Nikon Product Reviews and Ratings - 35mm & Digital SLR Lenses - Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood

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Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market image

(based on 21 ratings)

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Brand: Nikon

Located in: Cameras & Lenses, Lenses & Accessories, 35mm & Digital SLR Lenses

Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market

More information for the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market

Review Snapshot®

Avg. Customer Rating:

4.9 stars

(based on 21 reviews)

100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:

Consistent output(14), Durable(13), Easily interchangeable(8), Fast / accurate auto-focus(19), Rugged(12)

Cons:

Heavy(4)

Best Uses:

General purpose(8), Night photography(6), Portraits(13), Professional work(3), Sports/action(3)

Describe Yourself:

Enthusiast(6), Professional(4), Semi-professional(6)

Perfect addition for my camera!

By Wetwilly

from Hillsboro, Missouri on 1/24/2011

Pros:

Perfect for portraits, Sharp at all focal length

Best Uses:

Indoors/Low Light, Landscape/Scenery, Weddings/Events, Wildlife Photos

Describe Yourself:

Semi-pro Photographer

Was this a gift?:

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

The most versatile lens for a variety of uses.

Smart move

By Sarge

from Odenton, MD on 3/21/2010

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Rugged, Strong Construction

Cons:

Heavy

Best Uses:

Indoors/Low Light, Weddings/Events

Describe Yourself:

Pro Photographer

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

I have been a portrait/wedding photographer for over 20 years an this lense meets all my needs for portraits. Some might think it's heavy and if they do go to the gym, everything is about getting the shot.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Excellent

By Alberto

from Vicenza, Italy on 1/14/2010

Pros:

Excellent optical quality, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Portraits, Weddings/Events

Describe Yourself:

Photo Enthusiast

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

In my opinion the best Nikon lens for portrait

just ok with auto focus

By dbl k

from los angeles on 1/10/2010

Pros:

Durable

Cons:

Slow Focus

Best Uses:

Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

auto focus is a little slow.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Alens by its class

By Nutu

from Kolkata-India on 9/29/2009

Describe Yourself:

Professional

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Rugged, Strong Construction

Cons:

Heavy, Slow Focus

Best Uses:

General Use, Landscape Photography, Night Photography, Wildlife

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

Although meant for portraiture, this lense proves its worth against backlit subjects,street photography and close up works.Its a valuable addition to my stable of lenses.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

I love this lens!

By sgk68 from Sydney Australia on 7/11/2009

Describe Yourself:

Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight, Quick Focus, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Portraits, Sports/Action

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

I also have the 70-300 VR, 14-24 f2.8 and 24-70 f2.8 and this is my favourite. Even if the model is updated to say AF i just don't care, this leans will be in my bag forever.

[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

Nothing else than a gorgeous lens!

By crowley213

from Mexico on 5/19/2009

Describe Yourself:

Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Quick Focus, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

General Use, Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

Yes, what else to say than a gorgeous lens.

If you are looking for that lens you will already have read a lot of reviews, as well from pros as from amateurs. So I am quite sure that already everything is said about that lens.

What I just would like to add... yes, this lens is not a bargain. If you want to save some money and decide to go for the f/1.8 version you will for sure also not be disappointed or go wrong. But if you want to have these last few percent of "lens quality", in this special case maybe "only" the nothing else than outstanding bokeh... then go for it. You will not regret!

My personal "philosophy" in photography, especially when going for equipment: All depends on what you want to have (maybe need!) and what is your budget. And... you get what you pay for.

super nice potrait lens

By yltangdds

from Bay Area, CA on 5/4/2009

Describe Yourself:

Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Night Photography

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

This is a super nice, professional portrait lens. One of my favorite.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Sharpissimo!

By Lange Renne

from Brussels, Belgium on 5/4/2009

Describe Yourself:

Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Pros:

Consistent Output, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

General Use, Portrait

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

It's been years - decades - that I had been yearning for this one. And, you know what? They don't call it the cream lens for nothing. I currently use it on a D80, mainly for kids and street scenes, where it does wonders. It will soon fit a D700, where I expect the "real" focal length (FX) to give me a little more range. I mostly use it at large aperture (1.4 to 2.8): it's sharp, very sharp (again, on DX).
I don't think it's heavy, since I'm used to the 17-35, another great lens.

Amazing Lens

By Markie Mark

from Jamaica. on 3/30/2009

Describe Yourself:

Professional

Pros:

Durable, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

General Use, Night Photography

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

This lens is truly amazing. It's large aperture allows me to shoot in low lighting conditions as well as giving a very nice bokeh. I use this for weddings and is used all the times. It's a well built lens which is why it is on the heavy side. The only drawback is the it can only be fully manual or fully automatic. One of my favorite lenses.

