Nikon 85mm 1.4D

markconor

Anyone here using this lens?

My current step includes,
Nikon D80
Nikon - 20mm 2.8/50mm 1.8/18-200mm vr

The results I have seen from this lens are stunning and I think it would make a nice addition to my current setup. However for the price there are alot of other options available including the much cheaper 85mm 1.8.

Also I think this lens might be due an update as its missing AF-S and VR

I like the 85mm length as a street/portrait lens and don't think this lens can be beat on quality. But as I said there are alot of options in that price range.

Another lens I had in mind was the 105 vr macro. however I've never really shot macro and don't feel the need very often. And with the Rounded diaphragm of the 85 I think I would be happier with it in the long run.

I know no one can predict how I will use this lens, or tell me if it is worth it for me, but I'm wondering if anyone has used this lens or have any thoughts on it?

Thanks.

markconor

maybe it would help if I expand the question a bit.

Is anyone using a prime lens in the ~85 or 105 length? How has you found working with this length? I know its great for portraits etc but what about as a walk about. Have people had success with it/or maybe found it limiting?

Fajitas!

I use a 105mm if it's any good to you. On a full frame now, and it's great for portraits. Was also a very good lens on a crop body.

I'm not a fan of the 85mm on full frame, but I'm sure it's nice on a 1.5 body.

1.4 sounds like a winner. Have you checked out www.fredmiranda.com for reviews?

markconor

thanks for the reply.

the reviews of this lens make it very hard to talk myself out of it.

I just hope I can find this length useful for more then just portraits. I would love to take great portrait shots of people I know or even on the street. but with the price of this lens I just wonder how I'll find it leaving it on the camera enough to justify the cost.

I suppose there is only one way to find out. and looking at flickr groups I see alot of people have made this length work for more then just people shots.

Borderfox

I use a Canon 85mm f1.8 and its for anything indoor including sports

daedalus2097

I use the 105 Macro VR f2.8 on a D80 and it's a great lens. Have to say I haven't done much macro stuff with it, but there's an AF limiter switch which disables the close-up AF, meaning if you use it as a normal lens for portraits or whatever, it focuses much quicker. I've also used it for some sports pics and a general middling telephoto lens, and have been impressed so far. Don't have any examples with me I'm afraid

Having said that, I still find myself keeping the kit lens (18-135 f3.5-5.6) on the camera for just walking about as I tend to miss the zoom when I'm not looking for something specific to take a picture of.

dorothia15

yes! I have used that kind of lens..

eas

I have both the 105 2.8 VR and the 85 1.4. I've also owned (and sold) the 85 1.8.

For portraits, the 85 1.4 is the bees. The 105 VR is also a very good portrait lens. IMO the two lenses produce people shots in different ways, with the 85 edging out the 105in most areas. The 85 can show some nasty CA when it's wide open.

I highly doubt the 1.4 will get VR, I just don't think it's a candidate. Then again, I wouldn't have said the 105 would get VR either, and it did. The 85 will defo get AFS at some stage, probably within a year (guess). It's a fast focusing lens as it is, so wouldn't be an issue for me.

Honestly, if you don't know why you want the 85 1.4, I'd go for the 105. Like I said, the 105 does portraits quite/very well + it does macro very very well.

Bear in mind the focal length tho - with a 105 your going to need a bit of distance for anything but head shots.