Thoughts on 85mm f1.4 AF Lens?

[Clem Maloney]

Just waiting to receive mine from HK Supplies.

Everything talks about this lens like it is the finest piece of glass ever made, any thoughts?

Seems like the ideal lens for portfolio shots? (Assuming that you prefer primes to zooms when you can control the subject.)

Having said that, I would never buy it in Melbourne where the best price is about $2200inc. Poon's HK Supplies offers it for AUD$1250 plus shipping.

Clem

[Glen]

Clem, it is that good

[Alpha_7]

Sex on legs so I'm told, but just look as the results on this forum from the lens.. and you see its a killa.

[Yi-P]

Its a "one of its own kind" lens. There is nothing out there that has the optical characteristic out there, except the 200mm f/2 or other super expensive lens out there.

Too much said about the sharpness of this lens, its very sharp even at 1.4 and when stopped beyond 2.8, its just too much that you can believe.

Bokeh is as creamy as you can dream of. Putting it at f/1.4 throws in a complete new level of results, which you may not get with other lens around. Tho at f1.4 the focus is very very very sensitive, any small movement may ruin the spot.

Its not that BIG as the 28-70, but still with the hood mounted, it is pretty big to be just a prime lens.

Only downside I've found so far is the screw on hood. Takes time to get it on/off the lens, and plus its metal made (not like other lenses plastic hood) the vibration from impact shoots straight into your filter ring/glass if you have one mounted on. Tho it may only seem to provide 'better protection'

[Clem Maloney]

Sex on legs so I'm told, but just look as the results on this forum from the lens.. and you see its a killa.

Are sample shots in a single thread? They seem to be spread over many threads?

Perhaps we could start specific threads for samples from specific lenses, this would be cool.

i.e. Samples Nikkor 85mm f1.4

Clem

[Alpha_7]

That doesn't sound like a bad idea, but the search function is sure to help you that's what its there for But just check out Wendellt's posts, while its an awesome display of his style and talent as a photographer a lot of he's lovely portraits are all with the cream machine the 85 1.4mm
He's not he only one, but probably the most prolific poster of shots taken with this lens.

[Yi-P]

Most recent 'samples' from a 85 1.4 here:

http://dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=21023


Do some search over Wendell's posts, he mostly use the 85/1.4 for this works I think.


I will see if I get to take some more samples from my 85/1.4, but at the moment, my works are not that good to be showing up yet.

[Glen]

Clem, http://www.pbase.com allows you to search for results from a specific lens as well

[MHD]

It's an awesome lens... crisp bold and lovely Bokeh... Built like a tank too...

[gstark]

Clem,

It has a reputation as being one of Nikon's finest lenses.

The reputation seems to be well justified.

[Oscar]

Clem, welcome to the forum. As a comraderie consideration I am willing to take the 85 1,4 if you are not happy with it. Cheers, Mick

[Oz_Beachside]

Hello,

some nice examples in http://www.pbase.com/cameras/nikon/85_14d_if_af
Click on MORE to search.

Mine just arrived in Melbourne this morning, after being shipped from HK on monday night.

SHould arrive tomorrow!!!

Very excited about it, as I have been very happy with my now redundant 85/1.8.

I have a shoot booked in two weeks, so just enought time to get familiar.

have a great day
Oz

[Clem Maloney]

Clem, welcome to the forum. As a comraderie consideration I am willing to take the 85 1,4 if you are not happy with it. Cheers, Mick

Really!? Ok, I will fully test and evaluate the lens over the next year or so. I can probably carry out this extensive field testing for only a few hundred dollars (special offer just for you!) and so for only about $300 more than Poon's price (for an untested and unevaluated lens!) you will get my comprehensively field tested 85mm lens for "only" $1500!

Shhhh, keep this quiet, don't tell anyone else about this special offer Mick!

Clem

[Oscar]

Clem, welcome to the forum. As a comraderie consideration I am willing to take the 85 1,4 if you are not happy with it. Cheers, Mick

Really!? Ok, I will fully test and evaluate the lens over the next year or so. I can probably carry out this extensive field testing for only a few hundred dollars (special offer just for you!) and so for only about $300 more than Poon's price (for an untested and unevaluated lens!) you will get my comprehensively field tested 85mm lens for "only" $1500!

