I was already loving this lens when I first got it when I was using it with my D7000 - I immediately noticed the difference in image quality. When I upgraded to the D750 full frame, I fell in love with it all over again! :)
I do not understand the criticism of the build quality. I have both the 1.4 and 1.8g and agree the 1.8g is 95% of the IQ as the 1.4 but in build quality I think many confuse weight with build strength or durability and called that build quality. The 1.8 uses a very tough thick polycarbonate plastic that is rigid yet resistant in high impact and impulse. Which would survive a fall better; a 85 1.4 or 1.8G. Dropping a 1.4 is more likely due to its added weight and bulk but when it does fall, damage is sure to occur. For rugged day in and day out camera bag inclusion, there is no question which I would prefer as a walking around lens. My 1.4 sits on the shelf most of the time while the1.8g is in my standard kit, 24-70 2.8G, 70-200 2.8 VRII and 85 1.8G. Despite daily rough use in events, street, portraiture, product shooting of all my lenses the one that looks like new and shows none of the wear and tear of the 70-200 or 24-70. To me, that represents build quality; tough resistance to wear and tear, drops and collisions. I think Nikon has done a great job with a number of their 1.8 lenses, the 20, 50 and 85 are all value and performance standouts. I use them on a D800, a long with a lot of lesser used specialty lenses of 1.4 or 1.2 primes and 2.8 zooms. Where I live, the 85 1.8 was $650 and still think it was a bargain.
Stan SPb You raise a really interesting point, just because the materials used in more expensive lenses is more expensive does that necessarily mean that they are more durable?? To wit, I am extraordinarily hard on my equipment and my 85F/1.8 now four years old has been through the ringer a couple of times and still performs perfectly... The first impression the lens gives you is one of a consumer oriented feel. So I have to say given the amount of time I’ve had it and how much I use it the 85 has proven to be more durable than my first impression indicated.
Your reviews are awesome. Instead of just talking about your experience on this lens with no picture showing you talk about it and then show us with a series of breathtaking images ! Well done, well done!
I love the content of your reviews! There aren't too many people that I've seen that are concise and clear with VISUAL evidence of their scores. Great work, love the images and video clips. Keep it up.
The Nikon 85mm 1.8 is the lenses I use the most on my D7100. Really is sharp. The build quality is fine for me considering the price point and I really like light weight lenses for carrying around. I use DXO for post processing.
Yes! Brother Darren. 1st - Merry Christmas to you and your 👪. I must thank you that your for helping me cementing my decision on 85mm 1.8. On 22nd I bought one piece.
I am trying to decide between the 50mm 1.4G and the 85mm 1.8G and I feel this review has just made my decision easier. The 85mm 1.4 is so out of reach but this lens seems to be pretty amazing for the price! Great review, thanks for showing so many photos with different angles and perspectives so we could really get a feel for what this 85mm 1.8 can accomplish :)
The 85mm f1.4g is at least 3X as expensive as the 1.8g. I recently bought the 1.8g and get razor sharp images with it and great bokeh. This lens has too much reach to be used as a walk-around lens. Use rather the 50mm or 35mm for walk-around. It is a super portrait lens, however. I found the focus speed to be fast.
I have had my copy for a few months for studio portrait work. Simply loving the lens all away around. This is a super sharp piece of glass that is priced right.
Nicola Stasi Beautiful video and very useful tips to take better photos. I would like to know if this lens, the Nikon 85 mm f/1.8 G, can also be used for other types of photos and not just for portraits. Thank you and good work.
Thanks, this is the best review of a lens i have found to date, i am a media student and use the Nikor 1.8 50 mm, witch is slightly better but with a shorter reach, this lens is about the same in sharpness as the Sigma 105 mm EX macro witch is slightly cheaper, would be nice to see a review from you on that lens if you can spend the time, thanks again for a real in depth review, the best i have found on You Tube so far. leona
For what I do I would go with the 1.8. If I was a pro I would go with the 1.4. The color rendering and vividness is better on the 1.4 and the contrast on the 1.4 is spectacular. The 1.4 is what I would use for professional use.
Awesome review Darren. I'm still using my 85mm 1.4 lens. I have rented the 85mm 1.4 and I can tell the 1.8 is much sharper at 2.2 -2.8. Correct me if I'm wrong maybe you have a better test result than I do.
