Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens USA

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

This 85mm 1.4d lens is just extraordinary. I've had low and mid-range lenses, all Nikons; most performed well. But this lens does something to light to make pictures look almost surreal. Skin tones are rendered in rich, vivid colors and nuanced gradations. When opened up to f2.5 and below, it takes a slice of perfect clarity -- the focus plane -- and paints behind it a lovely blur of background. I don't understand how it can be so sharp and clear, so detailed and clean, out of doors in daylight, and then so painterly, gentle, but still accurate in dim indoor lighting. Just amazing.

If you're considering buying it and have a DX-format camera, think very hard about whether you're willing to work with a very narrow field of view. Remember than 85mm on a full-frame is 127.5mm on a DX... and things get very tight at 127.5mm. In one of our larger rooms, 30-something feet by 15-something feet, I often have to back up nearly to a wall to get more than a face-only shot of our toddler. You'll save yourself and B&H time and effort by deciding before purchase whether you can live with this design factor.

And though focus on the 85mm is quick, precise, and makes a purposeful little whirring noise, it has trouble maintaining a lock on moving faces when mounted on my DX-format camera. That's the camera's fault; no trouble at all on my D700.

This lens is art and science together -- precise, detailed, gentle, expressive.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Relatively fast focusing lens that really allows one to create fantastic baby photos and portraits. Very Happy with this lens

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Disclosure: I made up a list of "lenses I wanted someday", and this one wound up under my Christmas tree. Lucky me!

This lens takes absolutely beautiful portraits, and I'm a photographer of limited ability shooting on a DX body. The bokeh is pleasing to the eye. The autofocus works really well. Manual focus is what-you-make-of-it. (I'm learning.) The lens is sharp enough at f/1.4, very sharp at 2.0, and tack-sharp at 2.8.

It is a little heavier than I remembered but that's the trade-off for super-solid construction. This lens feels brick-solid and I find that a comfort. I use filters on it and the filters thread on and off easily.

Should you buy this lens? Well I tested the 1.4G, roughly 60% more expensive, and saw no real difference in quality (again on DX). So I'm glad I have this one. A better photographer might be able to coax out differences. One other thing to consider is that at time of writing (January 2012) Nikon has announced a 1.8G for February release. Both the 1.8G and the 1.8D which it is presumably replacing are half the cost of this lens. So you may want to wait for the 1.8G's release, test all four lenses, and find the 85mm prime that suits both your needs and budget.

This is the best lens in my current collection and it's really maximizing my slow-growing talent.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I love this lens, can't use it for everything, but it really can't be beat for portraits and is fun to shoot candids with! The focus ring is slightly loose on the one I got though...

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I'm a beginning professional photographer and this lens attached to the Nikon D3s is a dream especially for fast moving pets but also for soft touches in portraits. It's an expensive investment but worth it.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I just switched over to Nikon after shooting with Canon equipment for years. One of the primary reasons for switching was this lens.

I'd been using the Canon 85mm f/1.8 and wanted to upgrade for a few reasons (among others, it had terrible problems with fringing in areas of high contrast). When I rented Canon's L series 85mm, though, I was terribly disppointed. That lens took FOREVER to focus, and since I shoot kids 90% of the time, that wasn't going to work for me.

I rented a D700 and this lens and I was sold. The fringing issue is nearly non-existent. The color, clarity, sharpness and bokeh are fabulous. I am going to acquire additional Nikon lenses over time, but I don't feel like I'm in a rush because I'll probably want to use this one 80-90% of the time.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

This is a fabulous len!

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

This is a terrific lens- the focus is sharp, even wide open. I photograph primarly children, and it has been wonderful to use. I find myself reaching for this lens over the others, as I know I'll get beautiful results.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I've had an opportunity to use this for three types of shooting so far: high school soccer under the lights (and in fog), night time shooting of a college campus, and portraiture. In all 3 cases I am very pleased.

As mentioned in other reviews, it is not the fastest at focusing, but it was not slow enough to deter me from using it - it simply requires that you factor this in when taking action shots. Even with that limitation, I was still able to capture images that would not have been possible otherwise.

Excellent for night time street shooting, and no suprise at all that it excels with portraiture. An excellent lens that helps address specific challenges in my shooting, and does so with outstanding quality.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Beautiful bokeh! Solid construction.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I saved $700 and bought a grey market 85mm instead of the new G. So far no complaints other than AF in very dark venues. The 85G is tops for this and I love, love love the ability to override AF with just a twist of the focus ring. Still this lens delivers excellent results and I'm glad I bought the heavy duty metal 1.4 instead of the cheaper 1.8. CA was just as bad with the new G lens. I thought I'd regret my decision but I should have had this in my kit years ago. seriously puts my 28-70mm to shame when shooting portraits.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Professional use for weddings and events, portraits, art. I love my new lens! Nice and fast for focusing and exposure. A must have in your bag.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Very pleased with this purchase.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I use the 85 in commercial sports photography,its just the right ticket for low light photography,very good prime for your bag,it gets the job done.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Love the Bokeh on this. Favorite lense in my bag.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Amazing visuals. Feels sturdy and serious. Love it!

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

I purchased this lens to use in low light situations, we do music photography....and often times we are in a dimly lit venue, this lens has proven to be invaluable in these conditions.....I also love the bokeh effect this has, very smooth transition in and out of fucus, bottom line is I love this lens and would recommend it anyone looking to get professional portraits, low light or artistic photos.

Mike

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

The price tag was a bit hard to swallow at first until I took a look at the images. Everything my other lenses couldn't do, this one did. I shoot a ton in low light as a children's photographer, and the kiddos are always on the move. Perfect lens for that...

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Every so often, a product purchase overshadows the dollars spent by such a wide margin that you can hardly believe it's for real. You think sheepishly, "I got away with it." This is one purchase that makes you feel that you "got away with one."Nikon's 85mm lens performance consistently exceeds expectations. The workmanship and materials used provided unbelievable results. This lens provides incredible sharpness, bokeh and is responsive across all aperture settings—small to large the lens is incredible. I've shot in a myriad of conditions from low light to afternoon sun and this lens has performed magnificently.I must note, that due to its price point and available budget, I wasn't initially considering this lens. [...] I was able to find and spend the extra dollars and opt for this lens and overall it's money well spent. I would highly recommend purchasing one. In a camera bag that is jammed packed, I will find room for and make sure this lens is always at the ready.

Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens:

Very happy with the lens. Concert promo images are clear and sharp.