Overview
Compare
Accessories
Specs
Protection
Q&A

Questions & Answers

Shopper : What is the USH model?
Shopper : Can it be used with a Nikon D500?DAVID C S : I use it on both my D7200 and D500 DX bodies even though its an FX lens.DAVID C S : Yes, I use it both on D7200 and D500 Nikon DX bodiesANDREW R : Yes, I believe so.
PAWEL P : can I use it with my nikon D5500?ANDREW R : Yes

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2021-02-03T07:34:39

Rated 5 out of 5

A beautiful lens

Absolutely love this lens, especially for portraits!

MELISSA K.

2020-11-04T07:29:10

Rated 5 out of 5

Tamron 85mm

Great quality at half the price of Canon’s equivalent. My only complaint is the VC can be fairly loud. It can be slightly annoying when working in a quiet church near people. Overall, great lens and would definitely recommend it.

AARON E.

2020-09-21T08:10:42

Rated 5 out of 5

Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USH Lens is Amazing

Wonderful lens. Beautiful portraits, bokeh is amazing and can be used for nadscapes as well.

JOHN P.

2019-05-31T03:44:56

Rated 5 out of 5

Best 85mm @1.8

Best 85mm I have experienced at this arpeture thus fat for the prices

Jose D.

2019-05-08T07:13:55

Rated 5 out of 5

Exceptional Lens at an exceptional value!! MUST purchase!!

This lens...OMG!!! Exceptionally sharp! 1st look of image, even through my crappy rear LCD screen stopped me in my tracks! I shoot with a Nikon D800 full frame and LOVE this lens. Was originally drooling over Sigma Art? Just couldn't do it. Very happy with this and my other Tamron lens (45mm...sweet spot between a 35 and 50mm, 24-70mm G2 and 70-200mm G2.). I could not find to rent anywhere, so took a chance and bought it. If YOU do not get great results, then it must be camera or you that is causing you not to. Get it at $!!

HUIE D.

2019-04-21T04:12:31

Rated 5 out of 5

Tamron 85mm portrait lens worthwhile

Excellent lens for portraiture. Solidly built. Quick focusing. Good investment. Highly recommend.

Richard M.

2019-04-17T04:43:47

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent lens, but too expensive

Tamron's SP 35mm, 45mm, and 85mm lenses compete head-to-head with Nikon's, no doubt. They are fantastic lenses and well built. Fast and sharp. But only the 45mm is priced as it should be - I'm just not willing to pay the hefty premium over the Nikon's just to get VR. Tamron is usually the "go to" for value, but in the case of this 85mm f/1.8 (and less so with the 35mm), the Nikon f/1.8 is the better value (this Tamron is almost double). Hopefully with the intro of Tamron's f/1.4 line primes (35mm first, hopefully 85mm coming soon), the f/1.8 models will drop in price.

RON S.

2019-04-15T23:13:20

Rated 5 out of 5

Took a LONG time to decide to get this....no regrets so far! Love IT

I had been debating for many, many, many months now on whether to purchase this lens or not. Wasn't sure how often I would actually use an 85mm (eventhough almost EVERY photographer on YouTube swears that they use it for portraiture shoots, but, I had been fine with my 70-200 and 45mm, but, I felt I HAD to have an 85mm, so.... Anyways, bought it...no regrets whatsoever (yet!). Has only been a few days, but, had taken about 400 shots so far (low light and decent lighting) and have been VERY pleased with results. Hope it stays pleasing.

HUIE D.

2019-04-14T12:31:24

Rated 5 out of 5

great looking specular highlights

If this had a red ring and a Canon label…. really now, Tammy has upped their game here. Micro contrast is exceptional, great looking specular highlights, tough as nails construction, balanced weight on a 5D series body, focusing ring is smooth and tight. I love this new piece of glass. Thanks to my friends at Tamron and Adorama for the help with the Tap In console as well.

Barry J.

2019-04-09T13:28:46

Rated 4 out of 5

Pound for Pound maybe the best 85mm on the market?

I’ve only had this lens for two weeks and have only taken test shots but from the test photos I’m extremely happy with the lens. The VC function was the biggest selling point for me. I previously had the canon 85 1.8 although a great lens, photos quality and compact but with Image Stabilization you basically need to shoot at shutter speeds over 1/200 to ensure sharp pictures. But with the Tamron you can shoot at shutter speeds of 1/15 or 1/20 of a second and still get useable photos at 1.8. Yes this lens is double the price of the canon 85 1.8 but in my opinion the build quality, The Vibration Compensation, included lens hood and better build quality is worth the price difference. I’m shooting my first photoshoot in 2 weeks with this lens, I’m excited to see how it performs in a real world situation.