About 115mm :-) The 70-200 FL ED lens (the latest and most expensive version from Nikon) is freaking AMAZING - but for what it is and for that price, the 85 f/1.8 G is one of the biggest steals in the entire Nikon lineup...
+Shaun Hilton Really save your money. Try this out, return it if you think there is a better value out there. I' purchased it to be used this almost exclusively for studio portrait work and find myself taking it out on my street stuff and has become a true keeper.
+Shaun Hilton IMHO, the 85mm f/1.8 from Nikon is one of the best all around lenses for portrait work, and at THAT price?!!? Total no brainer... Build quality is a bit suspect, but it's a stellar deal for the money....
+Darren Miles hey. Tokina 100mm f/2.8 or Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G for wedding portraits only? Sure i will use macro if i will have one but macro is not a deal breaker for me.
Matt Granger also reviewed this lens and he has the Nikon f1.4 and he said the f1.8 is fine for even pro work. I know everyone wants to shoot wide open but you really need to be on your A game because if you miss focus at f1.8 or lower your going to be trying to fix it in post and that's something you really don't want to deal with. I have the Olympus 75mm f1.8 and I was taking some portraits at f1.8 and a few of the portraits people had their heads turned and I missed focus on one eye but got the other eye in focus. So now as a safety net I shoot the Olympus 75mm f1.8 at f2.5 or f2.8. Only shoot wide open unless your on your A game and know what your doing. Its best to have someones face with both eyes looking parallel right into the lens.
mp4podcastDOTcom You're on to something here, because at f/1.8 the lens/camera may very likely have done their jobs and focussed properly, but because the depth of field at f/1.8 is so thin, if you or your subject move even slightly, that perfectly focused detail you had settled on could fall ever so slightly out of focus at f/1.8 - but could still be in focus at f/2.8 e.g. - just keep in mind that your shutter speed will drop unless you compensate with ISO to offset it.... BTW - the 75mm f/1.8 from Olympus is AMAZING!! Love that lens!
I bought this lens finally, based on your review here. 👌 I had been using it on a Nikon F100 (I love Kodak Portra). The D100 has a power drain so I'm hoping to use the lens on my Sony A7Rii. I won't know until I can return to Thailand, now excluded since March 2020. Now searching for the best adapter for this combination.
Theoria Apophasis Hah! Thanks Angry! BTW, I think you'll like the review I'll have coming up soon, I bought it based on one of your recommendations... And I think you might be right about it too!
the 2nd nikon lens you reviewed, and you video keeps getting better. thanks ! can't wait till you start reviewing fuji's , since you've done canon, oly , panny now nikon :) thanks again
Great review, I own this lens with my D750 and it's my go-to portrait lens. Even though its a little soft at 1.8 I actually like the dreamy effect at 1.8 but with a little editing in lightroom with contrast it's fairly easy to make the image pop with some more sharpness.
Timothy Smith Thanks Timothy! I love this lens, it's turned into my go to lens for bridal portraits. Agreed, with a few clicks in LightRoom you can get the image to the promised land pretty easily.
So basically you're saying I should buy the 85mm. What shots should I use the 85mm for vs the 50mm. Sorry to pile on. I just want to know before I check out and purchase
Loved it on the D700, love it on the D800 and probably will on every camera that will be released. The 85mm 1.8G is really awesome. Keep it up, Darren, great video as usual.
Hello Darren, my name is Victor, from Orlando, fl., thanks again for the video. I'm glad I saw your review because I was considering getting rid of my 85mm 1.8g lens as I'm looking to get a Tamron 24-70 f2.8 vc lens. I don't use it a lot, I find I use my 50mm 1.4g more, your thoughts on such a move, if you don't mind? I'm not a professional, though I hope to take my photography to the left level.
Thanks for that great review again, although you have split my decision lol. Just wondered if you could recommend either getting this or the sigma 85mm 1.4?
I somewhat agree and somewhat disagree with your review of the lens. I think some of my disappointment with this lens is because of my background in using Micro Four Thirds (Olympus) where a lot of the primes perform really well wide open. I short I will say that wide open, the lens is barely usable which for me is an issue. Here are my thoughts: -wide open, it is soft, low in contrast, shows bad chromatic aberrations and flares like crazy -AF is slow and inconsistent (also my copy was back focusing a little bit. had to do focus micro adjustments) -the price is reasonable for a FF lens -the bokeh is beautiful and the colors are nice -once stopped down, it's pretty decent I am hoping that Sigma will release an 85mm ART lens that I could replace this one with.
