The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D used is a timeless lens, capturing hearts and memories for decades. Its legacy is woven into the fabric of photographic history, its reputation forged through countless portraits, candid moments, and artistic endeavors. This lens, with its distinct “D” designation, embodies a legacy of quality and performance, making it a sought-after choice for photographers of all levels.
Released in 1996, the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D marked a significant milestone in lens technology. It offered photographers a blend of affordability, sharp image quality, and a captivating shallow depth of field, all within a compact and lightweight package.
Its design, incorporating a sophisticated optical formula with eight elements in six groups, contributed to its ability to render subjects with exceptional detail and clarity.
Technical Specifications
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a popular portrait lens renowned for its sharp image quality and creamy bokeh. Its technical specifications play a crucial role in determining its performance and suitability for various photographic applications.
Technical Specifications Summary, Nikon af nikkor 85mm f/1.8d used
The following table summarizes the key technical specifications of the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Lens construction | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Filter size | 52mm |
| Weight | 300g (10.6 oz) |
| Dimensions | 73mm x 82mm (2.9in x 3.2in) |
| Focusing mechanism | Autofocus (AF) with manual override |
| Closest focusing distance | 0.85m (2.8ft) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12x |
Implications of Specifications
The lens’s specifications have significant implications for its performance and intended use:
- Focal length:The 85mm focal length is considered a classic portrait lens, providing a flattering perspective and a natural field of view for capturing human subjects. It’s also suitable for other genres, such as product photography and landscape photography.
- Maximum aperture:The wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 allows for shallow depth of field, which is ideal for isolating subjects and creating a blurred background (bokeh). This feature is particularly useful for portrait photography, allowing photographers to emphasize the subject and create a dreamy, artistic effect.
- Minimum aperture:The minimum aperture of f/22 provides a greater depth of field, which can be beneficial for landscape photography or when capturing scenes with a large amount of detail.
- Lens construction:The lens’s 8 elements in 6 groups contribute to its sharp image quality and minimize aberrations, such as chromatic aberration and distortion. This is important for achieving clear and well-defined images, especially at wider apertures.
- Filter size:The 52mm filter size allows photographers to use a variety of filters, such as polarizing filters, neutral density filters, and UV filters, to enhance their images and control light.
- Weight and dimensions:The lens is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods. This is a valuable feature for photographers who need a portable and versatile lens.
- Focusing mechanism:The autofocus mechanism allows for quick and accurate focusing, which is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects or in situations where precise focusing is critical. The manual override option provides flexibility for fine-tuning focus when needed.
- Closest focusing distance:The relatively close closest focusing distance of 0.85m allows for capturing close-up shots, such as macro photography or detailed product shots. This adds versatility to the lens and expands its potential applications.
- Maximum magnification:The maximum magnification of 0.12x indicates the lens’s ability to magnify subjects. While not designed for extreme macro photography, it still offers a decent level of magnification for close-up shots.
Performance
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, despite its age, delivers impressive performance that remains relevant in today’s photography landscape. It stands as a testament to the enduring quality of classic lens designs, offering a balance of sharpness, bokeh, and versatility that continues to appeal to photographers of various skill levels.
Image Quality
The lens excels in producing sharp and detailed images, particularly in the center of the frame. While some softness might be observed in the corners at wider apertures, stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 significantly improves overall sharpness across the frame.
This characteristic makes the lens suitable for various photographic genres, from portraiture, where sharp details in the eyes and skin are crucial, to landscape photography, where capturing intricate textures and details is essential.
The lens’s ability to render sharp images, even at its maximum aperture, is a testament to its optical design. This sharpness is particularly noticeable in the center of the frame, making it ideal for capturing portraits with crisp details.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, a popular choice for portrait photographers, delivers a classic look with its creamy bokeh and sharp detail. While it’s known for its strength in portraiture, it’s fascinating to see how this lens compares to other vintage options like the Leica Elmar 50mm f/3.5, which was released in 1930 and still holds a place in the hearts of many photographers today.
The Elmar 50 3.5 release marked a significant moment in lens design, and its influence can still be felt in modern lenses like the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D.
Autofocus Speed
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D employs a screw-drive autofocus mechanism, which, while not as fast as modern autofocus systems, performs adequately in most shooting scenarios. It’s sufficiently fast for capturing still subjects, such as portraits, landscapes, and everyday scenes.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a classic portrait lens, renowned for its sharp image quality and creamy bokeh. When searching for the best price on this lens, two popular online retailers often come to mind: Adorama and B&H Photo.
To compare their offerings, check out this comprehensive analysis on adorama vs b&h photo. Ultimately, the decision of where to purchase your Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D will depend on your individual needs and preferences, but both retailers offer competitive prices and excellent customer service.
