Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens USA

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  • B&H # NI8514GAF
  • Mfr# 2195

Product Highlights

  • FX-Format Lens
  • DX-format has 127.5 Equivalent
  • Focus to 2.79'
  • Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
  • M/A Focus Mode Switch
  • Internal Focus (IF)
  • Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

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The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens is for FX-format D-SLR cameras, but when used with cameras with a DX size chip it has a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. This is the perfect focal length for distortion free portraits. Plus - the ultra fast f/1.4 wide-open aperture along with the rounded 9-blade diaphragm will create natural out-of-focus backgrounds that will isolate your main subject for an impressive professional look.

The M/A focus mode switch allows you to quickly change between manual and autofocus. Other features include the silent wave motor, internal focus, and super integrated coating for enhances light transmission.

Ultra-fast Classic Portrait Lens
High performance f/1.4 mid-range telephoto lens offers a bright viewfinder image along with beautiful background blur.
Optimized for Edge to Edge Sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLRs
DX-format D-SLR angle of view is equivalent to a focal length of 127.5mm.
Nano Crystal Coat
Further reduces ghosting and interior flare across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity.
M/A Focus Mode Switch
Enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation.
Internal Focus (IF)
Provides fast and quiet autofocus while maintaining the working distance throughout the focus range. This also helps to maintain the positioning of a polarizer or lens hood.
Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.
Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
Enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Renders a more natural appearance to out-of-focus image elements (bokeh)
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 3.0' (91.44 cm)
Magnification 0.12x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:8.3
Groups/Elements 9/10
Diaphragm Blades 9
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 77 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.4 x 3.3" (8.64 x 8.38 cm)
Weight 1.45 lb (660 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens
 
4.9

(based on 34 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (30)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Nice bokeh (17)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (13)
  • Improves picture quality (13)
  • Consistent output (8)
  • Durable (8)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Weddings (17)
    • Low light (14)
    • Shooting indoors (13)
    • Portraits (12)
    • Shooting outdoors (11)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Pro photographer (7), Semi-pro photographer (7), Photo enthusiast (6), Tech savvy (4)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (34)

    Reviewed by 34 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    A-mazing!

    By tm_photo

    from MN

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Portraits
        • Wedding

        Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

        This lens has been worth the wait. I have been trying to track this down for the majority of the year and was finally able to snag one from B&H. This lens is big, fast, lightweight and sharp! Paired with the D700, low-light shooting is a dream! I use for weddings and portraits and could not be happier. The color, contrast and bokeh are superb.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Nice but not perfect

        By Mate Zemljic

        from Zagreb, Croatia

        About Me Pro photographer

        Pros

        • Nice Bokeh

        Cons

        • Slow AF

        Best Uses

        • Portraits
        • Shooting Indoors
        • Shooting Outdoors

        Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

        This Lens is my main portrait lens on my D3s body
        I use it a lot along with my 60 f/2.8G and 35 f/1.4G.
        It is sharp wide open.
        It has slow and noisy but accurate AF system!
        It produce very nice bokeh.

        I have used Canon 85mm f/1.2 II almost five years in the field.
        It is less accurate, and much heavier then this new nikon 85G!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Less misfires than the D version

        By Anjan

        from Ann Arbor, MI

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Pros

        • Bokeh
        • Shallow DoF

        Cons

        • Price

        Best Uses

        • Candids
        • Shooting Indoors
        • Shooting Outdoors
        • Wedding

        Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

        This lens has fewer instances of mis-focus than the D version, when used in low light to photograph moving subjects and weddings.

        D version had a slight mechanical jolt when it focused correctly, indicating a shot is in-focus... an absent jolt was a useful (yea, crude) indicator to take another shot, since the image just captured was likely a bit blurry. G version is smooth, no jolts, and you never know if few shots were blurry in the series you just took... unless you check LCD preview... but that preview takes time away from the current unfolding event.

        AF not as fast as 27-70, but faster than D version. No issues in controlled portrait sessions, where you have time to focus a shot. G version does not need to be de-focused by pointing elsewhere like D, and refocus back for sharper AF. This focused well as you move from one composition to another. Has a percentage of misfocuses when used in AF servo in D700.

        Pricey compared to 24-70 (very useful lens); infact it was the same price as 24-70, until recently, when nikon messed that price up a lot more. If you are not a pro, or have time to compose a shot (i.e., no movng subjects),then D is just as good.

