Incredibly high resolution

Incredibly high resolution

Dunno what to say about this lens. Obviously it deserves a 5-star rating for optical excellent. If you like detail on top of more detail, this lens is for you--it's just phenomenally sharp. On the other hand, what I mostly use an 85mm for is portraits, and most people just don't care for portraits of themselves taken with this lens. It's pretty ruthless. Use it wrong and it'll show hairs, pores, oil, bloodshot eyes, the texture of makeup, flakey skin, every blemish in graphic detail...not exactly the way to please the client. I've used lots of portrait lenses over the years (and have done lots of portraits with this one) and I prefer something like the Pentax FA 85/1.4 at f/2 or the Leica 90mm f/2 Summicron-R wide open. Those lenses stay contrasty but don't resolve as much, at least at those apertures. People look more like themselves, don't have to confront the micro-topology of their own faces, and go away thinking you're a better photographer. Handling and bokeh (blur) both leave nothing to be desired.

Splendid optics, very good construction, good AF and manual focus. It's a gem...the kind where they get it just right. And very reasonably priced for what you get.

None really. It is heavy but expect that with a 1.8 85. Manual focus is slightly under-damped. An adjustor such as Pentax uses on their macro would help.

This lens is outstanding. AF is quick, optics are wonderful and it is sturdy. Out of focus backgrounds are very pleasant (bokeh is the buzzword) and this is an important consideration as with an 85 you will often have blurred backgrounds. Manual focus is not wobbly as with the 50's (my 50 1.8 is). However manual focus is not as buttery smooth and precise feeling as classic manuals such as the Leica M's and Nikkor manual lenses such as the 105 or the 50mm f2 AIS. The focus ring turns easily and much less turning is needed than with a real manual lens. This is a function of the AF construction and is not really a flaw. I like it.

Customer Service

Has been great in past. They once fixed a broken plastic lens mount on a nikkor zoom for free even out of warranty. Nikon is a class act. Very hard to fault in any way.

Similar Products Used:

Nikkor 50's, Zeiss Planar 50's and 45's. Olympus 50 1.8 (superb), Leica R Summicron.

Very Very Sharp!!! Contrast and colors Superb . Good build Quality .

Sometimes too darn sharp for me !!

This lens is the sharpest from all lenses That I have used . The colors are wonderfull with balanced Image contrast . When you shoot with it You will be supprised from the image clarity . Be carefull when shooting portrates , Razor sharp , every little detail on film Even womens face makeup . You can put soft filter or play with focus ring a bit to soften the image . Even enlargments 20cm x 30cm are super Sharp !! A wonderfull lens !

Customer Service

None .

Similar Products Used:

nikon 50/1.4 , 24-85 ED AFS , 28-105 AF

Fast AF, Reliable, never fail me. Nikon does a great job with most of their lenses. The quality of lens is superior.

None.

I've used this lens for more than 6 years and found it to be very sharp and useful especially in low light situation. I now use this with my Nikon F100 at the events and I do recommend this lens if you want to get closer to the subject. Great for people photography!

Customer Service

Excellent!

Similar Products Used:

AF50mm f/1.8, 28mm E-series, AF28-105mm D f/3.5, 80-200mm f/2.8D EF...

Sharp, fast, good colour

None

This lens is incredible! I don't understand the complaints I see in other reviews. It's sharp, it's fast and colour redention is good.

Customer Service

Wouldn't know... Have never tried it with Nikon gear :-)

Sharp, fast, good colour

None

This lens is incredible! I don't understand the complaints I see in other reviews. It's sharp, it's fast and colour redention is good.

Customer Service

Wouldn't know... Have never tried it with Nikon gear :-)

Autofocus

Not as robust or as sharp as the lens produced in the mid 70's.

A disappointment, not as sharp as the non AI late model multicoated 85 f1.8 I traded in for it. Enlargements larger that 8 x 10 show softness. Nikon is coasting on their reputation and producing lenses only suitable for digital or films faster that ASA 200.

Similar Products Used:

Mid 70's multicoated non AI 85mm f1.8 nikkor.

Durable. made in Japan. decent manual focusing easy to hold

Expensive. When people say that $300 isn't much for lens I tend to disagree and agree. I agree because quality of this lens is exeptional. On the other hand, If reviewer is from upper middle class it may not be expensive for him. For everyone else: lenses are expensive.

Of course, if you like primes you will love this lens. It is very sharp. Made in Japan. If you one of those people who love to impress with your lens-you’ve got it. Lens looks very proffesional and expensive. But the best thing, I repeat, it is very high-resolution lens. Please, don’t remove its hood it’s not merely protect from straight light, it literally protect lens from bumping into something

Customer Service

Quite good. Call several times.

Similar Products Used:

28-80 AF D (Junky lens) 50mm 1.8 AF non D (Junky looking exterior, exelent optically, competetive price) Nikon N60, F80, Series of Russian made FED 3, Zenit E

Color, sharpness & speed. No hunting experienced (or dust). The cost was great and since most shots are people at this range it replaces a fast normal lens as I do not have to get so close and can grab more candids. Of course you have to back off a bit at times which can be inconvenient in a crowded place. very light and priced very light too!

Well, the only weakness I can think of is my own in not leaving it on my N80 more. I am addicted to the need to shoot a landscape or close-up on no notice so I usually put this lens on for memorable occasions, posed portraits and specific indoor, no flash duty only (really nice black and whites BTY).

Remarkable! I bought this lens to supplement a 28-135 Sigma that I use for most (great) shooting, just to get the speed for indoor shots, especially basketball of my son. I actually find little flare and that the screw-in hood is a plus as you just twist it and your polarizer twists into position! I have used it for perfect natural light portraits (try soft filter since it is so, so sharp) and also have used tamron 1.4x teleconverter for astounding shots of daughter's dance recital where flash was not allowed.

Customer Service

Not required

Similar Products Used:

Minolta 50mm 1.7

Nikkor(for the most part)= good stuff

I have a hard time believing any AF lens will stand the use/abuse of a good manual focus version, but time will tell.

Folks, save yourselves hundreds of dollars by purchasing this lens over the f1.4 version. Over the past twenty years I've used about every 85mm lens Nikon has produced and can tell you that you will not be disappointed with this AF version. In fact it's as sharp if not sharper than my old 85mm AI Nikkor, which is an outstanding piece of glass. If you are considering a short telephoto lens, take a long look at this one.

Customer Service

mostly OK

Similar Products Used:

several MF Nikkor 85mm's, a Zuiko MF 85mm and a Zeiss 85mm