Shhhh, keep this quiet, don't tell anyone about this special offer Mick!

Clem

Thanks Clem.

[Yi-P]

In my dictionary, field testing = bumping on rock, splashing into water, covering under sands and going through rough seas...


You've been advised to get a 'filed tested' lens if it ever survives...

[spaz]

I've been looking at the 1.8 recently mainly because of the cost - reckon it's worth the wait while I save up some more? Even if I do save I don't know if I could really justify such a huge spend.

[seeto.centric]

spaz, im also in a similar situation.
limited budget, am able to get the 85 1.8 now but not sure if its worth shelling out around 3x as much for the 1.4..

most of my work is done indoors- shooting concerts/live music where im usually around 1-2metres from that performers.

right now.. im thinking of getting the 85 1.8 and the sigma 30 1.4 to complement it. should i consider the nikkor 50 1.4?

-julz

[casnell]

spaz, im also in a similar situation.
limited budget, am able to get the 85 1.8 now but not sure if its worth shelling out around 3x as much for the 1.4..

most of my work is done indoors- shooting concerts/live music where im usually around 1-2metres from that performers.

right now.. im thinking of getting the 85 1.8 and the sigma 30 1.4 to complement it. should i consider the nikkor 50 1.4?

-julz

I've just got Oz-Beachsides old 85 1.8 and I've got a 50 1.4 on the way from Poon, very happy with the 85 so far, I'll let you know how the 50 1.4 goes...

Chris

[seeto.centric]

thanks in advance
in the end, i might settle for a 85 1.8 and 50 1.8 purely to keep the spending down.

the recital im shooting is on december 14 so i guess ive got >2 weeks to decide, buy, and wait for arrival.

back to reading reviews (even though my eyes are going hazy from the 4+ hours ive sat here straight)

-julz

[Yi-P]

Just dont touch the 85mm f/1.4 until you have a FAT wallet... you will fall in love with it on first sight.

The 85/1.8 will do pretty well for its price.

[Glen]

Julz, get either the 50 1.4 or 1.8. Dont worry about the 85 when you are that close, the field of view is too small. Set your kit lens to 50mm and then photograph something like a shirt, even at 2 metres you will be surprised how little you get in. If you dont have a kit lens I could take some sample pics with a 50mm, you will be surprised how small the FOV is.

[losfp]

The 85/1.4 is arguably Nikon's finest lens, period

However, Glen is right, even at 2m, you'd be lucky to get a head and shoulders portrait with the 85.

The 50/1.4 is the go here, for available light shooting.

[Oz_Beachside]

I've been looking at the 1.8 recently mainly because of the cost - reckon it's worth the wait while I save up some more? Even if I do save I don't know if I could really justify such a huge spend.

Yes, and no. Its a personal choice.

I have owned both at the same time, and must say that I enjoy the images from the 1.8 as much as those from the 1.4. Both are great fun, with great bokeh. Most will be happy with either. Yes, 85mm is about 130mm from film days, so its long if up close. Which makes the 50/1.4 a good option.

I changed over from the 1.8 to the 1.4 for the extra light through the lens, same size filters as my 77mm glass, and physical size, as my hands are large, and the wider barrel of the 1.4 is favourable. Note, that non of these reasons really directly effect the images.

[casnell]

The 85/1.4 is arguably Nikon's finest lens, period

However, Glen is right, even at 2m, you'd be lucky to get a head and shoulders portrait with the 85.

The 50/1.4 is the go here, for available light shooting.

I've been having a play today (none worth putting up) and I'd agree that the 85 is great for those tight head and neck shots, but is kinda long for most portrait stuff. The 50 is suprisingly tight, that conversion factor really alters it. My perception from the old days is 50 is a bit wide, but with DSLR's that's not the case.

I'm very happy with my choices so far- 50mm 1.4, and 85 1.8.

Chris

[seeto.centric]

thanks for the words of advice folks much appreciated.

after studying the images from the last recital i shot in the same venue, i discovered most of the shots were either 18mm but i was standing quite close to the subject, or around 24-40mm.

there were some shots at 50mm but they were knee-up shots (as in captured the performer's body from knee to head).

for the close ups like of heads, hands on instruments, etc.. i used 70mm but wasnt able to fill the frame.

hmm.. does anyone have the sigma 30mm 1.4 and wouldnt mind sharing some experiences/things i should be aware of/good points about this lens?

thanks,
julz

[Glen]

Julz, dont rule out the Nikon 35mm f2, nice lens you may find s/h also. The shorter focal lengths are not as flattering for portraits as longer lengths.