        In short, this is a great lens if you love low DOF and primes, else get 24-70.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (1 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Great Lens, Not Right for Me

        By KenM

        from Redmond, WA

        About Me Tech Savvy

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Improves Picture Quality

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

            I am a serious photo hobbyist. I bought this lens because of its reputation for great quality and the low light capability and depth of control. It works great. However, I found after a couple of event photo opportunities that the 85mm focal length was too long for what I was shooting most. I had to move too far away which was not always possible and could let people come in between. I am returning it in favor of the comparable 50mm lens which I believe will be more versatile for me (and a lot less $$). Would be great for studio with room or outdoor portrait. Not great for more casual and intimate setting.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            As good as Leica M 75mm and 90mm

            By Fastcar888

            from South Florida

            About Me Cutting edge, Enigmatic, Love photography, Mac

            Pros

            • Improves Picture Quality

            Cons

            • Cost more than my camera

            Best Uses

            • Low Light
            • Night time shooting
            • Portraits
            • Shooting Indoors
            • Shooting Outdoors

            Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

            As an ex-Leica aficionado, I am not one who is easily impressed with glass. With the end of the film era, I eventually transitioned over to digital. Not wanting the weight of the FF Nikon cameras after coming from the rangefinder world, I went the DX route with FX lenses. (Also, I thought the D700 would be replaced years ago based on Thom Hogan's flawed opinion). Recently, I purchased the D7000 (DX camera) with this lens. I also have the 24mm-70 mm FX.

            All I can say is this lens is as good or better than the Leica 75mm 1.4 or the 90mm ASPH to my eyes. Overall sharpness, colors, contrast, saturation, bokeh with a 1.4G lens are superlative. You will want for nothing.

            Of course, with a FF camera the outcome should be even better. However, I used NIK software after my results are downloaded and think that the NIK software compensates for any loss I may get with the a DX 16 megapixel camera. Overall if you have the financial ability to purchase this lens, then t it is an outstanding choice for the pro or a photo enthusiast who wants to have the finest lens available at this time. This lens is inordinately impressive and a serious player.

            B&H is the best. Two day service from computer to door. Good luck with your decision.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            great low light performance

            By Alex

            from New York

            About Me Amateur

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Improves Picture Quality

            Cons

            • Heavy bulky

            Best Uses

            • Portraits
            • Shooting Indoors
            • Shooting Outdoors

            Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

            I am an amateur photographer

            works very well in low light

            once you figure out correct aperture opening in low light it will make great photos. Aperture 2 on ISO 1600 will make wonders

            what is not great about it? the lens are a bit heavy

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (0 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Amazing

            By Photoist

            from Windsor, CT

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Shooting Indoors
              • Shooting Outdoors

              Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

              Will use primarily for portraits, concerts and weddings.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Photography Revolutionized

              By Mr. Mac

              from Seattle, WA

              About Me Parent, Photo Enthusiast, Photographer, Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Amazing Performance
              • Compact Design
              • Durable
              • Easy To Use
              • Improves Picture Quality
              • Quality Enhancement

              Cons

              • Pricy

              Best Uses

              • Portraits
              • Shooting Indoors
              • Shooting Outdoors
              • Upgrade

              Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

              I used to use the Nikon 105 mm F2.8 macro VR and the Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR lens prior to switching to the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G. These lens set the standard for quality in shooting photos, giving me much cleaner, clearer, and crisper pictures with every shot. The use of the 85mm creates a nice brokeh as well as provides sharp colors. Honestly, even though the price was a little steeper than I would've liked (but then again when is quality cheap) there is just no way to match the performance and the quality of these lens with any other product.

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              • No

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              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Best Portrait lens ever

              By theeraphoto.com

              from San Francisco, CA

              About Me Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Compact Design
              • Easy To Use
              • Improves Picture Quality

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Close Up Filming
                • Shooting Indoors
                • Shooting Outdoors

                Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                It's easily become my favorite lens beside my Nikon 135mm DC F2

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Razor Sharp

                By oneadam12

                from Romeo, MI

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Bokeh
                • Contrast
                • Focusing
                • Improves Picture Quality
                • Sharpness

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Low Light
                  • Portraits
                  • Shooting Indoors

                  Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                  I primarily use his for portrait work, and it has not disappointed me yet. I was a former owner of the older "D" version, and have recently upgraded to this lens. Dynamite focusing, with very sharp images. The bokeh is simply wonderful.

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                  • No

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                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Worth the wait!

                  By NBdavN

                  from New Bedford, MA

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer, Tech Savvy

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Improves Picture Quality

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Portraits
                    • Shooting Indoors
                    • Shooting Outdoors
                    • Weddings

                    Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                    After months and months of searching for this elusive lens I finally was able to purchase a copy from B&H. From the first image I shot I was blown away with the rich colors and the amazing contrast of this lens! It is one of those lenses that you simply trust and it just seems like I can't take a bad photo with it attached. Mind you if you are not use to shooting at 1.4 it does have a learning curve that you must become familiar with in order to obtain proper focus given the focal plane is so small. I am a Wedding photographer and I have seen my work evolve ever since I was able to get a copy of this most amazing lens. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and I am excited every day I have a chance to use this lens.

