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Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens USA

  • Price: $459.00
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  • B&H # NI8518DAF
  • Mfr# 1931

Product Highlights

  • Fast (f/1.8) & Compact (2.3", 58.4mm),
  • Excellent for Indoor & Outdoor Portraits
  • Great for Indoor & Outdoor Sports

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The AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens from Nikon is an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor portraits, as well as indoor sports and stage productions. Exceptionally compact for a telephoto lens, measuring only 2.3" (58.4mm), it boasts a close focus distance down to 34". Its 6 element, 6 group construction with a super integrated lens coating delivers sharp, clear images, vibrant colors and great detail. This lens is compatible with DX, FX, FX in DX Crop Mode, and 35mm film format cameras.

Note! AF not supported by D40, D60, D3000, & D5000 digital SLR cameras

The fast f/1.8 aperture is an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor portraits, as well as indoor sports and stage productions
Internal focusing for fast AF operation.
Subtle blurring of background for beautifully natural and evocative portraits.
An excellent choice for your first telephoto lens.
Performance
Focal Length 85 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/1.8
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 6/6
Diaphragm Blades 9
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 62 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.8 x 2.3" (7.11 x 5.84 cm)
Weight 13.4 oz (380 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
NikonAF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens
 
4.8

(based on 359 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (284)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (66)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (314)
  • Consistent output (211)
  • Lightweight (185)
  • Durable (183)
  • Strong construction (178)

Cons

  • Slow focus (28)
  • Heavy (15)
  • Tough to attach (6)
  • Poor in low light (4)
  • Blurry focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Low light (187)
  • Weddings (143)
  • Sports/action (119)
  • Portraits (102)
  • Night photography (95)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (95), Photo enthusiast (88), Pro photographer (54), Enthusiast (36), Casual photographer (24)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (189), Yes (8)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

One of the best values among Nikkors

I've used both the 1.4 and the 1.8 versions of Nikon's 85mm, and for approximately half the price, the 1.8 version represents one of the best values in the Nikkor family.

It...Read complete review

I've used both the 1.4 and the 1.8 versions of Nikon's 85mm, and for approximately half the price, the 1.8 version represents one of the best values in the Nikkor family.

It actually focuses faster due to the smaller elements involved. And I've found it to be sharper at all apertures compared to the 1.4, even when at 1.8.

The main drawbacks I find are in the build of the lens - the plastic seems very durable, but it doesn't quite compare to the all metal body of the 1.4.

Also, I really wish it was an AF-S lens, but I like the aperture ring, so I can use it for my D200 and Fm3a.

Aside from the most demanding users, that are quite rough on their equipment, I'd gladly recommend the 1.8 over the 1.4. The sharpness/contrast/and out of focus areas leave very little to be desired if handled properly.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Great within its limitations

I have found this lens to be wonderful in certain situations such as shooting kids (e.g., you can get nice portrait close-ups without getting too close) and indoor sports and performances. I don't...Read complete review

I have found this lens to be wonderful in certain situations such as shooting kids (e.g., you can get nice portrait close-ups without getting too close) and indoor sports and performances. I don't use it as often as I thought I would because the 85mm length is not appropriate for many situations, especially with the 1.5 factor (versus 35mm) I have with my digital camera. And it's heavy. But when I do use it, I love the results. With what this does at the widest apertures, I can't see how I'd ever need the much more expensive 1.4. If you are SURE you want an 85mm prime lens then go for it, but I'd think hard about whether you could get much of what you want with just a 50.

Reviewed by 359 customers

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5.0

Gorgeous. Lens is a portrait beast!

By Nate

from Providence, RI

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

  • Doesn't have gold letters

Best Uses

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

Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

I love this lens for all things but this is a great reminder why photographers love 85mm for portraits. They just come out beautifully with great bokeh. For the money it is superior to the g series. This lens is so good, fast and easy to work with that why would you spend so much more on basically the same lens for a gold band and a touch wider aperture. Truthfully your technique and locking AF on a subject is much more crucial than the rest. As for the 1.8 v 1.4, unless you have a specific need to capture a couple of degrees less in focus, you really don't need the extra light as the newer dslr's have great iso quality. The 85 1.4d and 1.4g are great lenses, but this is a better overall deal. Your images will not suffer from the difference but your wallet will thank you.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Share this review

 
5.0

Automotive & Protrait Goodness!

By mikeschmeee

from Pacific North West

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

    Best Uses

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

    Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

    This lens is super sharp! I love the fact that its lightweight and has the professional lens feel to it. I makes my Nikon D90 stand out. It's an overall great lens with many capabilities. I use it for automotive photo shoots as well as protraits and weddings.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great lens at a great price

    By love to take pictures

    from Minnesota

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

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

      Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

      Nice lens for a great price. Solid contruction, great in low light. Delievers great portrait shots.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      LoVe my NEW AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D lens

      By JilAnne

      from Raleigh, NC

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Love it
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Have none

      Best Uses

      • Portraits
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

      I am very happy with the 85mm f/1.8D lens. This lens will always be in my camera bag for weddings and portraits. My bride was very happy with what I captured with this lens. Up close and personal are some of my favorite shots. Crystal clear is what I get when shooting with the 85mm lens.

      Great Lens - Great Value

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      85mm 1.8 & Nikon D80- Fantastic!

