Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I've been using the 85mm f/1.8D for almost a year now, and took a step out to get the f/1.4D version, and was not disappointed! The 85mm f/1.4D lens is the cream machine when it comes to bokeh. At almost every f-stop, the bokehs still come out rounded, but for the 85mm f/1.8D lens, there are certain f-stops where it is not rounded, but can see the polygonal shape from the aperture blades. The f/1.4D lens is almost 3 times the price of the f/1.8D lens, but the built and performace is also better.

This lens is already pretty sharp wide open, but stopping down to f/2, you can see that it gets sharper. The only thing which I do not like in this lens package (and is the same for the 85mm f/1.8D lens package too) is the screw on lens hood to the filter thread. In anycase, shooting without a lens hood is not a problem.

I am extremely pleased with my 85mm f/1.4 lens. It is the sharpest lens to date that I have purchased. I'm having so much fun now shooting in aperture priority that I will never go back to total auto. I have found that shooting between 3.0 and 4.0 for portraits has gotten me the results that I desire. The difference in setting is how much body/face I want in the picture. If you are desiring to shoot portraits or even close up nature shots with beautiful bokeh in the background, this is the lens for you, it is well worth the purchase price.

you have to hold it in your hands to appreciate it. i suggest going to your favorite camera store, bring your camera and give it a test drive. it is SHARP, excellent bokeh, fast autofocus, takes pro 77mm size filter thread,and the list goes on. highly recommended!

This is a fantastic lens!

I love how well it works with a D300 at 1600 ISO, you can shoot in rooms with very little light.

I would recommend shooting full manual settings when pushing this lens and your camera to the limit so you can get the picture you really want (accuracy in low light).

Prime Time: I am addicted to fast, prime lenses and this Nikkor does not disappoint! The large aperture makes using the SLR viewfinder a pleasure - super bright, minimal fatigue. Images taken with the 85mm 1.4 are sharp and easily demonstrate the advantage of shooting RAW especially when viewed at 100%. Truly amazing when seen on high resolution monitors. And available light is no longer that elusive quarry. To these ends - sharpness and speed - there are alternatives. Many online reviewers speak highly of the 85mm 1.8 and this sister to the 1.4 is a classic that ranks very high in terms of value. Nonetheless, the smoothness of the out-of-focus portions of images taken with the 1.4 is something that just has to be seen. This is the proverbial stuff of legend. Nikkor's execution of this optical formula is arguably second to none and when taken in the context of comparisons to German glass one can maybe rationalize value despite the high cost.

Wow Factor: This lens has a nice balance in its proportions. Check out the NikonUSA website and the D3 digital body. This is the lens that completes that picture. And it is an imager to boot!

Of note: The resultant magnification from this or any focal length depends on the format or size of the light sensor. Nikon currently has only one digital body with a 35mm-film equivalent sensor and that is the D3 (Fx format). Any other digital Nikon body (Dx format) will result in greater magnification (1.5x).

Cons: My other lenses (24mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4) have been relegated to the cupboard. For now...