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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Review

Looking to find more information regarding the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G? Read our latest review to learn more about the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G, its specifications, and if it’s a good camera lens for you. 

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Overview

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a fast and versatile camera lens that is ideal for portrait and landscape photography.

With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, it is perfect for low-light situations and can produce stunning bokeh effects. The lens is also weather-sealed, making it resistant to the elements. In addition, the autofocus system is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp images.

Overall, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a high-quality camera lens.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Specifications

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G was first announced on 08/01/2010 with a Nikon F FX mount type. Below is a summary of this lens’s specifications: 

Indicative Price: $2199Zoom Type: None
Release Date: 08/01/2010Mount Type: Nikon F FX
Focal Range: 85mmTripod Mount: No
Aperture: F/1.4Colors Available: Black
Filter Diameter (millimeters): 77Full-Time Manual Focus: Yes
Maximum Diameter (millimeters): 86.2Number Of Lenses: 10
AF Motor: SWMLength (millimeters): 84
Stabilization: NoWeight (grams): 660

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Performance

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a high-performance camera lens that is great for capturing sharp images with beautiful bokeh.

The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the lens produces consistent results across a variety of shooting conditions.

The build quality is excellent, and the lens is very well-balanced on a Nikon DSLR body. The only downside of this lens is its price tag, but the performance and image quality are worth the investment for serious photographers.

Build and Handling Quality

Nikon is a well-known brand in the world of cameras and lenses, and the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a prime example of why they are so highly regarded.

This lens is built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, resulting in a solid and durable product. The focus ring is smooth and precise, making it easy to get the perfect shot every time.

And despite its large aperture, the lens is still quite lightweight and easy to handle.

Autofocus Performance

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a high-quality camera lens that is known for its excellent autofocus performance. In fact, many professional photographers consider this lens to be the best 85mm lens on the market in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy.

The lens uses a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to focus quickly and quietly, making it an ideal choice for shooting video as well as stills. The autofocus system also has full-time manual focus override, which means that you can make fine adjustments to the focus even when the camera is in autofocus mode.

Sharpness

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a high-end camera lens that is known for its exceptional sharpness. The lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for excellent low-light performance.

In addition, the lens has a Nano Crystal Coat that helps to reduce flare and ghosting. As a result, images captured with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G are typically crisp and clear. The lens is also autofocus compatible, making it an ideal choice for those who want to capture fast-moving subjects.

Distortions / Aberrations 

When shooting with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G camera lens, you may notice some distortions or aberrations in your images. These can be caused by a number of factors, including the type of lens you’re using, the distance between you and your subject, and the lighting conditions. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize these effects.

First, make sure you’re using a lens hood to protect the lens from stray light.

Second, try to keep your distance from your subject; the closer you are, the more pronounced the distortion will be.

Finally, shoot in a well-lit area; shadows can exacerbate distortion. By following these simple tips, you can produce high-quality images with minimal distortion.

Vignetting / Color Fringing

Vignetting and color fringing are two of the most common problems faced by photographers.

Vignetting occurs when the corners of an image are darker than the rest of the picture, while color fringing is caused by light waves reflecting off of the lens elements and producing a tinted halo around the edges of objects.

These problems can be especially pronounced in lenses with a large aperture, like the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G.

However, there are a few ways to minimize their effects. First, try to avoid shooting in low-light conditions, as this will make any vignetting or color fringing more visible.

Second, use a lens hood to reduce the amount of light that hits the lens elements directly. Finally, post-process your images using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, which can help to correct some of the distortions caused by vignetting and color fringing.

By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your images are as clear and sharp as possible.

Image Quality

The image quality of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G camera lens is superb. The lens produces sharp images with great detail and excellent contrast. The colors are accurately reproduced, and the lens handles backlighting very well. There is some vignetting at the edges of the frame, but this is not a major issue.

Bokeh

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a high-quality camera lens that is known for its excellent bokeh. Bokeh is the quality of the out-of-focus areas of an image, and the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G produces beautiful, creamy bokeh that is perfect for portrait photography.

The lens is also extremely sharp, making it a great choice for capturing fine details. In addition, the fast aperture allows for greater flexibility when shooting in low light conditions.

How Does The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Score? 

Below are the lens metric scores we’ve measured for this specific lens: 

  • Performance and Image Quality: 8/10
  • Features: 7/10
  • Bokeh: 9/10
  • Build Quality: 7/10
  • AutoFocus Quality: 7/10
  • Handling: 8/10
  • Value: 7/10

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G Pros and Cons

Below are some of the pros and cons regarding this lens. 

Pros: 

  • Great bokeh
  • Great sharpness quality
  • Solid build quality
  • Nice size compared to other pro zoom lenses
  • Good contrast and color in images

Cons: 

  • The price is high, although the pros outweigh the con of the price point
  • Some vignetting / distortion, but it’s minimal

Similar Lenses To The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G

Below are other comparable lenses to consider when looked at alongside the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G:

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

For many photographers, the 85mm focal length is the perfect balance between a wide angle and a telephoto lens. And when it comes to fast prime lenses, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G are two of the best on the market. Both lenses are extremely sharp, with greatchromatic aberration control.

The Canon lens is slightly lighter and has a faster autofocus system, while the Nikon lens has a closer minimum focus distance and comes with a hood. Ultimately, which lens is right for you depends on your own shooting style and preferences. But if you’re looking for an outstanding 85mm prime lens, either the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM or Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G will definitely suit your needs.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

When it comes to portrait photography, two of the most popular camera lenses on the market are the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM and the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G.

Both lenses offer a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, making them ideal for shooting in low light conditions.

They also both have a focal length of 85mm, which is ideal for capturing close-up portraits with a shallow depth of field. So, what sets these two lenses apart? One key difference is that the Canon lens features built-in Image Stabilization (IS), whereas the Nikon lens does not.

This means that the Canon lens will be better able to compensate for camera shake, making it a better choice for handheld shooting.

Another difference is that the Canon lens has a slightly longer minimum focusing distance (2.8 feet) than the Nikon lens (2.6 feet). This can be beneficial when shooting subjects that are further away, such as a group shot or a full-length portrait.

Ultimately, both lenses are outstanding choices for portrait photography, but the decision of which one to choose will come down to personal preference and shooting style.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

If you’re in the market for an 85mm camera lens, you may be wondering whether the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens or the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is the better option.

Both lenses are excellent choices, but they have some distinct differences. The Sigma lens is significantly cheaper, but it’s also a bit heavier and bulkier.

The Nikon lens produces slightly sharper images, but it doesn’t perform as well in low-light situations.

Ultimately, the best decision depends on your specific needs and preferences. But if you’re looking for an all-around excellent 85mm camera lens, either the Sigma or the Nikon will serve you well.

Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens

If you’re looking for a great all-around lens, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens is a great choice. It’s ideal for portraits and other close-up shots, and it produces sharp, detailed images. It’s also affordably priced, making it a great option for budget-conscious photographers.

However, if you’re looking for the best possible image quality, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is the way to go. It’s more expensive, but it produces truly stunning images. So if you’re willing to spend a little extra, the Nikon lens is the better option. But if you’re looking for a great value, the Tamron lens is a great choice.

Conclusion

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a high-quality camera lens that is ideal for portrait photography. It has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for great low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The lens is also very sharp and produces beautiful bokeh. The only downside of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is its price tag, which is quite high. However, if you are looking for an excellent portrait lens, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is definitely worth the investment.

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