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At some point in any photographer's evoloution we all need to make a decision - am I a zoom or fixed focal length shooter? For the type of photography I enjoy, and for the purposes I use my photos for, are the tight tolerances and distortion controls designed into most professional level fixed focal length lenses necessary? Do I need the faster apertures - really? Do I mind carrying around several lenses, each weighing half to one and a half pounds, to cover the focal lengths I most frequently use when shooting and do I mind having to reach into my bag to change lenses again and again during a shooting session? Or do I prefer carrying one, or at most two, overlapping zooms covering the same range? If the answer to this question is the latter, then you should read no further and consider purchasing one of the many zoom lenses available that include the 85mm focal length. You should especially do so if you are a digital shooter. For you, the fast aperture of f/1.8 is meaningless, since most of your SLR's start with a sensitivity of ISO 320, and corner sharpness is useless since your sensor is only "seeing" the central portion of the circle projected by this lens. Having said all that, Nikon's 85mm f/1.8 AF lens is one of the finest optics it has been my pleasure to own. Designing short telephoto's is, admittedly, easier to do well than say superwides but this lens is, nevertheless, a jewel among short telephotos. Distortion is virtually nil and the lens is sharp at all apertures, especially at f/1.8. Build quality is excellent, being mostly metal and the lens has metal filter threads (which you will learn to appreciate the first time you cross thread a filter on a lens with plastic threads). The internal focusing mechanism and short movement required to focus to infinity makes autofocus on the lens as fast on my F100 and D100 as my lenses with the AFS motors. Slides taken with this lens are contrasty and sharp at all apertures with no vignetting - even with the lenshood on over a thick filter mount. The lenshood itself is a welcome departure from some of the plastic horrors Nikon has come out with in recent years, being an all metal screw in type. So if moody portraiture with soft out of focus backgrounds on ISO 50 films are your thing - this is your optic and it's a bargain even at full price. If you are a contemplative one lens shooter, who spends the time setting up a tripod and then moving it about until your angle and framing are perfect, then you could not do much better than this little gem (But why are you working in 35mm and not large format?). Even a working pro, who occasionally needs a little more reach and speed would be happy with this lens and can be confident that the results will not let him down. It just that the rest of us, with limited budgets, who take pictures for our own pleasure and not for resale, would probably be better served spending the same money for something a bit more versatile.Read full review
I love this lens! I haven't used the 1.4, but I can't imagine it's really THAT much better (considering this lens is so magnificent). Same build as the Nikon 50mm 1.4. Wonderful on both FX and DX cameras. Stop over-thinking and just buy it already! You won't regret it. It's a bit more versatile on FX, but a really wonderful tele/portrait lens on DX. The fast AF of this lens make me like it more than Canon's 85/1.2L. It's also about half the weight, and incredible pictures are possible with either. It's a bargain, go for it.
There just isn't a better portrait lens. It is tack sharp, great bokeh, and the large aperture provides the narrow depth of field to provide separation of the subject from background. The lens stays sharp, with minor fall off in the corners, at full aperture. The large aperture also makes it a great low light lens. Construction is pro level, and autofocus is fast and silent. This is one of my primes that always is in my kit.
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you can not beat the deal for this 50mm prime lens!!! its well worth the $100 you pay for it, and the results are astounding!!! its a pretty fast lens, and even though the finish is not the best NIKON has to offer, it has less distortion then the 1.4!!! you can not beat this deal, and I highly suggest EVERYONE goes out and buys this lens for their camera bag!!! This was my first lens purchase for my NIKON F5, and I am SO HAPPY WITH IT!!! BUY IT NOW!!!
The Nikon 85mm 1.8 is a fantastic all purpose lens from studio portraits to wedding receptions. The Bokeh on this little wonder is nothing short of Phenomenal. Yea, its not what the 85mm 1.4 is but its perfect for what you get with a fair price. I decided to buy it cause I love the photojournalistic appeal this lens has. I love the isolation from the background and subject matter. All in all, this is a fantastic choice for a first telephoto lens, but just a lens that you should have around the bag. The 50mm 1.8 is also great, but I prefer this longer distance, the whole feeling of taking a step back to compose a shot. This lens is a must have in improving your photography skills! Awesome Lens! Check it out!
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