Nikon 85mm f2 0 – Nikon 85mm f/2 sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. This lens, a cornerstone of the Nikon lineup, embodies the spirit of classic portrait photography.
It has been a staple for generations of photographers, capturing timeless images that have shaped the world’s perception of beauty and artistry. The Nikon 85mm f/2 is not merely a lens; it’s a window into a world where light, composition, and human emotion converge to create enduring masterpieces.
Introduced in the late 1970s, the Nikon 85mm f/2 quickly gained recognition for its exceptional image quality and versatility. It became a favorite among professional and amateur photographers alike, renowned for its ability to produce sharp, detailed images with a pleasing, creamy bokeh.
The lens’s compact size and lightweight design made it an ideal companion for both studio and on-location shoots.
The Nikon 85mm f/2: A Classic Portrait Lens
The Nikon 85mm f/2 is a renowned portrait lens known for its sharp image quality, creamy bokeh, and classic rendering. It has been a staple in photographers’ kits for decades, earning a reputation as a versatile and reliable tool for capturing stunning portraits.
Historical Context
The Nikon 85mm f/2 has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the 1960s. Its lineage can be traced to the Nikon 85mm f/1.8, a lens introduced in 1962. While the f/1.8 lens offered a wider aperture, the f/2 version, released in 1972, aimed to provide a more compact and affordable option while maintaining excellent image quality.
This lens quickly became a popular choice for portrait photographers, and its reputation has only grown stronger over the years.
The Nikon 85mm f/2.0 is a classic portrait lens, known for its sharp rendering and beautiful bokeh. While it excels in capturing subjects close-up, if you’re looking for a wide perspective to capture expansive landscapes or architectural marvels, you’ll need a different tool.
For those venturing into the world of wide-angle photography, exploring the best Canon lens options can be a great starting point. This comprehensive guide can help you navigate the world of wide-angle lenses and discover the perfect match for your creative vision.
Returning to the Nikon 85mm f/2.0, its fixed focal length and fast aperture make it a favorite for photographers seeking to isolate their subjects with a shallow depth of field, creating a sense of intimacy and drawing the viewer’s eye to the central focus.
The Significance of the Nikon 85mm f/2 in Photography
The Nikon 85mm f/2 has become a cornerstone in the world of photography due to its exceptional performance and versatility.
Key Features
- Sharp Image Quality:The lens is renowned for its sharp images, even at wide apertures. This sharpness is crucial for capturing detail in portraits, ensuring that subjects appear clear and defined.
- Creamy Bokeh:The lens produces a smooth and pleasing out-of-focus area, commonly known as bokeh. This effect helps to isolate the subject from the background, creating a visually appealing separation and enhancing the overall portrait composition.
- Classic Rendering:The Nikon 85mm f/2 delivers a classic rendering, producing images with a slightly warm tone and subtle contrast. This rendering style is favored by many photographers for its natural and timeless look.
- Versatility:While primarily known for portraiture, the lens is also well-suited for other genres, including fashion, wedding, and street photography. Its moderate focal length provides a balanced perspective that can be used for various subjects.
- Affordability:Compared to some other high-end portrait lenses, the Nikon 85mm f/2 is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of photographers.
Technical Specifications
The Nikon 85mm f/2 is a renowned portrait lens, known for its sharp images, beautiful bokeh, and compact design. To understand why this lens is so highly regarded, it’s important to delve into its technical specifications.
Lens Construction
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens consists of 6 elements in 5 groups, which contributes to its sharpness and overall image quality. This design balances the complexity of the lens with the need for efficient light transmission and minimal distortion.
Aperture Range
The lens features an aperture range of f/2 to f/22, offering versatility for different shooting situations. The wide maximum aperture of f/2 allows for shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background and creating a pleasing bokeh effect.
This is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, where the focus is on capturing the subject’s details while blurring the background.
Focal Length
The 85mm focal length is considered a classic portrait length, offering a flattering perspective that emphasizes the subject’s features without distorting their proportions. This focal length creates a natural look and is ideal for capturing a range of subjects, from individual portraits to small group shots.
Weight
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens weighs approximately 350 grams, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods. This portability is a significant advantage for photographers who often shoot on the move.