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

Stunning IQ

By NYC Photographer

from New York, NY on 12/29/2008

Describe Yourself:

Professional

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Quick Focus, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Night Photography, Portraits, Sports/Action

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

I absolutely love this lens. I went from using a Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 to using the 85mm f/1.4 exclusively for headshot and 3/4 shots . Solid build and I'm not worried about a new A-FS version as this one is definitely fast enough for me. Get it, you know you want it ;)

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

The Cream Machine!

By Monty Stagner

from Kentucky on 9/6/2008

Describe Yourself:

Semi-Professional

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Easy To Clean, Lightweight, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

General Use, Portraits, Sports/Action

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

I had this lens a few years ago but sold it in a week moment thinking my 70-200 2.8 VR would suffice. I missed it immediately. This one will be in my estate!

[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

verdict is still out on this one..

By taerriesnsce

from Austin, Tx on 6/26/2008

Describe Yourself:

Semi-Professional

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Rugged, Sharp Focus

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

Focus is a little slow as compared to the 70-200 f2.8 nikon. The brokeh is beautiful though, much better than the 50mm 1.4.

Bought it as it gives the extra reach required for photographing indoor weddings at low light.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

the sharpest lens I own

By jabasbus

from Toronto, Canada on 2/27/2008

Describe Yourself:

Semi-Professional

Pros:

Durable, Rugged, Sharp Focus

Cons:

NONE

Best Uses:

General Use, Night Photography, Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

this is the best lens in my bag and it is the sharpest as well. The colours are vivid, the saturation awesome and the bokeh superb. It is worth every penny it costs and I highly recommend it.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

the best portrait lens

By john

from Phoenix on 2/21/2008

Describe Yourself:

Casual user

Pros:

Consistent Output, Easily Interchangeable, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

I heard about this lens long time ago, and I am still impressed by its quality in portrait shot.

[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

the best portrait lens that I never use

By Pablo

from Roma, Italy on 2/21/2008

Describe Yourself:

Hobbyist/Enthusiast

Pros:

Consistent Output, Durable, Easy To Clean, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Cons:

Heavy, No VR

Best Uses:

General Use, Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

This are the best portrait lens that I use, I had the 1.8 but this lenbs are really wonderfull

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

outstanding optics

By Spinner

from Johannesburg South Africa on 1/21/2008

Describe Yourself:

Professional

Pros:

Amazing bokeh, Consistent Output, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Cons:

Heavy

Best Uses:

General Use, Night Photography, Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

This is truly the rolls royce of portrait lenses

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

Tremendous Lens

By Mac

from Peoria, Il on 1/21/2008

Describe Yourself:

Semi-Professional

Pros:

Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Portraits

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

This is one of the finest lenses I own. It is perfect for portraits and any image that you need to be extremely sharp.

[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

The brightest clearest glass ever

By Cyberbronco

from Florida on 7/12/2007

Describe Yourself:

Semi-Professional

Pros:

Consistent Output, Easily Interchangeable, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Indoor use, Portraits, Professional Work

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

Simply the brightest clearest glass I have ever used or seen. This lens takes your hobby or profession to the next level. It is great for taking pictures indoors in natural/available light. I use it on my D50 Nikon. It has a shallow depth of field so give yourself a little distance from your subject otherwise you can't get the whole face in focus.

[11 of 11 customers found this review helpful]

Maybe the finest lens Nikon makes

By Goateeki

from Bergen County, NJ on 7/10/2007

Describe Yourself:

Semi-Professional

Pros:

Built like a tank., Consistent Output, Durable, Rugged, Sharp Focus, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Portraits, Professional Work

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

I've used lenses on my rangefinder that are reputedly the sharpest ever made. The performance of this lens is indistinguishable from Leica lenses costing twice as much. It has extremely accurate, lightning fast autofocus on my D2x. The bokeh is consistently smooth and beautiful, with nice round points (resulting from the multiple curved blades). Best lens I've ever owned, with 20 years in photography. Easily worth twice the cost, when compared to what else is out there.

Images shared by: Goateeki

Watching a balloon float away at July 4th parade

Tags: Made with Product

[10 of 10 customers found this review helpful]

Legendary Lens

By Hun

from Bradenton, FL on 5/27/2007

Pros:

Great bokeh, Nice Handling, Superbly built, Super fast, Well Balance

Cons:

No AFS and VR

Best Uses:

Professional Work, Special Effects

Describe Yourself:

Hobbyist/Enthusiast, Semi-Pro

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market:

Do not compare this lens with 85mm F1.8 as this F1.4 is clearly unrivalled. The sharpness at F1.4 is nothing short of spectacular, even the Nikon 50mm F1.4 AFD at F1.4 is softer as compared to this lens. It renders the focused object with sweet 3D effects coupled with the blurred background so creamy soft and fine,... that left nothing to be desired. I use it for portrait, walkaround and night performances.

Even without AFS its focusing is very fast on D200 and the 2 extra stops advantage over the F2.8 lens negate the need for VR.

Get one, you will not regret it.

Customer Reviews about the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D IF AF Telephoto Nikkor Lens with Hood - Gray Market at Adorama