- Fast aperture medium telephoto lens
- Internal Focus
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- M/A focus mode switch
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
This lens is light, compact affordable, but produces very impressive results. I highly recommend the use of this lens for portrait, events and for landscape. Despite it being a fixed focal length and not being able to zoom, I highly recommend this lens for beginner Nikon dSLR users who own only the kit zoom lens that came with the camera. This lens allows you to shoot at low light and/or to blur the background of the subject of the photo. This prime lens is a safe, affordable and way to see for yourself how good a prime lens can be as against the kit zoom lens. It also shows what the other Nikon professional prime and professional lenses are capable of should you get serious in this hobby.
REVIEW OF THE LENS FOR EXPERIENCED USERS
What follows is a quick review is based on my use of this lens for around 2-weeks. It is intended for those already familiar with Nikkor's line of 85mm prime lenses but are wondering how this lens compare with the other Nikkor 85mm autofocusing lenses that Nikon makes. This review is based on my own copy of the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D, 1.8D, 1.4G and 1.8G.
AGAINST THE NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8D
The Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is bigger than the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D but is a bit lighter. Unlike the 85mm f/1.8D, this lens comes with a reversible hood which does a good job in protecting and shading the lens. With the hood reversed, the 85mm f/1.8G becomes much more compact than the 85mm f/1.8D with the hood installed. But with the hood installed, the wider lens barrel and the wider and longer hood makes the 85mm f/1.8G significantly bulkier than the 85mm f/1.8D.
Reflecting the bigger-sized lens, the 85mm f/1.8G uses a 67mm filter while the 85mm f/1.8D uses a 62mm filter. As the "G" suffix indicates, the 85mm f/1.8G does not have an aperture ring while the 85mm f/1.8D has an aperture ring (see notes below in the 85mm f/1.4D for the significance of this).
The older Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D have always been very sharp at the center and at the corners even when used wide-open but the new Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is stll a bit sharper still. Despite being bigger and wider, the 1.8G has slightly more vignetting wide open than the 1.8D but this quickly reverses in favour of the 1.8G from about f/2.5 onwards. The two areas where the 1.8G has improved significantly over the 1.8D is in having better bokeh and also having less purple fringing when shooting wide-open. The 1.8G focus speed is a bit faster on a D7000 than the 1.8D on the same body. In addition, the 1.8G autofocus is now consistently more precise and significantly quieter.
Priced reasonably, this 85mm f/1.8G lens can auto focus on Nikon bodies that do not have a built-in focusing motors (such as the Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, D5100, D40, and D60). For those who use this focal length regularly, upgrading from the 1,8D to the 1.8G is easy to justify. For 1st time buyers of the 85mm lens, I highly recommend choosing the 1.8G over the 1.8D given the minimum price difference between these 2 lenses.
AGAINST THE NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4D
The Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is of the same width as the than the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D but is shorter and also significantly lighter by 200 grams. Unlike the 85mm f/1.4D, the 85mm 1.8G comes with a reversible hood which does a good job in protecting and shading the lens. Unlike the 85mm f/1.4D which uses a 77mm filter, the 85mm f/1.8G uses a 67mm filter.
Wide-open at f/1.8 to f/2.5, the new Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is sharper at the center, borders and at the corners than the 85mm f/1.4D. At f/2.8 and above, the 85mm f/1.4D improves considerably. The bokeh of the 85mm f/1.4D is still better and creamier but the 85mm f/1.8G is no slouch in this regard. There is also less purple fringing on the 1.8G than on the 1.4D used wide-open. Focus on the 85mm f/1.8G is a bit faster than the 85mm f/1.4D on a Nikon DX D7000 but the difference is small and insignificant. Focus precision between these two lenses are about the same but the 85mm f/1.8G focuses much quieter than the 85mm f/1.4D.
The primary advantage of the 85mm f/1.4D over the 85mm f/1.8G is primarily in it being 2/3 of a stop faster and it having an aperture ring. The 2/3 stop advantage is significant for still and video while the aperture ring is very helpful for use in video. The aperture ring is also particularly helpful in still photography when using this lens with an adapter on m4/3 and NEX bodies as it allows the use of precise, easily set and repeatable aperture settings. This is the reason why I still have the Nikkor 85mm 1.4D and 1.8D lenses even after getting the 2 new Nikkor 85mm 1.4G and 1.8G lenses.
For portrait photography where the subject is framed at or near the center, I would likely still opt for the 85mm f/1.4D but for anything else where the 2/3 stop advantage is not used, I would likely choose the 85mm 1.8G.
AGAINST THE NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
In terms of size, the 85mm f/1.4G is significantly bigger and heavier than the 85mm f/1.8G. Both lenses comes with reversible hood. The 85mm f/1.4G uses a 77mm filter while the 85mm f/1.8G uses a 67mm filter.
In terms of performance, the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is better than the 85mm f/1.8G in all respects. The 1.4G is a bit sharper, has better bokeh, less vignetting at the same aperture setting, even less purple fringing, better flare resistance, better micro-contrast and richer color. It's very tough to compete against the 85mm f/1.4G when it comes to performance. Yet while the 85mm f/1.8G comes up a bit short, it comes in at a close second. At almost 3x the cost, it is not surprising that the 1.4G is better than the 1.8G. Whether one should get 1.4G or the 1.8G will depend on how much one is willing to pay more for the small performance difference. Consideration should also be given to the bigger size and weight of the 1.4G vs the 1.8G.
For someone who already has a Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G, would it still make sense to get a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G? The answer is yes if one needs a smaller, lighter and more compact 85mm. I use this lens with my smaller Nikon DX bodies as well as with my Sony NEX and Panasonic GH2. The 1.8G smaller size and lighter weight would also be a very good match for the rumored upcoming Nikon full frame in a small body, the D600.
