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Comparable lenses used: 85mm f/1.8 Nikon 90mm f/2 Leitz Summicron (for Leica M6) 56mm f/1.4 Fujinon (84mm equivalent) 80-200mm f/2.8 Nikon AFS 75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E 70-210mm f/3.5 Vivitar Series I (Nikon mount) Background: For decades, I have used the 85mm lens for portraits, wedding candids, hand held candids at dimly lit social events, stage performances, and photojournalism. The 85mm f/1.8 lens was the second Nikon lens I purchased (the 35mm f/2 was the first). The 35mm and the 85mm Nikon lenses were two of the three lenses I normally carried (the 180mm f/2.8 was the third) when working for a newspaper. One thing I really liked about the 35 and my old 85 was that they used the same size filters (52mm). The high price of the newer 85 lens and not being able to use the same size filters were the main reasons why I had delayed replacing my older 85mm f/1.8 with a newer 85mm f/1.4 lens. However, failing eyesight has forced me to replace my manual focus 85mm lens with the newer auto focus 85. I never considered the newest 85mm Nikon G lens because it does not have an aperture ring and my older Nikon film cameras need an aperture ring to set the proper exposure. Pro: Well built f/1.4 maximum aperture High image quality Very pleasing bokeh (thus the nickname "cream machine") Auto focus (was going to get the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 but decided that paying more for a manual focus lens was illogical) Unlike the newer "G" lenses and the newer "E" lenses, this "D" lens has an aperture ring Screw-on metal lens hood comes with lens No built-in auto focus motor to break (uses the auto focus motor in the camera body) No built-in vibration reduction motor to break Works well with all my 35mm film bodies Works well with my DX (APS-C) digital bodies Works well paired with my Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens Good replacement for my older 85mm f/1.8 manual focus Nikon lens Great half-length and head & shoulder portrait lens Works well with my other prime portrait lenses (50/105/135/180mm) Depth-of-field scale (some newer lenses do not have one) Internal focus Con: 77mm filter size is not compatible with my 52, 62, 72mm filter inventory No built-in silent auto focus motor No vibration reduction Production stopped in 2010; therefore, only available on the used market High costRead full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you can find a good one grab it , because they aren't getting any cheaper and the build quality is second to none ,even Leica .When it comes right down to it the only way you could improve this lens would somehow be to make it able to macro. The sharpness is amazing as is the background blur aka bokeh. Absolutely love this lens. Have had 85 1.8 and 1.8D and 105 DC . This is perfect lens for this range. The bokeh is perfect . It fills the prime zone. Have AF-S 24 1.8 , AF 50 1.4 D ,and Ai s 58 1.2 N ,135 2.0,300 2.8 plus AF-S 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 . They all work perfectly with my D4 and D800. This will be used primarily for baby portraits. Next up is a z6 II for ultra quiet shooting
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have waited a long time to get this lens but I’m so glad I finally did. If it’s in your budget, get it because it’s one of the two lens you’ll ever need for almost everything (the other lens being a wide-angle between 14mm & 35mm). I’m using this on my Nikon D700 and the extra F-stops add quite a bit of usability to that camera in low light conditions. Autofocus is fast and is as accurate as the camera will allow it to be. Overall I can’t wait to use it more.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This lens is sexy as hell on my D750. I love that I can use it as a small telephoto lens and it delivers some of my favorite portraits as well. It's versatile and fun to shoot with. It is definitely on the heavier side, but I tend to hold or wear crossbody vs just having it wreck my neck lol. I feel that I got this lens for an amazing price and I look forward to using it for years to come!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I owned the MF version of this lens back in the day, when I shot an F3. I was well pleased with it then, and am, even moreso now! The fact that they made it an internal focus lens makes what I thought to be unsurpassable even better! Who knew?! Focus is quick and concise, and the image is razor sharp! The lens was a mainstay for me in my photography previously, and is likewise turning out to be just that now as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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