Comparison with Other Portrait Lenses
The following table compares the Nikon 85mm f/2 to other popular portrait lenses in the same price range:| Lens | Focal Length | Maximum Aperture | Weight | Price ||—————————————–|————-|——————-|——–|——-|| Nikon 85mm f/2 | 85mm | f/2 | 350g | $600 || Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | 85mm | f/1.8 | 355g | $400 || Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | 85mm | f/1.4 | 630g | $900 || Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 | 85mm | f/1.8 | 371g | $550 |This comparison highlights the Nikon 85mm f/2’s competitive price point and balanced performance, offering a compelling option for photographers seeking a high-quality portrait lens without breaking the bank.
Image Quality
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens is renowned for its exceptional image quality, making it a favorite among photographers seeking stunning portraits and other subjects. Its sharpness, contrast, bokeh, and chromatic aberration all contribute to its overall excellence.
Sharpness
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens delivers impressive sharpness throughout the frame, especially when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6. This sharpness is attributed to its well-designed optical formula, which minimizes distortion and aberrations. At wider apertures, the lens may exhibit some softness in the corners, but this is generally not a significant issue for most photographers.
Contrast
The lens produces images with high contrast, resulting in vibrant and well-defined details. This high contrast is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, as it helps to accentuate the subject’s features and create a sense of depth.
Bokeh
The bokeh produced by the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens is often described as smooth and pleasing. This is due to the lens’s circular aperture blades, which create a soft and creamy out-of-focus area. The bokeh is particularly noticeable at wider apertures, adding a touch of artistic beauty to images.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration, the color fringing that can occur at the edges of high-contrast areas, is well-controlled in the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens. While some chromatic aberration may be noticeable at wide apertures, it is generally minimal and easily corrected in post-processing.
Examples of Photographs
- A portrait photograph taken with the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens at f/2.8, showcasing the lens’s ability to produce sharp detail and pleasing bokeh.
- A close-up shot of a flower, demonstrating the lens’s sharpness and ability to capture fine details.
- A photograph of a landscape scene, highlighting the lens’s ability to render vibrant colors and high contrast.
Comparison to Other Lenses
Compared to other popular portrait lenses in the same price range, the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens stands out for its balance of sharpness, bokeh, and overall image quality. While some lenses may offer slightly better sharpness at wide apertures, the Nikon 85mm f/2 delivers a more consistent and pleasing performance across the aperture range.
Performance and Handling
The Nikon 85mm f/2 is renowned for its exceptional image quality, but its performance extends beyond just capturing stunning photographs. Its handling characteristics play a crucial role in the overall shooting experience, influencing factors like speed, accuracy, and ease of use.
The Nikon 85mm f/2.0 lens is a classic choice for portrait photographers, known for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh. It’s a significant investment, though, and like any valuable piece of equipment, it’s wise to consider insurance. You can find comprehensive reviews of full-frame insurance options at full frame insurance reviews to ensure your Nikon 85mm f/2.0 is protected from the unexpected, allowing you to capture those precious moments with confidence.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system in the Nikon 85mm f/2 is known for its speed and accuracy. It employs a silent wave motor (SWM) for quick and quiet focusing, making it ideal for capturing fleeting moments. The lens’s focusing mechanism is designed to achieve precise focus, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Nikon 85mm f/2’s autofocus performance is particularly impressive when shooting subjects in motion. The lens can quickly acquire focus and track moving subjects with remarkable accuracy.
Build Quality and Durability
The Nikon 85mm f/2 is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its robust construction features a metal barrel and a durable lens mount, ensuring long-lasting performance. The lens is also weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture, making it suitable for shooting in various environments.
Handling Characteristics
The Nikon 85mm f/2 is a relatively lightweight lens, weighing in at approximately 1.2 pounds. Its balanced design and comfortable grip make it easy to handle, even for extended periods. The lens features a manual focus ring that is smooth and precise, allowing for fine adjustments to focus.
The Nikon 85mm f/2’s weight and balance make it a comfortable lens to use on a variety of camera bodies. Its manual focus ring provides a tactile and intuitive experience, allowing photographers to fine-tune focus with precision.