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                    • No

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                    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    great for indoor portraits

                    By nikonica

                    from Richmond, CA

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Shooting Indoors

                        Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                        my favorite lenses for portraits have been DC 135mm, and the 105mm micro. i would still use them when there's ample space, but now that i finally got the 85mm, i use it the most for indoor people shots.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

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                        (8 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Extraordinary lens

                        By phlash46

                        from Montrose, NY

                        About Me Advanced amateur

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Fast focus
                        • Great color rendition
                        • Sharp

                        Cons

                        • No Increase In Performance

                        Best Uses

                        • Portraits
                        • Shooting Indoors
                        • Some indoor sports

                        Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                        Sold my f/1.4D to get this because I came into some money. Unless you are a portrait photog, I wouldn't bother. It's a fantastic lens, but, so is the previous model. This one is sharper in the corners wide open, you can touch up auto focus and it renders colors a bit more warmly, but, that said, it's different from the old D rather than really better.

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                        • No

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                        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        WOW WHAT A LENS

                        By Wolff27

                        from Staunton VA

                        Verified Reviewer

                        Pros

                        • Bokeh
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Improves Picture Quality

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Shooting Indoors
                          • Shooting Outdoors

                          Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                          I have had this lens for 3 days and it is already my fav. The Bokeh is perfect, so soft and creamy.
                          It is not as fast focusing as the 70-200 2.8, however it is fast. This just might be Nikons best lens to date.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

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                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          So Awesome

                          By The Photographer

                          from Adelaide

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Fast AF
                          • Manual focus override
                          • Quiet AF
                          • Sharp
                          • Solid Build

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Lowlight photography
                            • Portraiture

                            Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                            I love this lens. Sharp at f/1.4; sharper stopped down. Very fast and quiet auto-focus.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

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                            (4 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Great lens but. . .

                            By WRPhoto

                            from Asheville, NC

                            About Me Pro photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Improves Picture Quality
                            • Lighter than old f14
                            • Sharper than old f14

                            Cons

                            • Poor auto focus low lite

                            Best Uses

                            • Low light - manual focus
                            • Portraiture
                            • Weddings

                            Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                            Lens is amazingly sharp at f1.4 but auto focus is slow to lock on and searches in low light, big disappointment for the price. Use is primarily for wedding portraiture.

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                            • No

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                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Portraits Plus

                            By Walt

                            from Missouri

                            About Me Serious amateur

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Improves Picture Quality

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Close Up Filming
                              • Shooting Outdoors
                              • Upgrade

                              Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                              Single best portrait lens I have found. Versatile lens for outdoors. Have not used it for landscapes. Will probably be the only lens I will use in low-light situations for travel photography.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

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                              (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              One word - WOW !!!!

                              By Dzit

                              from North Carolina

                              About Me Advanced amateur, Tech Savvy

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Improves Picture Quality
                              • Smooth Bokeh

                              Cons

                              • Bulky Design
                              • Price

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                                Amazing Bohek. It's silky smooth, like no other lens I have had the pleasure to use. Don't walk, but run to get one for portraits.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

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                                (8 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                One Sick Of A Lens

                                By mygears

                                from Arcadia, CA

                                About Me Film Professional, Technically Challenged

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Improves Picture Quality

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Shooting Indoors
                                  • Shooting Outdoors
                                  • Upgrade

                                  Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                                  Ultra Sharp across, even at f1.4, very high resolutions, amazing sharpness and quality even at f1.4 , stunning background just nicely melt away, price tag looks expensive, results are priceless and worth every penny of my purchase. if you're very picky about the quality of your images, this is the lens that will ease your hunger. I used it as everyday walk around lens, family portraits, weddings and night events... I also own and recommend the following glass: 70-200 VRii, 105 macro, 24-70 2.8 and the classic 50 1.8 AF. this is a hard to find lens, been looking for weeks, thanks bhphoto to make this item available.

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                                  • No

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                                  (9 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  The sickest lens seen from Nikon

                                  By mygears

                                  from Arcadia, CA

                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                  Verified Reviewer

                                  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 AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Classic Portrait Lens:

                                    absolute sharp across, hi resolutions across fm 1.4
                                    for one who is obsesses with the quality like me, this is one perfect piece of glass for me! The results and the value of this lens is absolutely priceless for me and my clients.

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                                    • No

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