Do i buy the Nikon 85mm 1.4

[lukewoodford]

Ok i have been debating this for a little while. I have a D300 with 50mm 1.4 and 18-200 VR. You can see the type of stuff I do in the people and portraits forum or on my website. Will the 85 1.4 benifit me anyway or do i stick with the 50? Or maybe there is another lens that could bring something new to the table?

Thanks in advance:)

[cowasaki]

Go for it ! I have a D200 with basically the same two lenses as you plus a Nikon 105mm macro (which can be used as a 105mm prime lens). The 50mm can be a bit too wide for some things and the 105mm too long. I was thinking of getting the 85mm for portraits although I am still trying to decide on the best lens for that!

[Wail]

I believe that's known as the CreameMachine" and I am sure you can put it to great use; especially with portraits and people shots like the ones you have in your profile.

[puddleduck]

You could consider the Voightlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton - thats very nice.

[Joe T]

Supposed to be an awesome lens! If you have the funds, then go for it! :D

[Wail]

You could consider the Voightlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton - thats very nice.

Now that's some seriously exotic glass .. but isn't that manual focus?

[Joe T]

Now that's some seriously exotic glass .. but isn't that manual focus?

Correct on both counts. :)

[lukewoodford]

Thanks for the quick replies, i think i will get it but does anyone know the advantages/disadvantages over the 50?

[puddleduck]

Now that's some seriously exotic glass .. but isn't that manual focus?

True but for portraits and stuff you don't need AF.

Have a look at Paul Lindqvist's stuff over on Nikon Cafe with MF Zeiss - he blows the other people shooters away IMHO (including the 85mm f/1.4 shooters)

[davekiddle]

I'd get it - it has an awsome reputation for excellent bokeh over at nikoncafe.com. :)

[Wail]

True but for portraits and stuff you don't need AF.

Have a look at Paul Lindqvist's stuff over on Nikon Cafe with MF Zeiss - he blows the other people shooters away IMHO (including the 85mm f/1.4 shooters)


These lenses are sinfully good. They sure add a whole new meanning to bokeh and their colour renditions are fantanstic; but not at all cheap.

[davekiddle]

http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=185911

[Flashman]

I've got it and it's easily my favourite portrait lens... luverly!

[lukewoodford]

http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=185911

Thanks for that, there are some great images in there!

[icecavern]

No question it's a great lens. In fact it's the lens that has moved me into buying more primes.

As for the MF Zeiss. Yes it's a fantastic lens, but shooting wide open without AF at 85mm is going to be a mission. TBH MF doesn't suit my shooting style personally, but others prefer it.

Pete

[StewartR]

The Nikon 85mm f/1.4 is a lovely lens. A bit clunky by modern standards, and it doesn't have the huge WOW! factor of the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L, but it delivers beautiful images.

[cowasaki]

Has anyone used both the 85mm 1.4 and the 1.8 ? Other than the 1.8 being slightly slower is there any real difference? I too am looking at one of them as my next lens but the 1.4 is not cheap (also as its a AF rather than AFS it will not work on the rest of the families cameras!)

[StewartR]

(also as its a AF rather than AFS it will not work on the rest of the families cameras!)The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 is also AF rather than AF-S ...

[Blapto]

http://www.nikon.com.au/products.php?categoryid=26&discontinued=1
Nikon Australia say it's out of production.

Make of that what you will.

[cowasaki]

http://www.nikon.com.au/products.php?categoryid=26&discontinued=1
Nikon Australia say it's out of production.

Make of that what you will.

Well I can still find it for sale at the moment.

Digital Rev have it for £564.99 inc postage with a HOYA 77mm filter, 7yr warranty and guaranteed no import duty.

They also have the 1.8 for £221.99 inc postage and filter.