opening, was pretty close to the fixed 85s, and considering it is a zoom, that is pretty amazing.
So, Rockwell may have been on crack, but I guess I was too when using the 85/1.4 manual focus. Now, if you compare wide open to wide open, and thus a 1.4 lens to a 1.8 or 2.0, I feel there is an unfair comparison there. I usually make my primary comparisons at working apretures from 5.6 to 11.0, but if I compare a 1.4 to a 2.0, then I compare them at 2.0 on both, with sort of an asterisk to the fact that the 2.0 does not even have 1.4.
Thanks for your great reviews, and like I said, I agree most of the time. ESPECIALLY on the Voigtlander 40/2.0 Ultron S II, mine is unbelievable!
I don't know if you afford them or get loaners, but I would also like to see Zeiss Otus vs. Leica APO Summicron, in normals. Of course, the Leica can't be had in Nikon mount, which we both use.
Thinking about starting my own channel at some point, comparing view camera lenses on 6x9 rollfilm cameras. A huge variety can be had at reasonable prices. Only issue is processing cost.
Casey Vee well you said youve not owned any of the AF versions
so that nixes that conclusion :P
the (albeit PLASTICY) 85mm AF D and AF G blow the hell out of all of those AI and AIS lenses :)
Theoria Apophasis But I was not addressing the AFs, only the MFs, and you said that the 85/1.4 MF was inferior to the 85/2.0 MF, correct? I found both the 85/1.4 and the 85/1.8 Ai converted lens to be better than the 85/2.0 MF. So, I am not saying they are better than the AF D or AF G, only that I found the 85/2.0 MF to be worst of the MFs. Also found the 105/2.5 Ai better than all of the 85 MFs except the 85/1.4, but then we are not comparing apples to apples any longer.
ive owned 2 of the 85mm F1.4, theyre insanely overpriced "collector" lenses, with blurry corners and generally a huge inferior large hunk of glass.
they werent made all that long for good reason.
www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#85
Dude, what are you talking about? They were in production for 24 years! See above link. As far as sharpness, maybe I just got an unusually good one, but from about 2.8 down, it was deadly sharp.
+Casey Vee .. i was kind of surprised with his review too as i have the 85mm 1.4 ais. And i also owned the 1.8 D. But as i had both i decided to sell one of them, and i kept the 1.4 AIS.... I agree with Theoria that for most people the price difference is way to much for the extra stop, and they have been overhyped. But it is a very sharp lens. And it does some nice artsy fartsy low light stuff at 1.4. But it fits somewhere in the same place as the 50mm 1.2. You pay a lot extra for something that most people are not really going to use and you have to manually focus. So i understand the recomendation of the 1.8 d and g.
I've not questioned "the cat's ass" before but I think the phase is "the cat's whiskers" not, "cat's ass", more correctly "cat's arse". "Cat's ass" must be a combination of "the dog's bollocks" and "cat's whiskers".
Considering a 85mm lens for my D700. Based on your recommendations I am going to get the 85mm 1.8D for casual portraiture and some street photography, and the Carl Zeiss 85mm 1.4 planner for studio bokeh and night time street photography to be rendered black & white. I think these two should cover 85mm bases nicely. The Carl Zeiss might have to wait till next tax return, but I am sure the 85mm 1.8 D will suffice until then.
Silk sex and sugar ... I love you man hahahaha...
Btw I always check your channel before buying any lenses! Great reviews, great comments and suggestions!
The 85mm 1.4 ai-s is the best 85mm I have ever had. A treasure to keep, and Heard to find.
85 1.4d is cheap now
It never fails I look and you’re reviewing the exact lens I wanted to hear about the 85 mm 1.8 g. It’s pretty inexpensive new and thank you so much for talking stuff about Ken Rockwell, I think he’s full of shit
Everybody is wrong sometimes. Ken Rockwell says never use raw, and I almost always use it. But if you look at the images he makes on his web page, they are fantastic. I never go by one person's advice. I examine several trusted sources and try it myself before I buy it.
Can you do a full vedio on getting into photography what camera you should get what lens to get first then second what is important what is not when you should get into flash photography when to upgrade your gear this will be a very good vedio because people who is getting into photography are people who wants cheap in price things and need to know what to buy first and what to buy later if you can make this your next vedio
forgaming masry well, i made a few on the flash part......on those however there is no upgrade time, only when it dies!
ive made tons of flash videos already
but the first part of what you said, i plan on doing that video !!!
Thank you for responding
I need that vedio because iam 15 years old and believe it or not when I was 10 I used to shoot film with my father then I upgraded to point and shoot and now I want a dslr so iam buying the d7100 with 50mm pancake and 135mm lenses and I will shoot portraits of my friend I want to know what other thing I do and iam really into macro but I do not have the money to buy a macro lens some people say that reverse old lens is good enough is that true?
I have been watching your Vedios since 4k subs and I swear I watch them every day before doing any thing any one of the cameras that were in the give away was in my father arsenal and I had used it so keep up the good work and I would like to know what beside portraits I can do at this age ?
really? youre making me blush, i myself cannot STAND to hear my own voice!!
other than portraits, sure thing, almost everything except macro shots.
I had been watching since 4k subs and I had been enjoying them and I need that vedio because iam a 15 years old and iam getting into dslr world believe it or not I had been shooting film since 10 years then upgraded to point and shoot then to a very good smart phone now I want to get a dslr and iam getting Nikon d7100 with 50mm and 135mm lenses for portraits and I love shooting macro but I do not have money to get a macro lens some people say that reverse lens macro is good is it?
it works, but a bit of a pain to do.
but hey, some people NEVER shoot macro, and nobody HAS to!!!
youre getting an awesome camera and have 2 excellent lenses.
next lens would be a WIDE ZOOM! such as a 12-24 F4
On aesthetics alone, prefer to pick up the 1.4G than the 1.8G after that the lens does a job regardless, sharpness is relative and can be edited in post if needed.
1.8 or 1.8D, both collect particles like crazy, futhermore the front group has a magnifying effect on them, makes it even more annoying.
Dorf Schmidt 1.8 D cannot suck dust from the rear element side, the non D can.
too true , .....reminds me, i miss my rolex!
@4:16 is my ringtone
Skip this lens and get the 105mm 2.5 AI-S lens, better overall usefulness!