However, when photographing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife, the lens’s autofocus speed might become a limiting factor.
Build Quality
The lens is constructed with a durable metal barrel and a solid feel, showcasing Nikon’s commitment to building high-quality optics. Its build quality reflects its age, as it lacks weather sealing and modern features like focus breathing control. However, it remains a robust lens capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday use.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a classic lens known for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh, making it a popular choice for portrait photographers. When considering a camera body to pair with this lens, the Panasonic GX85 and GX8 are both worthy contenders.
The GX85 offers a smaller, more compact form factor, while the GX8 boasts a larger sensor and more advanced features. To learn more about the differences between these two Panasonic models, check out this in-depth comparison: panasonic gx85 vs gx8.
Ultimately, the best camera body for the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
The lens’s build quality is a testament to Nikon’s commitment to craftsmanship. Its solid construction and durable metal barrel inspire confidence in its ability to withstand the demands of regular use.
Suitability for Different Photographic Genres
Portraiture
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a popular choice for portrait photography due to its ability to render pleasing bokeh, create a shallow depth of field, and produce sharp images with excellent skin tone rendition. The lens’s focal length is considered ideal for portraits, providing a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion.
Street Photography
The lens’s discreet size and relatively fast aperture make it suitable for street photography. It allows photographers to capture candid moments in a less intrusive manner, while its ability to perform well in low-light conditions expands its usability in various lighting situations.
Low-Light Shooting
The lens’s maximum aperture of f/1.8 allows photographers to capture images in low-light conditions without resorting to high ISO settings, which can introduce noise. This makes it an ideal choice for evening photography, indoor shooting, and other situations where lighting is limited.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a classic portrait lens known for its sharpness and creamy bokeh. Its versatility makes it ideal for a variety of photographic endeavors, but you’ll need ample storage space for all those stunning shots.
A quick calculation reveals that a 128GB memory card can hold roughly 25,000 RAW images or even more JPEGs, depending on the resolution and compression settings. how many photos will 128gb hold This ample capacity ensures that you can capture every moment with the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D without worrying about running out of space.
The lens’s ability to produce sharp images even at wide apertures makes it a valuable tool for low-light photography. Its fast aperture allows photographers to capture images in dimly lit environments without compromising image quality.
Examples of Images Captured with the Lens
* Portrait:A portrait of a woman captured at f/1.8, showcasing the lens’s ability to create a shallow depth of field and pleasing bokeh. The image demonstrates the lens’s sharpness and ability to render natural skin tones.
Street Photography
A candid shot of a street performer captured at f/2.8, showcasing the lens’s ability to capture detail in a low-light environment. The image highlights the lens’s discreet size and ability to perform well in challenging lighting conditions.
Landscape
A landscape photograph captured at f/8, showcasing the lens’s ability to produce sharp images with excellent detail across the frame. The image demonstrates the lens’s versatility and ability to capture landscapes with clarity and depth.
User Experience
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D lens offers a comfortable and user-friendly experience, making it a popular choice for photographers of various skill levels. Its design and features cater to both casual and professional use, balancing performance with practicality.
Handling and Ergonomics
The lens’s compact size and lightweight design contribute to its ease of handling. It weighs approximately 300 grams, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver for extended periods. The focusing ring is smooth and responsive, providing precise control over focus adjustments.
The lens features a traditional manual focus design, which allows for precise control over focus adjustments. The focusing ring is located on the front of the lens barrel, and its smooth, rubberized surface provides a comfortable grip. The focus throw is relatively short, allowing for quick and accurate focus adjustments.
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a classic lens known for its sharp images and beautiful bokeh, making it a favorite for portrait photographers. While it excels in the realm of 35mm photography, the world of medium format offers a different level of detail and resolution.
The Phase One DF 645 is a prime example, boasting a 645 sensor that captures stunning images with exceptional clarity. Even though the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a fantastic lens, its performance on a medium format camera like the Phase One DF 645 would be significantly enhanced by a dedicated medium format lens designed to take advantage of the larger sensor and higher resolution capabilities.
Compatibility and Limitations
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon film and digital SLR cameras. However, it’s important to note that it is an older lens, and its compatibility with newer cameras might be limited.
For example, some autofocus features might not be available on newer cameras, and the lens might not communicate with the camera’s autofocus system.
User Reviews and Opinions
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D lens has garnered positive reviews from photographers, who praise its sharpness, bokeh quality, and value for money. Many users consider it a great option for portrait photography, particularly due to its ability to produce pleasing background blur.