[shutterbug]

I have the sigma 30mm, love it.

Great for available light photography....you will never need yoru speedlite again

[Geoff]

Julz, dont rule out the Nikon 35mm f2, nice lens you may find s/h also. The shorter focal lengths are as flattering for portraits as longer lengths.

Yi-p has this lens and I have used it a few times, certainly not one to disregard.

[Yi-P]

Julz, dont rule out the Nikon 35mm f2, nice lens you may find s/h also. The shorter focal lengths are as flattering for portraits as longer lengths.

Yi-p has this lens and I have used it a few times, certainly not one to disregard.

Yup

In fact, it is a beautiful little lens!! Small, light, fast... just the right tool to wander around the streets without getting noticed.

It has a sweet bokeh as being a wide angle lens, suitable for group photos and mostly walkaround lens in town I use. And did I say, it is wide and focuses CLOSE (0.24m)??

Its very sharp stopped down beyond f/2.8, bit soft at f/2 but still very acceptable, and real good after some USM in PP.

I've heard that the Nikon 35/2 is faster than Sigma's HSM in focusing speed...

[seeto.centric]

sigma's apparent QC issues is what's swaying me from the 30mm 1.4, but its fast aperture and HSM is what lures me. HSM would really help shooting the recital as the AF screwdrive motor i assume would be very noisy and distracting- especially shooting a flute/clarinet/wind instrument player. one of my friends came up to me last year complaining about the shutter noise being a distraction.

i guess a solution here would be either HSM/SWM or shoot from further away using a long lens.. but the fastest long lens that would be suitable i imagine would be f2 or 2.8 (excuses to get 70-200VR...)

-julz

[MCWB]

Yi-p has this lens and I have used it a few times, certainly not one to disregard.

Actually I have his lens at the moment, and he has my spyder! I also have the Sigma 30 f/1.4, which is a great little lens if you get a good copy. There are some reports of QC issues, but if you can verify that it's a good copy then you're on a winner! My copy is extremely sharp by f/2, but if you're shooting available light and this wide open you have to be aware of DOF issues, and nail the focus on whatever you choose.

I've heard that the Nikon 35/2 is faster than Sigma's HSM in focusing speed...

I must admit that I am the source of this erroneous information! It really depends on subject distance; because the 35 f/2 focuses closer than the Sigma it takes more time to get there. If you're going from infinity focus to 0.5 m for example, it's much of a muchness and indeed I think the 35 f/2 might be slightly quicker. If you're going from 0.4 m to 1.0 m though, the Sigma wins comfortably. The Sigma is way quieter too.

[padey]

The 85mm f1.4 is the 2nd best lens i've ever owned. If you can afford it, you will love it. If you earn a little $ from your portraits, then it's a must have, otherwise the f1.8 is the affordable option.

Taken at f2


Until we get a FF option, you have to see it as a ~135mm lens.

When i'm shooting portraits I like to use the Nikon 85mm and the Mamiya 80mm on another body. Similar shots, but different DOF. Best way to describe it, is to see it.

[seeto.centric]

whoa.. so sharp!

where in sydney would i be able to rent one of these?

-julz

[Glen]

Borge Imaging maybe?

[seeto.centric]

thanks for that! however, they have it for sale, but not for hire. ill shoot them an email and see what happens.
http://www.borge.com.au/index.php?cPath=707

-julz

[Yi-P]

At the moment (and will be for a loong time), the 85/1.4 is my best lens in the bag. I dont have the fortune of owning the 200/2 like Andrew, but geez, what can you say for this price. Its cheaper than the 28-70, 17-55 or not to speak, 70-200VR... I'll leave the optics behind for now.


Trent, how you finding the 35/2 compared to your 30/1.4? Apart from the differences in AF speed/noise.

[aim54x]

well i read that thinking i may get something out of it that would make me sway away from the feeling of need for that 85mm f/1.4, but this has only strengthened the desire for this lens. thanks for the photos!!

anyone know if it will be replaced by an af-s + vr version any time soon?