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

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  • B&H # NI8514DAF
  • Mfr# 1933

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A fast f/1.4 aperture makes this lens a standout for sports photography and photojournalism. With Nikon's typical attention to details, its aperture has extra blades, enabling the diaphragm shape to be a near-perfect circle. This ensures crisper images and more flattering highlights in the out-of-focus portion of the image.

Note! AF not supported by D40 and D60 cameras.

Internal Focusing (IF) design
Performance
Focal Length 85 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/1.4
Minimum: f/16
Camera Mount Type Nikon F
Format Compatibility Nikon FX/35mm Film
Nikon DX
Angle of View 28°
DX Picture Angle: 18°
Minimum Focus Distance 2.8' (85 cm)
Magnification 0.11x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:9.09
Groups/Elements 8/9
Diaphragm Blades 9
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 77 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.1 x 5.7" (7.87 x 14.48 cm)
Weight 19.4 oz (550 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens
 
4.9

(based on 226 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (197)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (27)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (195)
  • Strong construction (168)
  • Durable (134)
  • Consistent output (132)
  • Rugged (95)

Cons

  • Heavy (30)
  • Slow focus (11)
  • Tough to attach (5)
  • Blurry focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Portraits (94)
  • Night photography (91)
  • Low light (74)
  • Weddings (69)
  • Sports/action (55)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (48), Semi-pro photographer (47), Photo enthusiast (35), Semi-professional (32), Professional (27)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (68), Yes (3)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Class Glass. Stunning Photographs.

This is a remarkable piece of glass. All of the positive attributes that you have read about are correct. It is fast, well constructed, easy to handle, has beautiful bokeh, and balances ...Read complete review

This is a remarkable piece of glass. All of the positive attributes that you have read about are correct. It is fast, well constructed, easy to handle, has beautiful bokeh, and balances well on a medium or large Nikon body. On a D300 the AF is supurb.

After 30 years of shooting Nikon products I recently switched to all Nikon pro-level lens. At f1.4 to f1.8 this lens is sharper than any of the Nikon consumer lens that I used to use.
At f2 to f4 the sharpness increases and cannot be improved. I have never seen better results.

Color, contrast, sharpness, bokeh are superb.

As others have written, the depth of field (DOF) is an issue. You must learn how to use the DOF characteristics of this lens or you will be dissapointed. Doing so however, will make you a better photographer.

The reason to purchase this lens, compaired to another quality lens, is because it is so fast. The results are so spectacular at f1.4 you will find yourself shooting at f1.4. When doing so, and specially when shooting close to your subject, your in-focus plane is extremely narrow. This is a positive when used correctly. Have your subjects' eyes sharp and sparkle and their hair is in softer focus; beautiful. Set up your shot poorly and your pic. is poor. Example.... I took a very close photo of my seven year old and focused on the closest eye. My f stop was f1.4. Because his head was turned slightly to the right, one eye was slightly farther from the camera. The result was a shot with one eye being tack sharp and the other eye totally out of focus. The image was ruined. By changing to f2, both eyes were sharp.

I view this lens as, "as good as it gets." However, using this lens for the very reason that one would buy this lens (extremly fast)requires more work than other lens. It forces you to think through your set-up. Embrace this, and you will be a better photographer and your results will be stunning. If you are not up to embracing these characteristics, you may well be happier with another lens.

I have no negative feelings about this lens. It is one of Nikon's finest lens ever.

One final note, on a digital body, the 85mm becomes 128mm. As a medium telephoto lens it is usefull for many applications. Viewing this lens as a portrait lens alone is unneccesarly limiting.

Now quit reading my long-winded narrative, prepare yourself to have fun and go shooting!!!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Great 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...Read complete review

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...

Reviewed by 226 customers

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5.0

a beautiful precision instrument

By MainePictureTaker

from Portland, Maine

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Weddings/Events

    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.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Outstanding baby pictures

    By Eric

    from Brooklyn, NY

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light

      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

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Beautiful portrait lens

      By Shawnino

      from Canada

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light

        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.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Share this review

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Great Lens

        By Aleksan

        from Irvine, CA

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Difficult to Clean

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Night Photography

        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...

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Dream portrait lens

        By mlk

        from Copper Harbor, MI

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Night Photography
          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife Photos

          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.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Beautiful Lens

          By Erin

          from San Luis Obispo, CA

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Night Photography
            • Sports/Action
            • Weddings/Events

            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.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Deserve to have

            By Bravexin

            from New Haven, CT

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Nice Bokeh
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light

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

            This is a fabulous len!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Terrifc lens

            By leclairt

            from Central Valley, California

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Nice Bokeh

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Weddings/Events

              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.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Great detail, contrast, and bokeh

              By SCopeland

              from Rochester, NY

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Nice Bokeh

              Cons

              • Slow Focus

              Best Uses

              • Night Photography

              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.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Beatiful

              By Dane

              from nacogdocnes, texas

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Heavy
              • Tough To Attach

              Best Uses

              • Portraits

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

              Beautiful bokeh! Solid construction.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              great but clumsy AF to MF switch

              By patrujo

              from Boston, Ma

              About Me Pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Poor in Low Light
              • Slow Focus

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Night Photography
              • Weddings/Events

              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.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Excellent fast lens

              By Maren

              from Goldendale, WA

              About Me Pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Fast / accurate auto-focus

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Weddings/Events

                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.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Great lens

                By John

                from CDA, ID

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast
                • Nice Bokeh

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Portraits
                  • Weddings/Events

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

                  Very pleased with this purchase.

                  Share this review

                  (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Great lens

                  By Pro-Shooter-1

                  from Roanoke Va.

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Rugged
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Night Photography
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Weddings/Events

                    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.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    DoF Bliss

                    By Joe

                    from Omaha

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Rugged

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Night Photography
                      • Weddings/Events

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

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

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Wonderful lens!

                      By Colin

                      from Minneapolis

                      About Me Casual Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Consistent Output
                      • Nice Bokeh
                      • Rugged

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Weddings/Events

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

                        Amazing visuals. Feels sturdy and serious. Love it!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Awesome lens

                        By Southernburban

                        from Fairhope, Al.

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Durable
                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                        • Lightweight
                        • Nice Bokeh
                        • Rugged
                        • Strong Construction

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Night Photography
                          • Weddings/Events

                          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

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

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                          (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Sharp.

                          By JTS

                          from Westchester, NY

                          About Me Pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Nice Bokeh
                          • Rugged
                          • Strong Construction

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Sports/Action

                            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...

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Absolutely Money Well Spent

                            By Alix Day

                            from New York, NY

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                            • Nice Bokeh
                            • Quiet focus
                            • Sharpness
                            • Solid feel
                            • Strong Construction

                            Cons

                            • Slightly Heavy

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Night Photography
                            • Portraits
                            • Weddings/Events

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            A low-light work horse lens

                            By James I.

                            from Crystal Lake, Ill.

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                            Cons

                            • None so far

                            Best Uses

                            • Weddings/Events

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

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                            What's in the Box

                            Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens
                            • Front & Rear Caps
                            • HN-31 Hood
                            • 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
                             
                             
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