NIKON 85mm LENS

merv

merv

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Mervyn
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Thinking of this lens but dont know which version to buy; f1.4 or f1.8 bearing in mind the difference in cost:bang::bonk:
 
The 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens and fast becoming one of my faves. From the reviews I've seen of the f/1.4, I can't see how the extra cost is justified.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Can you justify the 400 quid extra for 1 stop of light? If not, then you have your answer ;)
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That's the short, crude answer. :p

There's more to it IME, at the end of the day though, only you can decide whether the difference is worth it. I got mine for a great price (used) so the price difference wasn't that bad. The f/1.8 is still a very good lens though. :)
 
sdb123 said:
That's the short, crude answer. :p

There's more to it IME, at the end of the day though, only you can decide whether the difference is worth it. I got mine for a great price (used) so the price difference wasn't that bad. The f/1.8 is still a very good lens though. :)
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I know ;) The build quality of the 1.4 is a lot better than the 1.8 for starters...
 
Both are as excellent as each other, it really is a case of whether you need f/1.4 or f/1.8
 
merv said:
Thinking of this lens but dont know which version to buy; f1.4 or f1.8 bearing in mind the difference in cost:bang::bonk:
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I have both, the f1.4 is in a different league to the f1.8, but the f1.8 is an outstanding lens, and a lot smaller and lighter than the f1.4.

I was fortunate in that I purchased mine a while back when prices were sensible, I understand the comments regarding justifying the extra cost, especially since the price hikes over the past six months.

If you want an affordable 85mm the f1.8 will not disappoint, it produces great results.
 
Can you afford the 1.4 without worrying about £££? If so, get it. If not, get the 1.8. The 1.4 is an awesome lens, I absolutely love it. I very slightly chipped the b*****d front element, but not showing in photos thank god.

Gary.
 
Are there any decent side-by-side comparisons of the 1.8 and 1.4 with photos online?

Actually, maybe I'm better off not knowing!
 
i think i will save for the 1.4 just because i want the metal verson...
 
Having just picked up a mint second 1.4 I have to say that you should get one if you can - it does live up to the hype :)


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DigitalRelish said:
The 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens and fast becoming one of my faves. From the reviews I've seen of the f/1.4, I can't see how the extra cost is justified.
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maybe cos you've never used one? ;)
 
alexisonfire said:
Both are as excellent as each other, it really is a case of whether you need f/1.4 or f/1.8
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It's not just about the aperture - it's about build qualiy and bokeh amongst other things.
 
Martyn... said:
Here is a side by side comparison of the two, LINK :thumbs:
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That link was very interesting and despite the bias didn't make me believe the 1.4 is THAT much better, if at all in the real world

Being a Pro isn't always about having the most costly gear (some would call 'best') but it's about having the right gear for the job in hand and buying that gear as a business decision

I use the 85mm a lot, especially for the preparations & couple alone part of a Wedding shoot. Unless it's very dark I use it at f2.8 mostly. Yes it's sharper by then, but it can often be hard to focus on an eye without the nose capturing the focus instead, thus sharp nose and less sharp eye at f1.8 while f2.8 pretty much avoids the issue

Such shots are rarely that big in an album, and even a full page one isn't going to be bigger than A4 in most albums so absolute IQ isn't really an issue. You're more likely to see 'IQ' problems as a result of focussing being out or camera shake than the lens itself

Unless you play footie with it, build quality isn't going to be an issue in the real world and nor is bokeh (most togs don't know what that is or appreciate it, let alone the client!)

So as a business decision it comes down to price - I decided that the f1.8 was the perfect lens for the job I wanted it to do, and I can smash it to bits one day and still have change from the f1.4 in buying another f1.8 replacement

As a hobbyist - buy whatever you like or can afford, but as a Pro you need to make the business decision come first :)

DD
 
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