I have this lens. Pretty much always on my camera. Bought my GF the 1.4 version since she makes money with her photography, I'm just a hobbyist and couldn't justify it. That 85 /1.4 is built like a tank though.
I had this lens for like half year but i sold it because i think my Sigma 105mm does better job to everything,is a macro lens and amazing fashion and portrait lens as well and its sharp at f/2.8 which has better compression compare to bokeh on this lens,also feels like tank ! Amazing and honest review as always !
Hello mate , you are talking about the Sigma 105 f2.8 macro lens ?? because i am between the sigma 105 macro , tokina 100mm macro and the 85mm from nikon and i could really use some help here...
+GhostBuilders.com For me they serve two different purposes. I really prefer the Tokina for macro, and the Nikon for portraits. The Tokina is a little slow to focus, but optically they're similar - i.e. both really, really good!
Darren, you repeated more than once "pretty accurate autofocusing", but I have to say that with my D810 it does NOT miss a shot! Anyway, it was your review which convinced me to buy the lens, and now I'm extremely happy with it! :)
+Marco Buratto Sweet! When a lens has so few shortcomings - such as the 85 - it's hard not to mention it more than once as there's so little negatives to this piece of awesome!
Awesome review! I just recently bought this although the f stops are completely manual and turn on the actual lens. I don't think it'll be a problem for me though. One thing I am worried about is that I will have to shoot families or couples a lot further away than I normally would by using my 50mm.
Are you sure you have a 85 1.8G that is the subject of this review? The older 85 1.8D had an aperture ring but the G model, with its better optics, has if aperture set electronically by the camera and no manual settings. The 18.G version is better in image quality and resistance to CA. But the 85 1.8G is well made and will last forever, but needs to be stopped down a bit for better image quality.
Hi Darren. I was thinking of buying the Zeiss 85mm 1.8 for my A7II but after using the 85mm 1.8 on it after watching your videoI honestly am having second thoughts. The iq is awesome on the A7ii and since I will use it for portraits mainly autofocus isn't really an issue. Would you share your thoughts on this?
I just bought a used 85mm 1.8g from Adorama for $274 !!! Optically wonderfully and super light. It didn't come with hood so I bought a used one from KEH for $19. I'd say I got the deal of the century !!!! I found it better than the 1.4g in sharpness wide open but a little cooler - who cares ?
This might be a long shot, but do you (or anyone else) have any experience with the Fujifilm XF 56mm 1.2? Because I’m considering switching back to Nikon and this 85mm could replace the 56mm I have now. I’m especially interested in the sharpness wide open. The 56mm APD (which is the one I own) is pretty sharp wide open and I don’t hesitate shoot it wide open. How does this 85mm compare?
Oooh Nice! Loved the review. A quick question: Approx. how far were you from your subject in the group shot shown @ 7.49? Also, what lens did you use to shoot this review video of yours? Thank you X
Lotus Lakeland Thanks Lotus - the picture with Ben Carson was about 8-10 feet from the camera - most of this video was shot on a Panasonic GH4 wit the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 lens.
Darren Miles Thanks for the info Darren. Your video quality is outstanding. Anyway, I plan on buying an 85mm 1.8G Nikon for portraits/group shots but on one of the websites I read that while shooting in interiors/studio, I have to go real far from the model(s)... & now I'm stuck deciding whether to go from the 85mm 1.8G or the 50mm 1.8G.
They're both great, the 85 is a bit more telephoto - especially if you're using a crop sensor camera - for small groups, I'd probably get the 50 - you can get them both used for about $600...
Darren Miles Well, guess what... I checked in 4 local stores here in the UK and on Amazon too. They have all run out of the 85mm stock :( .. Went ahead & reserved it. Even I think buying both makes sense £350+£140 (new). Will buy the 50mm t'row.
Darren I'm torn between two lenses and I need your expertise. I'm looking to purchase a new portrait/macro lens and I'm trying to decide between the Nikon 85mm f/.8 (I'm currently using a Nikon D5200) or the Tamron 60mm F/2. I currently do portrait photography and have begun to dabble with wedding photography. I'm looking for a lens that will give me some more distance between my subjects as I have been using the Nikkor 35mm f 1/4. Your thoughts?
