Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens
- Price: $499.95
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The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens from Nikon is a fast, compact FX-format prime medium telephoto lens. Though optimized for FX-format DSLR cameras, the lens is equally adept at serving any Nikon DX-format DSLR. The combination of its mid-range telephoto design and a fast f/1.8 aperture make it an excellent option for shooting both still images and HD video in low light scenarios. Available light shooters will love the wide-open effect when shooting intimate portraits; in-focus subjects will stay sharp, while distracting backgrounds will melt into a pleasing soft blur. When mounted on a DX-format DSLR, this 85mm prime delivers an apparent focal length of approximately 127mm.
The lens boasts Silent Wave Motor technology (AFS) and Internal Focus for fast and quiet autofocus that won't alter the length of the lens, thus preserving working distance throughout the focus range. The Silent Wave Motor utilizes ultrasonic (inaudible) vibrations instead of a gear system to focus the lens, offering beautifully smooth, silent and accurate autofocus operation.
When fine manual focusing is required, just rotate the lens focus ring. The M/A mode switch offers a seamless override of the AF system with practically no time lag at all! Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) improves light transmission and provides better color consistency and minimized flare.
The AF-S 85mm f/1.8 is lightweight, fast, and easy to tote around. Weighing in at 8.0 oz less than the venerable 85mm f/1.4 - shooters that favor prime lenses can toss this optic in their gear bag without hesitation - it's small enough and light enough to take along everywhere!
- Fast, compact FX-format prime medium telephoto lens. Fast maximum aperture is great for capturing stills or HD video under ideal lighting conditions, in low light situations, and for head and shoulder portraiture, weddings and concerts
- Take flattering portraits under all lighting conditions: Great for studio, on-set or available light shooting, as well as capturing still images or HD videos of subjects with attractive skin tones and producing beautiful background blur. When you want to isolate your subject from the background in indoor or outdoor photography, this lens renders a gorgeous natural background blur (Bokeh) at the wider aperture settings
- Though optimized for FX-format DSLR cameras, the lens is equally adept at serving any Nikon DX-format DSLR
- Boasts Silent Wave Motor technology (AFS) and Internal Focus for fast and quiet autofocus that won't alter the length of the lens, thus preserving working distance throughout the focus range. Internal optical movement is restricted to the interior of the non-extending lens barrel, enabling smaller, lightweight construction and closer focusing distance. SWM utilizes ultrasonic (inaudible) vibrations instead of a gear system to focus the lens, converting traveling waves into rotational energy, thus offering beautifully smooth, silent and accurate autofocus operation. Enjoy sharp, clear image quality at all apertures
- When fine manual focusing is required, just rotate the lens focus ring. M/A mode enables you to seamlessly override the AF system with practically no time lag at all, even during AF servo operation and regardless of which AF mode is in use!
- When mounted on a DX-format D-SLR, this 85mm prime delivers an apparent focal length of approximately 127mm
- Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) is a multi-layer lens coating that improves light transmission, provides better color consistency, and minimizes ghost and flare to a negligible level. Enjoy reduced reflection in the wider wavelength range and exceptional color balance and reproduction
- Rounded 7-blade diaphragm that creates a gorgeous natural background blur (Bokeh) at the wider aperture settings
- Included lens accessories: LC-67 Snap-on Front Lens Cap, HB-62 Bayonet Lens Hood, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, CL-1015 Semi-Soft Lens Case
- Optional accessories: 67 mm Screw-on Circular Polarizer II Filter, 67 mm Screw-on NC Filter, 67 mm Screw-on Soft Focus Filter (not included)
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.8 - 1.8 Minimum: f/16 - 16 |
| Camera Mount Type |
Nikon F
1
Please Note:Bayonet close |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor |
| Angle of View |
28° DX Picture Angle: 18° 2 Please Note:FX: 28° 30' |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.62' (0.8 m) |
| Magnification | 0.12x |
| Groups/Elements | 9/9 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread |
67 mm
3
Please Note:Snap-on / screw-on close |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.1 x 2.9" (7.87 x 7.37 cm) |
| Weight | 0.78 lb (0.35 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (11)
- Nice bokeh (10)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (9)
- Durable (6)
- Easily interchangeable (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings (8)
- Low light (5)
- Sports/action (5)
- Portraits (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5), Pro photographer (4), Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
Buy This Lens.
