Thoughts on Nikon 85mm F1.8D

mikeyw

mikeyw

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Guys,

I'm getting lens lust over the above lens and wondering if it's as good as it appears ?

My main type of picture is portrait which i'm currently using my D90 + 50mm F1.8 or 55-200VR lens for.

I have a physcological (how the hell do you spell that word) level for lenses at ££250 but i'm sorely tempted to push through if for this glass.

Is it worth the money ?

Are results significantly better than i'd be able to achieve with the lenses mentioned previously ?

TIA,
Mike.
 
Psychological.

The 85mm 1.8D does get great reviews. Some say it's sharper than the 1.4 version. I'm looking for a s/h 1.8 model at the moment, just trying to hold out for a good price.

There's also supposed to be an imminent release of an 85mm f/1.4g VR model. No doubt pricey though since the current 1.4 is over £800 already
 
You should search the forum, there are many references to it.

I have this lens, only a few weeks, but it has quickly become my favourite both in DX and FX format as it suits my style of street candid. It's very sharp and just really nice to use.
 
My favourite lens.... from F2.2 onwards it's stellar.... great size, great price, great optics; unbeatable (unless you want to spend the thick end of 1k).
 
Great value for money, good physical size with sturdy metal hood, nice length on a crop if you want a bit of tele.

I use it for gigs, works great if you can get down the front.

Couple of recent examples for you taken with a D90, 85mm @ f/3.2, auto WB, basic JPG straight outta the camera:



Country singer Paul Burch



A Quebe Sister

Although these are reduced in size for the forum, I can assure you at 100% the detail is really something - pores on skin clearly visible, that sort of thing. Nice and fast too. I wouldn't want to be without this lens.
 
I am in the same boat as you mikeyw. I have been lusting over this for a month or 2 now. I really wish someone would post how poor it is.....
 
Thanks guys - as i feared nobody has a bad word to say about this cracking lens so looks like i'm going to have to get one :D

Has anyone got any portrait examples of children taken with this lens ?

I guess with it's reach it's very much a head & shoulders portrait lens.

Thanks again,
Mike.
 
TriggerHappy said:
The 85mm 1.8D does get great reviews. Some say it's sharper than the 1.4 version.
Click to expand...

I have both, the f1.8 is a super lens, smaller and more compact than the f1.4, produces great images, in my opinion it is great value for money.

The f1.4 is a different animal, it produces a different look to an image, it would out resolve the f1.8 on fine detail at a distance, it takes up a lot more space in the bag.

I bought both a few years back, so paid more reasonable prices for both, I would be happy with just having the f1.8 at today's prices, you will not be disappointed with the results from it.
 
I had the 85mm F1.8 and loved it and am looking at getting another. Am not sure I would pay nearly 3x for the F1.4 though.

I have moved back to FX from DX so it now makes it a lens I would use again more - on DX I found it a bit tight.




www.timothycook.co.uk
 
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Had one and like others, on a crop sensor, it's a bit tight indoor.
One a full frame, it's different story!
 
It comes up fairly regularly on the classifieds for around £220. I bought mine here a few months ago and love it. The bokeh is not as creamy as the 1.4 but so long as you watch your backgrounds it is fine.
 
Thanks all - keeping my eyes peeled for a deal now
 
Have a look at the pre-D version if you see one cheap. I got mine on here for £150, a minter, and they have a different aperture leaf design so produce different bokeh to the later models apparently.

AF is pretty fast and very accurate on my D2x so should be better on later models with improved AF. Optically amazing and probably my fave lens.....

... here's one I did earlier:

4405924951_0724ec2b7e.jpg


http://www.flickr.com/photos/patmacinnes/4405924951/
 
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I have one and while I agree it's awesome - I just do not use it enough to warrant keeping it

It is in FAB condition so if you are after one send me a serious offer :)

If necessary - I'll go shoot something with it to prove just how ace it is - tell me what you want shooting :) But as a Wedding tog's lens it really is rarely out of the bag - which is plain daft for something this good but it's just not in my style as I prefer wider & looser

DD
 
Hi Dave - could you possibly take a portrait with it as that's what i'll use it for.

Assuming it's ok i'm sure i'd be interested in making you an offer.

Thanks,
Mike.
 
mikeyw said:
Hi Dave - could you possibly take a portrait with it as that's what i'll use it for.

Assuming it's ok i'm sure i'd be interested in making you an offer.

Thanks,
Mike.
Click to expand...

Hi Mike

I did exactly that (unusually) at today's Wedding during the prep stage - but as I've only just finished downloading the images and I go on hols in 5 hours... can you wait for my return to post one? About the 16th/17th before fully 'back' :)

Cheers - closing down now and unplugging computer!

DD
 
The 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens for the money :thumbs:



Shot at f/2.0. At 100%, even the eyelashes are sharp.

DSC_3184-2.jpg




DSC_1442.jpg


Picked up the f/1.4 version today and will sadly have to part with my trusty f/1.8 :(
 
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