+Dante Jackson I'd probably go with the Tamron - though in full disclosure, I haven't used it. And it's only because if you desire macro then the 85 really isn't that great of an option as the minimum focus distance is too far away for effective macro shooting... Moreover, at 60mm, that field of view is 90mm equivalent on a full frame camera which is a nice full frame equivalent focal length. Hope that helps!
The Zeiss is a bit better in contrast and color but you will not get better images.The reason is that needing to ask that question suggests that you would be needing a lot more experience focusing a MF 1.4 lens, plus breath control and holding to get as sharp focus as the AF of the 85 1.8G. That is not being hypercritical, it is really the main reason fast manual focus lenses sit on the shelf after purchase and why they re resold so often. Rent one, my usual advice before spending a lot on any specialty less used lens.
A few years ago l wanted to get one because of the rounded aperture blades. But l came across a used 85 1.8D for $250, so l got the D. Now l wish l would have got the G back then because l was making more money than l make now.
great review , so i have a d3300 with a 35mm , i dont know too much but i am looking for an upgrade , i use it mostly for haircuts i post up , i hear the 50mm is almost the same , so i found this 85mm and was wondering how well it did with just close ups of hair cuts/head , what do you recommend
Thanks for the fast respond. I only have the D3300. I have the 50mm 1.8 g is it worth getting the 85mm is it a major difference. I'm a amateur but getting into photography so I'm ignorant to these things. I enjoyed your review. I don't want to purchase the 85 if it's not a major difference. Also I'm on a budget. Thanks again
Everyone was a newbie at some point, since you're using a crop sensor camera, the 85 will have the full frame field of view equivalent of approximately 128mm - which is a nice portrait length, so if you're wanting to get into portraiture, I would advise getting the lens. Moreover, if you ever switch to a full frame camera (D3, D4, D5, D750, D810, etc) it's a great option on those bodies as well. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many others - the optics of the 85 are amazing, many people say it's better than the - much more expensive - f/1.4 version. I haven't used that lens so I really can't say, I just know that I love the 85m f/1.8. I am going to take a look at the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 art soon though...
Darren Miles Thanks, yes I'm a newbie. I just want led to know since I'm on a budget and having the 50 1.8 G it was with it. In your opinion I should do for. What make the 85 1.8 G better than the 50 in regards to full body and bokeh. I think I'm going to order the lens tonight.
It's a longer focal length, meaning your images will have more compression, and will isolate your subject more from distracting backgrounds. Not sure if that makes the lens "better" - but it's a feature I personally prefer in my lenses. I have both lenses and I can tell you that I rarely use my 50mm f/1.8...
Hi Darren. I know you also reviewed the sigma 85 f1.4. If you had to choose between the Nikon f1.8 or the Sigma 1.4 which would you buy? I know the Nikon is good, but is the sigma worth the extra?
+adriboff1 That's tough. Both are great values, if you can swing it and you can get a new one that focusses correctly, I'd probably go for the sigma...
+Darren Miles Thanks for the reply. That's what I thought you would say. I already own two G lenses and although they are sharp and good value they're also soulless and feel really cheap!! Thanks for all your hard work and the unbiased reviews!!
Thank you for your video ! Amazing work byt he way ! Am getting the 85 mm1.8G instead of the 1.4g... will put the rest of the cash in a good lighting equipment
Hi Darren Miles can you upload a real world video for testing out the Nikon D750 in your style being exact to the point and aslo your words on the falring issue which customers showed up...! would be great to see.
Hy Darren, you also made a test-video about the Tokina 100mm f2.8. I would like to buy a longer portrait lens as an addition to my 50mm 1.8 D. What would you prefer in terms of sharpness and bokeh quality - the no brainer 85mm 1.8 or the Tokina 100mm? Thanks for your effort! Greetings from Germany, Maik
I have the 135 2.0 DC and 85 1.8G and 85 1.4G The 135 and 105 are price, tech and performance contemporaries so they compare easily. The 1.4G is sharper and has better control of CA and shows more problems with strong backlighting. So it is not a modern lens in coatings but build is excellent and with good lighting control has a look that is hard to beat. The 85 1.4g has more modern coatings, is build well and better color. The 135/105 has a unique look in images however and for some, it is just what they like. The 1.8g version of the 85 is the bargain and more rugged than any large 1.4, despite people claiming its low weight means poor quality. The opposite is true, the lower mass and very shock and impact resistant polycarbonate body is going to be much more rugged in day to day use and drops or impacts. Drop a 105 2.0 or 85 1.4 and it needs expensive repairs.