The Nikon 85mm f/2.0 is a classic portrait lens, known for its sharpness and creamy bokeh. While its fixed focal length makes it less ideal for capturing fast-paced action, its ability to isolate subjects against a blurred background can be captivating.
If you’re looking for a camera that excels in capturing dynamic movement, you’ll want to consider a camera with a faster burst rate and continuous autofocus, as discussed in this article on good cameras for action shots. However, the Nikon 85mm f/2.0 remains a fantastic choice for capturing posed portraits and still life subjects with stunning detail and depth.
Applications and Uses
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens, with its classic design and timeless performance, finds its place in a variety of photographic applications. Its strengths and weaknesses in each application are worth exploring, as they highlight the lens’s versatility and character.
Portrait Photography, Nikon 85mm f2 0
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens is renowned for its ability to capture stunning portraits. Its focal length creates a flattering perspective that minimizes distortion and emphasizes the subject’s features. The shallow depth of field at f/2 creates beautiful bokeh, blurring the background and isolating the subject.
This combination of factors results in portraits that are both sharp and captivating.
The 85mm focal length is often considered ideal for portraits, providing a natural perspective that doesn’t distort facial features.
The lens’s fast aperture allows for shooting in low light conditions and achieving a pleasing shallow depth of field, which is crucial for isolating subjects and creating a dreamy background blur. However, the lens’s relatively close minimum focusing distance limits its use for close-up portraits, such as headshots.
- Strengths:
- Flattering perspective for portraits
- Beautiful bokeh for subject isolation
- Fast aperture for low light shooting
- Weaknesses:
- Limited close-up focusing distance
For example, a portrait photographer using the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens might capture a bride and groom in a soft, romantic light, with the background blurred to emphasize their connection. The lens’s sharp rendering and pleasing bokeh would create a timeless and elegant portrait.
Wedding Photography
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens is a popular choice for wedding photographers due to its versatility and ability to capture a variety of moments. Its fast aperture is ideal for capturing candid moments in low light conditions, such as during the ceremony or reception.
The lens’s ability to create a shallow depth of field allows photographers to isolate subjects and create a sense of intimacy, particularly during emotional moments like vows or first dances.
- Strengths:
- Fast aperture for low light shooting
- Shallow depth of field for isolating subjects
- Versatility for capturing various moments
- Weaknesses:
- Limited close-up focusing distance for capturing details
- Potential for camera shake in low light conditions
A wedding photographer might use the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens to capture the emotional expressions of the bride and groom during their vows, with the background softly blurred to emphasize their connection. The lens’s ability to capture detail and create a sense of intimacy would make this a powerful and memorable image.
Street Photography
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens can be used for street photography, although it is not as common as shorter focal lengths. Its longer focal length allows for a more compressed perspective, which can create a sense of intimacy and draw the viewer into the scene.
The lens’s fast aperture is also useful for capturing fleeting moments in low light conditions.
- Strengths:
- Compressed perspective for intimacy
- Fast aperture for low light shooting
- Weaknesses:
- Limited close-up focusing distance
- Longer focal length can make it challenging to capture candid moments
A street photographer might use the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens to capture a portrait of a street performer, with the background blurred to emphasize their presence and the details of their performance. The lens’s ability to capture detail and create a sense of intimacy would make this a powerful and evocative image.
Comparisons and Alternatives: Nikon 85mm F2 0
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens stands as a formidable option in the realm of portrait lenses. However, it’s essential to consider its place within the competitive landscape, particularly when compared to other popular choices in the same price range. This section will delve into the merits and drawbacks of the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens in comparison to its counterparts, the Canon 85mm f/1.8 and the Sony 85mm f/1.8.
Comparison with Canon 85mm f/1.8
The Canon 85mm f/1.8 is a well-regarded lens, known for its sharp image quality and affordability.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- The Canon 85mm f/1.8 boasts a wider maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing for greater light gathering and shallower depth of field. This translates to more pronounced subject isolation and a pleasing bokeh effect.
- On the flip side, the Nikon 85mm f/2 offers a more compact and lightweight design, making it easier to carry and handle. This can be a significant advantage for photographers on the move.