Buy Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Now
I was looking at the 85mm lens. I was torn between the 85mm f/1.8G lens and the 85mm f/3.5G Micro lens. While I enjoy taking macro/micro shots, I wanted a lens that was sharp and had good bokeh. I also wanted to use the lens for general photography. I was spoiled using my 40mm f/2.8G micro lens as it does a great job with both micro and general photography. I decided on the 85mm f/1.8G lens. I haven't looked back.This 85mm f/1.8 is a sharp lens with beautiful bokeh. I use this lens with my Nikon D7000 which equates to a focal length of 127.5mm. It took awhile to get used to the distance or focal length. I usually have to take a step or two back to get the object/subject to focus.
I currently use the lens for florals and garden pictures. The pictures are sharp from f/1.8 through f/16. The bokeh is beautiful at f/1.8 through f/2.8. Creamy is the word that comes to mind. I've been really happy with the results from this lens.
I've posted some pictures in the gallery. There's a few florals (e.g. daylilies) and I also took some pictures of the packaging for this lens.
I'll be back to post any updates and additional pictures.
** Update 07/12/12 **
I've had the chance to use this lens over several days taking pictures for a VBS event at my church. This lens does an amazing job with portraits. I set my D7k to Aperture and f/4. The bokeh is beautiful. I like how my focused subject appears to pop out of my pictures. Love this prime lens even at 128mm (DX). I've figured out how far (distance) I need to stand away from my subjects. My pictures are very sharp! Great lens!
** Update 08/09/12 **
This has been my "go to" lens for the last several weeks. I'm using this lens for taking candid shots and portraits of people. I mentioned before that I have to take a step or two back when I compose my pictures. I love doing this as I don't appear to be intrusive with my camera. Sometimes folks don't even notice I'm taking their pictures.
I've been using this lens in low light and haven't been disappointed. I love the results I'm getting.
** Update 09/02/12 **
This lens is now on my camera full time. It has become my favorite fixed prime lens (over my 50mm, 40mm, and my 35mm). I'm still getting great results whether photographing inside or outside. My images are always coming out sharp with lovely bokeh.
** Update 09/23/12 **
I used this lens for a class photo shoot. Set my aperture around f/4 and f/5.6. I was extremely pleased with the end results. Pictures were sharp. I'm having a blast with this lens!
** Update 11/10/12 **
I'm now a proud owner of the Nikon D600 full frame DSLR camera. I mounted this 85mm lens and what a beautiful combination. How about a winning combination! Now I know what other reviewers mean when they say it's a fantastic portrait lens. It truly is! I'm getting beautiful results and it's great to be able to use this lens as a true 85mm.
Read Best Reviews of Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Here
I have only had this lens for a little over 2 weeks but I want to say that so far, this lens has performed well above my expectation.Sharpness The lens is sharp even at f/1.8 but close it down to f/2.2 f/4 and you'll have super sharp images.
Focusing This lens focuses "perfectly". I used a few different test chart the very day I got the lens. I put the camera on a tripod and shot at different angles. I was expecting to have some shots that may be off of focus at least a bit but no, all my focus targets were hit right on. One thing that could be a deal breaker to some people is that it is not an ideal lens for sports or shooting fast moving objects. It focuses pretty fast except for when I tried shooting kids chasing each other around. But for people like me who shoot a lot of portraits, its focus is not a problem at all.
Lens construction It is so light that it felt like I didnt have a lens on. This is very helpful when shooting for hours at a time. The lens body is made out of plastic but "I" personnaly dont think it is the cheapo type of plastic because I've hit my lens against a wall wall while shooting and didnt see any effect to it.
Bokeh Just go to flickr and look for a group called "85mm 1.8g" and look at the images that they've uploaded.
Price I think that this lens is the best bang for your buck. The overall quality of the lens is comparable to its f1.4 cousins but priced way less.
I give this lens a 5 star rating based on my personal experience with it even for a short period of time. I will come back and update this review if later on I find something that needs to be put up here.
Want Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Discount?
I'm not one for lengthy reviews, so here's a breakdown of why this lens rocks. The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S, on my D3 and D700, performs flawlessly and delivers really sharp images. I usually shoot at around f/2.0 and the level of detail and sharpness is really impressive/amazing. I shoot weddings and portraits, so my focus is always on the eyes and this lens nails it almost all of the time (hey, shooting at f/2.0 you're going to get a lot of soft focuses images around the eyes). It's light, compared to Canons 85mm f/1.2, and just gets the job done.Save 20% off
As a college student I was skeptical of spending $500.00 on a hobby but every penny I spent was put to well use.The lens has great construction, feels nice and solid, smooth, well weighted focusing ring, and has a good heft. Of course you can't compare it to the quality of the higher end Nikons such as the 24-70mm, etc but the idea is it's not just a nifty piece of plastic. The lens was produced at the same time as the D800, with 36mp monster of a detail gathering sensor, so you better believe this 85mm f/1.8g is sharp! At 1.8 the images are not contrasty and as sharp, but as you stop down your aperture it only gets better and better. I've been shooting this lens with my Nikon D7000 and man it is a joy to use. The focus is fairly quick, it's not as fast as the 35mm f/1.8g in my opinion but non the less, the focus is quick. I paired this lens with a B+W MRC (010M) UV filter for protection and removal of haze. If you have the money for this baby get it. The bokeh, or out of focus elements, produced from this lens are buttery smooth and pleasing, you effectively isolate a subject without having nasty bokeh to distract from. No flaring or ghosting issues that I have seen yet, but I have a tendency to not shoot towards the sun or other very bright sources of light.
Go For It!
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