+Rakesh Arora I never left - there are reasons to use different camera systems - in really low light M43 sort of falls apart, whereas a full frame will perform better. I use Nikons for crappy lighting situations that I encounter at a wedding for example. M43 is amazing, and I love Olympus - great for everyday, picking up and shooting and I wouldn't hesitate (and have used) to use M43 professionally in good lighting as Olympus's colors just pop - totally awesome. They also make an AMAZING line of lenses with their PRO line, not to mention their line of affordable high quality primes...
Yes, I would - just keep in mind on a crop sensor body like the D3400, 85mm looks like 127.5mm or more telephoto. Meaning that the lens becomes a bit less versatile because it's longer and the field of view is constricted.
Thanks. Not sure what all that means, but I’ll keep watching and learning. I recently purchased the Nikon 50mm 1.8 and its great! Cost was around $200.
Will this lens work well with my Nikon d7100? I looking to shoot with something other than the 50mm and think 85mm would be great, I'm hoping this is my next lens, thanks for any response!
Randall Sanabria Of course! It would be a great combination, just keep in mind because you're using a crop sensor camera that your equivalent field of view will be 127.5mm (35mm equivalent) - which is a GREAT field of view for portraits!
Very good review thanks for the samples it did gave me that idea behind this lense ... I think of getting one soon but I have Nikon D3300 will this lens fit ? if thats obvious, I am just a beginner... please let me know
+Benetti Lucaso so if you bought it, you might notice Af-S symbol, so it will work fine with your camera. also, you will obtain 65mm equivalent after multiplying focal length using crop factor (x1.3).
spokolokofly Thanks for that information and for replying back,, you've helped me with this information thanks again .... I'm looking forward using the Af-S 50mm 1.8g lens soon ;) ...
+LukyTony Lucaso I think you've made a a wise joice. I own D version of this lens, it's a great cheapy one (in price, not quality). good luck and make some nice photos!
Abou 35mm :-) Kidding, kidding. The 85 is a more classic portrait focal length, where 50mm is a bit more general purpose. Which body are you shooting on?
I'm on a tight budget n want a lens for very closeup portraits like the half of the face, only the eyes n so on. so I'm considering 85mm 1.8g and the 60mm 2.8g micro. I'm confused to which to go for
For close focussing purposes, you'll probably want to get the macro, but the minimum focussing distance with the 85 is pretty respectable too and you can likely fill most of the frame with a face and then crop out what you don't want/need....
Yes! Depends a little bit on which body you're using, but with the latest line of Nikon bodies and their ridiculous ISO capabilities, f/1.8 isn't that much of a handicap - even at night...
+Darren Miles I'll let you know how it goes. I'm just not sure with the lower price point lenses which would be the best choice. I did buy this one though and love it.
Everybody makes a big deal of lenses made of plastics. They have been making handguns that are made with plastic frames. If you are putting your lens to such abuse that you manage to break it then maybe you need to be more careful. This is a great lens that gives you 97% of what the 1.4 does and does it at a much more reasonable price.
Matthew Christie Nikon, hands down. The Canon 85mm f/1.8 is a nice lens, the purple fringing however is excessive. But overall, it's nice aside from that.
Chrystian Lopes Sharpness and Bokeh in my humble opinion are similar, the Canon is built better, but the Nikon handles chromatic aberration better... if I were a Nikon shooter utilizing a modern Nikon body - something in the last two or three years - then I would likely get the 85 1.8 over the 85 1.4....
The video and information are excellent, but the music track during the photo section is terrible - too loud, and pulsing as well. BTW, I have a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 D, and love it.
Apples and oranges really - depends on what you want to shoot with your camera - a 35mm is considerably wider, whereas the 85 is more of a classic portrait focal length - ask yourself what do you plan on shooting and then decide what kind of lens you'll need to achieve the best possible outcome.
@@DarrenMiles It been two years and i got GAS along the way. Spend 10K+ on lenses and now stick to only 3 lenses (50mm f1.8, 35mm f1.8 and 24-70 f2.8) for everyday use. Thanks for the advise 2 years ago.
@@DarrenMiles Well, It has been 7 years already and I felt like it was yesterday. I am now heading to Leica M11-P with Summicron-M 28mm F2.0 ASPH III lens.