The lens’s compact size and lightweight design make it portable and convenient for everyday use. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for photographers on a budget. However, some users have noted that the lens’s autofocus can be slow, especially in low-light conditions.
Alternatives and Comparisons
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a popular choice for portrait photographers, but it’s not the only lens in its class. Several other lenses offer similar focal lengths and apertures, each with its strengths and weaknesses. This section will compare the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D to some of its most notable competitors, considering factors like price, image quality, and features.
This comparison will help you determine which lens best suits your needs and budget.
Comparison with Other 85mm Lenses
Several other 85mm lenses are available for Nikon cameras, offering a range of features and price points. Here’s a comparison of the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D with some of its most popular competitors:
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G:This lens is the successor to the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D and offers several improvements, including a faster autofocus system, a silent wave motor (SWM), and a more modern design. It also produces slightly sharper images, especially at wide apertures.
However, it is significantly more expensive than the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art:This lens is a full-frame mirrorless lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, but it is also available in an L-mount version. It offers excellent image quality, particularly at wide apertures, and features a fast autofocus system. However, it is significantly larger and heavier than the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, and it is also significantly more expensive.
- Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD:This lens is a full-frame lens designed for Canon and Nikon cameras. It offers excellent image quality, particularly at wide apertures, and features a fast autofocus system and vibration compensation (VC). It is also relatively affordable compared to the other lenses mentioned above.
However, it is slightly larger and heavier than the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D.
Pros and Cons of Each Lens
Each of these lenses has its own unique set of pros and cons:
- Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D:
- Pros:Affordable, compact and lightweight, produces excellent image quality, especially at wide apertures, classic “bokeh” effect, and good sharpness.
- Cons:Older design, slower autofocus, manual focusing ring, no autofocus motor, and susceptible to flare.
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G:
- Pros:Faster autofocus, silent wave motor (SWM), more modern design, slightly sharper images, and less susceptible to flare.
- Cons:More expensive than the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, larger and heavier.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art:
- Pros:Excellent image quality, particularly at wide apertures, fast autofocus, and modern design.
- Cons:Significantly larger and heavier than the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, more expensive, and not compatible with all Nikon cameras.
- Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD:
- Pros:Excellent image quality, particularly at wide apertures, fast autofocus, vibration compensation (VC), and relatively affordable.
- Cons:Slightly larger and heavier than the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D, not as sharp as the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art.
Conclusion
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a classic lens that continues to hold its own against modern offerings. Its strengths lie in its sharp image quality, beautiful bokeh, and affordable price. However, it also has some limitations, including its lack of autofocus motor and its susceptibility to flare.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability. Its strengths are:
- Sharp Image Quality:The lens delivers excellent sharpness, especially when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4. This makes it well-suited for portraiture, where crisp detail is essential.
- Beautiful Bokeh:The lens produces smooth, pleasing bokeh, particularly at wider apertures. This characteristic adds a dreamy quality to images, enhancing the subject’s separation from the background.
- Affordable Price:Compared to newer, more advanced lenses, the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for photographers on a tight budget.
However, the lens also has some drawbacks:
- Lack of Autofocus Motor:The lens lacks its own autofocus motor, requiring a camera body with built-in autofocus capabilities. This can be a limitation for photographers who prioritize fast and accurate autofocus.
- Susceptibility to Flare:The lens can be prone to flare, especially in backlit situations. This can result in unwanted ghosting or halos in images.
- Limited Features:The lens lacks modern features like autofocus fine-tuning, vibration reduction, and weather sealing.
Recommendations
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a good choice for:
- Portrait Photographers:Its sharp image quality, beautiful bokeh, and affordable price make it a great option for portrait photographers who prioritize aesthetic appeal over advanced features.
- Photographers on a Budget:The lens provides excellent value for money, offering impressive performance at a relatively low price.
- Photographers who Shoot in Controlled Lighting:The lens performs best in well-lit environments, minimizing the risk of flare and allowing for more precise manual focusing.
Final Verdict
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D is a solid lens that delivers excellent image quality at an affordable price. It’s a great choice for photographers who prioritize sharpness, bokeh, and affordability over advanced features. However, its lack of autofocus motor and susceptibility to flare may limit its appeal for some photographers.
Ultimately, whether the lens is a good value for money depends on your individual needs and shooting style.
Final Review: Nikon Af Nikkor 85mm F/1.8d Used
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D used continues to stand as a testament to Nikon’s legacy of craftsmanship. Its ability to deliver exceptional image quality, coupled with its user-friendly design and affordable price point, makes it a compelling choice for photographers seeking a versatile and reliable portrait lens.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, this lens offers a window into the world of classic photography, allowing you to capture moments with a timeless quality.