Nikon AF-S 85mm F1.8G

poundhound

Im thinking about getting the Nikon AF-S 85mm F1.8G for taking gig photographs.

I already have the Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.8G and love it, but obviously the 85mm will give me more of a reach, especially on a DX camera.

Does anyone use this lens and confirm its a good lens for gig photography?

Thanks in advance.

Hogzy

would a 70-200 2.8 not be a better and more versatile option?


EDIT: Sorry, i thought you said 85mm 1.4, would a 70-200 2.8 be out of your budget? You could go for the tamron 70-200 2.8 (without VC)

ImagenEstilo

Wow, can't get over the price of it. I bought the 1.4 version of this lens a couple of years ago at 3 times the price and rarely use it wide open (too dangerous as you risk images that are simply too soft). I would regard this lens as a bit of a bargain. In fact I might get one myself as it seems nice and compact compared to the 1.4.

Here is an article from a photographer that I follow closely. It is a complete review of the 85mm 1.8. Have a read of the comments at the end of the article. Sometimes the comments contain better information. You may have read it already but I remember reading it at the time and regretting buying my 1.4g

Review of 85mm f/1.8G

Hope this helps somewhat.
Dave

Hogzy

ImagenEstilo wrote: »

Wow, can't get over the price of it. I bought the 1.4 version of this lens a couple of years ago at 3 times the price and rarely use it wide open (too dangerous as you risk images that are simply too soft). I would regard this lens as a bit of a bargain. In fact I might get one myself as it seems nice and compact compared to the 1.4.

Here is an article from a photographer that I follow closely. It is a complete review of the 85mm 1.8. Have a read of the comments at the end of the article. Sometimes the comments contain better information. You may have read it already but I remember reading it at the time and regretting buying my 1.4g

Review of 85mm f/1.8G

Hope this helps somewhat.
Dave

I was as surprised as you are when i saw the price of the 1.8, You could buy the 85 1.8 and a 50 1.4 for the same price as the 85 1.4.

poundhound

Thanks for the replies guys.

Hogzy, I wouldn't consider the tamron 70-200 2.8 (without VC), as I wouldn't purchase a telephoto lens without VR.

Dave, your link confirms what Ive been thinking. Its a great lens for a fantastic price.

However, I'm just wondering would it would perform well in a concert setting in low light. Im guessing the wide aperture would be ideal.

It actually finished runner up in NPhoto magazines lens of the year (2012).

Hogzy

poundhound wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys.

Hogzy, I wouldn't consider the tamron 70-200 2.8 (without VC), as I wouldn't purchase a telephoto lens without VR.

Dave, your link confirms what Ive been thinking. Its a great lens for a fantastic price.

However, I'm just wondering would it would perform well in a concert setting in low light. Im guessing the wide aperture would be ideal.

It actually finished runner up in NPhoto magazines lens of the year (2012).

How far would you be from your subject? Would 85mm be long enough for you though?

ImagenEstilo

You'll probably be up around 127mm if it is a DX Nikon you are using which is a pretty reasonable in terms of telephoto focal length. Wide open you will get lovely compression and your subjects will jump off the page, much more than using a 50 as you are getting an extra 50mm reach with the 85mm. I reckon the 1.8 will be adequate for your low light. What body are you using as a matter of interest. What ISO are you comfortable shooting at for what you need?

poundhound

Im using the Nikon D3100. Im just combining my 2 hobbies.

In terms of distance, its impossible to say. I dont get photo passes so I shoot among the great unwashed.

I go to a lot of gigs and want a decent lowlight prime lens.

Ive taken some decent shots with the 50mm at ISO 400 and 800.

Unfortunatley the 50mm has no reach unless its a small gig, hence my interest in the 85mm.

ImagenEstilo

No doubt the 85 will give you more reach, but not an enormous amount so it is something to bear in mind. I do recommend you go test on out against the 50 just to see are you happy with the reach on it. Still though, at almost 130mm it will be a good step up from what you are using. At the price, I've added it to my wish list. Can't get over the size of it.

Hogzy

VERY interesting results from DxOMark

DaireQuinlan

Hogzy wrote: »

VERY interesting results from DxOMark

meh. DxOMark results are interesting if you're shooting brick walls or test targets and then examining 100% crops before obsessing over which lens is 'sharper' or has more 'clarity' than some other lens. If you're actually, y'know, taking photographs then they're pretty irrelevent.

poundhound

Invested in the Nikon 85mm F1.8g in the end and delighted with it.
Christened it at last weekends Adam Ant gig in Vicar St.

ImagenEstilo

Great photo. Love the colour reproduction and skin tones.