I'm a wedding photographer that shoots with Nikon f/1.8 primes. I loved the 85mm f/1.8D for its picture quality, but that old autofocus motor was terrible. When this lens was announced I...Read complete review
I'm a wedding photographer that shoots with Nikon f/1.8 primes. I loved the 85mm f/1.8D for its picture quality, but that old autofocus motor was terrible. When this lens was announced I was so excited because it would replace my last D lens. I just prayed that the image quality would be up to par with the old glass. I have to say, it 100% is. Absolutely tack sharp on my D300 from center to corner. The image quality is everything that we saw in its predecessor but with the new and improved auto-focus, which is absolutely great in both high-light and low-light conditions and is whisper quiet. Nikon's f/1.8G line is an affordable, pro-quality line, and this lens is the best of all of them.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Sharp and vivid color reproduction
This lens is super sharp and snappy colors, only average build quality, depth of field was so thin the lens was unusable wide open, my AIS 85mm f 1.4 blows it out of the...Read complete review
This lens is super sharp and snappy colors, only average build quality, depth of field was so thin the lens was unusable wide open, my AIS 85mm f 1.4 blows it out of the water in this respect, and I can see no sharpness difference. I have 3 Nikon DSLRs and 14 lenses, I sent this one back to the dealer, a bit frustrated. I am a portrait Pro shooter.
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Chromatic aberration
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
Basically put, this lens is pretty awesome! It's very sharp and performs well even at f/1.8.If I had to pick a complaint about the lens i'd say it would be cromatic abration, but that is pretty easily corrected in Lightroom 4.The Bokeh on this lens is the best i've seen. It puts the 35mm f/1.8 to shame and, in my opinion, is better then nikon's 70-200 f/2.8 and 17-55 f2.8.If you're looking for a good fast portrait lens (or just an all around great telephoto lens) i cant recomment this enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Street photography
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
I brought this on my last trip to Istanbul and with my 50mm 1.8 I had the perfect combo for up close street photography.
The plastic construction surprised me at first, but its lightweight and an easy carry.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
Use mostly as a portrait lens. Very clear. Fast focus.
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
Have used this focal length since the early 1970's.Had the old 85mm adapted to use on a D200 now plan on using it with a D800.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Night Photography
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
This lens is super sharp and snappy colors, only average build quality, depth of field was so thin the lens was unusable wide open, my AIS 85mm f 1.4 blows it out of the water in this respect, and I can see no sharpness difference. I have 3 Nikon DSLRs and 14 lenses, I sent this one back to the dealer, a bit frustrated. I am a portrait Pro shooter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Nikon 85mm f 1.4 AIS, Nikon 50mm F1.4 AIS
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
I am a recreational photographer, the auto focus is seamless and I have found this to be an excellent lens for portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
Very sharp ,and hadn't taken it off my camera yet . :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
This is by far the best lens I've ever used for portraits. I even think it is better than its f/1.4 cousin and it costs less than $500.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Affordable
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
I'm a wedding photographer that shoots with Nikon f/1.8 primes. I loved the 85mm f/1.8D for its picture quality, but that old autofocus motor was terrible. When this lens was announced I was so excited because it would replace my last D lens. I just prayed that the image quality would be up to par with the old glass. I have to say, it 100% is. Absolutely tack sharp on my D300 from center to corner. The image quality is everything that we saw in its predecessor but with the new and improved auto-focus, which is absolutely great in both high-light and low-light conditions and is whisper quiet. Nikon's f/1.8G line is an affordable, pro-quality line, and this lens is the best of all of them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
I am loving the 85mm f/1.8 lens. I recently used it to photograph landscape and closeups of desert blossoms. All came out sharp and the colors were great. The bokeh on the closeups were pleasing so I think this was a great buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
Great lens - compact, sharp, light, and fast (if not quite as fast as the much more expensive 85mm f/1.4G). If you don't absolutely have to shoot at f/1.4, this is definitely the lens for you.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
This is an extremely crisp lens. Really such a performer and when one is used to spending in the $1200-2500 range, this [$] price tag is great. This will be a walk around on the D4 which should be here soon.
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Great Picture Quality
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Lens:
very sharp, lightweight, fast focus. i don`t mind it is a plastic lens, it`s very well constructed ... it has a metal mount.
This is even better than the old "D" lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-13
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $25.00
- Price: $31.99
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
What's in the Box
- LC-6 Snap-On Front Lens Cap
- HB-62 Bayonet Lens Hood
- LF-4 Rear Lens Cap
- CL-1015 Semi-Soft Lens Case
- 1-Year Worldwide Limited Warranty On Parts And Labor
- 4-Year Complimentary Extended Service Coverage On Parts And Labor (50 United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands Only)
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