      By msgphoto

      from Massachusetts

      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 AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

        I bought this lens to use for an Engagement photo shoot. It did not disappoint! I loved having the 1.8 available to me for the interior shots. With the 1.5 crop factor I feel like I am at an appropriate distance away for candid portraits. Bokeh is quite pleasing and smooth. The lens is metal and feels sturdy. I am happy to have the metal lens hood for extra protection. The focusing noise is louder than the newer model will be, but it is not intrusive or disruptive.

        I am very happy with this lens. In the future, I plan to use it during theatre productions, sports, concerts, and more portraits.

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        great for the money

        By K

        from orlando, fl

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

            This lens was a little smaller than I was expecting, but it is a great lens for the money! Images are sharp and color is great!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Like an Old Friend

            By None

            from Longmont, Colorado

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Sports/Action

              Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

              I shoot a lot of available light people photos and this lens is better for that than any zoom. When I was shooting film, I had a Nikkor 85mm 2.0. I sold it when I went digital and have missed it ever since. So it is like having an old friend return.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Awesome Lens for the price

              By Larry Affelt Photography

              from Budd Lake, NJ

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                I shoot local bands in low light condition, and this lens on my D7000 is an awesome combination. Very sharp at low f-stops, even wide open. The screw-on lens hood is a bit odd, but it works fine. Very solid construction for an inexpensive lens!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Very useful lens

                By David R Donaldson

                from Birmingham, AL

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Night Photography

                    Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                    Inexpensive lens that works for portraits and general purpose and low light situations. Very useful.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Nikon 85mm f/1.8

                    By Taylor from Alva Portraiture

                    from Griffin, GA

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Photography
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Video
                      • Weddings/Events
                      • Wildlife Photos

                      Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                      I bought this lens specifically as a wedding/ portraiture/ low-light lens. It is an absolutely wonderful lens overall. It is a good midrange telephoto on my D7000 DX sensor and rear focusing so no external parts move. I love this lens and everyone should have this lens in their Nikon collection.

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      I love it

                      By Jay C

                      from Trinidad

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • Poor in Low Light

                      Best Uses

                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                      I use it for protrait shots,its crystal clear,very clean

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great classic portrait lens

                      By tethomas

                      from Atlanta, GA

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Lightweight
                      • Nice Bokeh

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Portraits

                        Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                        This lens is sharp as a tack, especially at f2.8. I found it light, but solid, with good action, quick, quiet focus on auto and easy to manually focus. I love the screw in metal hood as well. It is a great alternative to the much more expensive and heavy 85mm f1.4.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Superb Results

                        By Shutterrelease

                        from Olympia, WA

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

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

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Video
                          • Weddings/Events
                          • Wildlife Photos

                          Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                          I use this lens for Wedding & Portrait photography. It's super sharp with an incredible bokeh. For the money this is hands down the best lens you can invest in. I shoot on a D7000 and D300s both with battery grip and have no issues with performance. Sometimes AF looses the subject but if your camera is programed in the right mode you can make the best use out of the equipment, squeezing every bit of performance it capable of. End results are tack sharp images with creamy backdrops. Its no wonder they still keep manufacturing this lens.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Love this on my d7000 and film FE2

                          By nikon dave

                          from Ogden UT

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Nice Bokeh
                          • Rugged

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light

                            Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                            great portrait lens with great depth of field - sturdy construction over the newer G lens plus works with my manual film cameras

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            great buy!!!

                            By weddnig photo

                            from bay area

                            About Me Semi-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
                              • Weddings/Events

                              Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                              Awesome lens. Fast accurate, and most of all sharp. only downside is that focusing is a bit loud.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • Yes

                              Share this review

                              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Good Lens

                              By RKB

                              from Kentucky

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

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

                                Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                                This seems to be a very good lens from what time I have used it. I have had the lens just a few weeks, but the images I have taken are sharp. I bought this lens to shoot my grandchildren with and so far it fits the bill. Great bokeh. Good construction.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                must-have lens for FX bodies

                                By stevio

                                from Alabama

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

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

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

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

                                  Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                                  This is the a great portrait lens in a lightweight full frame size.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Excellent Fast Lens

                                  By Judi

                                  from Vacaville, CA

                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Easily Interchangeable
                                  • Lightweight
                                  • Nice Bokeh

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Indoors/Low Light

                                    Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                                    I use the 85mm f/1.8D lens on Nikon D200. Excellent fast lens at a reasonable price. Wonderful to use indoors in low light situations and outdoors to provide separation of individual from background. I purchased a 72mm lens cap so I could leave the lens hood on at all times (a tip I discovered on another review). Took some getting used to as this is the first fixed lens I have purchased.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Great lens as good as any prime.

                                    By Dave

                                    from Sugar Grove Ohio

                                    About Me 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
                                      • Sports/Action
                                      • Video
                                      • Weddings/Events

                                      Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                                      Sports,portraits,photojournalism.Can also be used as a walkaround lens at events.Sharp,really does shoot wide open(1.8),decent autofocus speed and not heavy or bulky.This is really a value for the money spent.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Fast Glass!

                                      By AJMiracle

                                      from Long Island, NY

                                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

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

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Indoors/Low Light
                                        • Weddings/Events

                                        Comments about Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Lens:

                                        I purchased this lens to shoot informal portraits.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

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