Nikon 85mm 1.8G vs 1.8D

[johncook]

Hi everyone,

I really fancy an 85mm prime and want to know what people think of the Nikon 1.8 D vs 1.8G lens.

I know the 1.8D costs a little less than the G version, but does it lack in performance?

without the AF-S the D version will be louder when focusing, is the AF also slower?

appreciate any views, particularly from those who own either, or both.

thanks

 

[Cagey75]

I have had both. Though when I had the D, I was using DX, and now the G version on FX - but I would still say the D version was noisier, slower and I didn't get on very well with it. I heard so much good things on it at the time, I was dying to try it out, bought it used and maybe I got a bad copy? but it gave off horrible purple and blue fringing at times when wide open - which is how we like to use these lenses right? well, some of the time.

Anyway, the newer G 1.8 is a fantastic little gem. It's so cheap not to have in the bag. It's light, ok it's plastic - but who cares? I don't get the fascination with steel lenses, if they drop they're more likely to bust open than a much lighter plastic one. And when have you heard of a lens failing because it was mostly plastic? never.

Get the G, you'll love it.

 

[gadgeteer]

Fro does a good side by side comparison of the differences here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUulOaBSG1A

I recently bought the G and loved it. Unfortunately I ended up returning it to help fund the Nikon 24-70 which was just begging to be purchased.

I have a fellow photographer friend who sold her D for the G and hasn't regretted it.

 

[johncook]

thanks guys,

watched the video, thanks for the video link, G lens appears to focus closer, be slightly sharper at 1.8 in his test too, and its got the silent wave motor.

For the difference in price , the video findings and the opinions above also, I think I'll go for the 1.8G lens, seems definitely worth the extra cost.

 

[Cagey75]

You won't regret it. It's a real fun lens to use

 

[grotty]

I've had both, and in my opinion the G is sharper wide open and has a better/smoother out of focus rendition - I preferred it over the D. Though on the D700 the G is slower to focus, but accurate.

 

[Purpleflanger]

I hate all the D versions, it just drives me nuts how the focus ring turns when its auto focusing. I have also had the 85mm G and loved it.

 

[Cagey75]

That ^ and the noise of D lenses. I would only buy again if there's a serious gulf in pricing and it's a lens I just want to try out casually.

The 60mm 2.8D macro was the only one I really liked, and that too was noisey scared many an insect away with it's whirring.