- While the Canon 85mm f/1.8 is known for its sharpness, the Nikon 85mm f/2 exhibits a slightly warmer and more pleasing color rendition. This can be a subjective preference, but some photographers appreciate the subtle warmth of the Nikon lens.
Comparison with Sony 85mm f/1.8
The Sony 85mm f/1.8 lens is a strong contender in the mirrorless camera world. It’s designed specifically for Sony’s E-mount system and offers excellent performance for portrait photography.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- The Sony 85mm f/1.8 lens features a wider maximum aperture of f/1.8, providing similar benefits to the Canon lens in terms of light gathering and depth of field control. This allows for greater flexibility in low-light conditions and achieving a pleasing bokeh effect.
- The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens, being a more mature design, often exhibits better build quality and weather sealing. This can be crucial for photographers working in challenging environments or who need a lens that can withstand the rigors of frequent use.
The Nikon 85mm f/2.0 lens is a classic portrait lens known for its sharpness and creamy bokeh. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a popular choice for street photographers as well. While Nikon’s lens excels in its modern technology, some photographers prefer the classic feel of medium format cameras like the Mamiya Sekor 1000 DTL , known for its meticulous detail and large negative size.
However, the Nikon 85mm f/2.0 offers a balance of portability and quality that remains a favorite among many photographers today.
- While the Sony 85mm f/1.8 lens is designed for mirrorless cameras, the Nikon 85mm f/2 lens offers compatibility with a wider range of cameras, including both DSLR and mirrorless models. This versatility can be a significant advantage for photographers who want to use their lens across different systems.
Lens Specifications
The following table provides a comprehensive comparison of the key features and specifications of each lens:| Feature | Nikon 85mm f/2 | Canon 85mm f/1.8 | Sony 85mm f/1.8 ||—|—|—|—|| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.8 | f/1.8 || Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 | f/16 || Lens Elements/Groups | 6 elements in 5 groups | 7 elements in 6 groups | 9 elements in 7 groups || Closest Focusing Distance | 0.85m (2.8ft) | 0.85m (2.8ft) | 0.8m (2.6ft) || Filter Size | 52mm | 58mm | 67mm || Weight | 350g (12.3oz) | 355g (12.5oz) | 371g (13.1oz) || Dimensions | 75mm x 82mm | 78mm x 93mm | 76mm x 93mm || Autofocus | Yes | Yes | Yes || Image Stabilization | No | No | No || Weather Sealing | Yes | No | Yes |
The Nikon 85mm f/2.0 is a classic portrait lens, known for its creamy bokeh and sharp rendering. It’s a versatile lens, capable of capturing everything from intimate portraits to stunning landscapes. For a slightly different perspective, some photographers opt for the legendary leica 50mm f/2 summicron-m , a lens that’s renowned for its exceptional sharpness and character.
While the Leica is a more compact and portable option, the Nikon 85mm f/2.0 delivers a unique combination of sharpness, depth, and bokeh that makes it a timeless choice for portrait photography.
Conclusion
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens is a classic for a reason. It combines excellent image quality, beautiful bokeh, and a compact and lightweight design. While it may not be the most modern lens on the market, it remains a strong performer, especially for portrait photography.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Nikon 85mm f/2 lens offers a compelling combination of strengths and weaknesses.
- Strengths:
- Exceptional image quality with sharp details and pleasing color rendition.
- Beautiful bokeh with a smooth and creamy out-of-focus area.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Affordable price point compared to newer lenses with similar specifications.
- Durable build quality, ensuring longevity.
- Weaknesses:
- Manual focus only, which may require some practice and adjustment for certain shooting scenarios.
- Limited autofocus capabilities when used on newer Nikon DSLRs.
- Susceptible to flare and ghosting in high-contrast situations.
Final Wrap-Up
The Nikon 85mm f/2 remains a timeless classic, a testament to Nikon’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Its legacy is etched in countless photographs that have captured the essence of human experience. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, the Nikon 85mm f/2 offers a unique opportunity to create images that transcend time and resonate with the viewer on a deeply personal level.
This lens is a powerful tool that allows you to see the world through a new lens, to capture the fleeting moments that define our lives.