VASHON M.

2019-03-14T12:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great SP Tamron lens

Great quality for the price. Sharp prime lens with VC is helpful, especially at farther lengths such as 85mm. The f/1.8 looks lovely with a pretty clean bokeh. For the price, I couldn't be happier.

Jeremiah J.

2018-12-19T13:11:50

Rated 5 out of 5

Great for dark shooting

I've used the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 and have found this Tamron to nail focus better when I'm shooting. I've shot a few concerts with wacky lighting and in dark settings, and the 85mm has been fantastic every time. It feels hefty and has a good build. The pack also comes with a few useful knick knacks like the UV filter and cleaning kit which is always nice. Definitely recommend.

Justin Y.

2018-11-30T13:53:46

Rated 5 out of 5

Great lens!

Great lens and service from Adorama. Quick shipping! Sharp lens and the VC function is insane!

Quang H.

2018-11-13T08:05:29

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent color, VC and IQ

Love this lens, using with Nikon D750 and AF is spot on. The colors are great right out of camera, little adjustment needed in PP. The VC is outstanding and the biggest reason why I bought this lens as I get older I tend to shake a bit more, I decided the VR was worth more than the 1.4 aperture and so far I have not been disappointed. I find the lens to be better than the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G in AF and IQ overall.

BILL M.

2018-08-22T11:53:53

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent Glass

Bought it for portrait work for which it is excellent. Perfect focal length on a DX body for portrait work, very sharp, great with natural light. Gets excellent reviews.

David S.

2018-07-18T12:45:57

Rated 5 out of 5

Very Sharp Lens

Love this lens. Images from my D850 are stunning. This lens is able to resolve the incredible detail provided by the D850.

Gary R.

2018-07-10T08:33:24

Rated 4 out of 5

Great lens

Great lens, I highly recommend it

Marco C.

2018-06-14T01:34:11

Rated 5 out of 5

Tamron 85 VC

Very sturdy build. Sharp pictures. Perfect weight. Sold Sigma 85 Art for this lens. It was way too big and heavy.

Joe M.

2018-05-17T03:52:52

Rated 5 out of 5

Tack sharp!!!

Great built lens which produces excellent sharp images for much less money than the Canon version.

Luis M.

2018-05-16T09:24:46

Rated 5 out of 5

Works great and looks great!

This 85mm lens is a great addition to my Nikon D750, and it also looks great on it!

MARK B.

2018-02-24T15:41:06

Rated 5 out of 5

This is an awesome lens

This is an awesome lens. Normally, I would prefer to stick with native Nikon lenses, but after test driving this lens, it just totally out performs Nikon's offering in a 85mm. It's built better, it performs better, it's cheaper, it has a better warranty by far, and it has vibration control. I consider myself a Nikon loyalist, but I have to admit, Tamron makes a better 85mm.

Donald J.

2018-01-26T07:36:44

Rated 4 out of 5

So far so good...

Great lens so far. I've only had the lens for a month and it's sharp, AF is fast, no issues. Hopefully I don't run into any issues as I use it more, but so far so good.

Jason E.

2017-12-22T15:37:35

Rated 5 out of 5

F 16???

I love this lens, and my other two Tamron lenses, all for the same reasons. Sharpness, speed, and VC! THIS lens tho, threw me for a loop. Tho advertised as F1.8 - F16, there are no aperture blades in the lens at all. It is truly a "barrel" lens, 1.8. Period. I am really confused by all of you who are talking about CA and sharpness improving with higher f-stops..? Do I have a mutation or are you guys just substituting / imagining what SHOULD be happening for what IS happening??

GENE G.

2017-10-30T17:22:50

Rated 5 out of 5

Stunning bokeh. Fast. Light. Sturdy. Well built. Well worth the buy.

The bokeh on this is stunning, quite similar to my 70-200mm f2.8 L but bettet. Very impressed. Bought this thru recommendations and hesitated since I didn't think bokeh could exceed my 70-200mm but I am glad I did. Beautiful feathering. Light. Quick. Great stabilization and fast. Should have bought this earlier. Sleek and pro look.

DAVID W.

2017-09-03T12:19:43

Rated 5 out of 5

So glad I bought this

These photos are clear, sharp, and great SOOC. I debated how much I would use it and now I know I'll use it a lot.

Judy H.

2017-05-11T03:07:52

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent lens

Great lens. Sharp. Works great. Solid build and a keeper.

TIMOTHY B.

2017-02-21T14:00:44

Rated 5 out of 5

Tamron Nailed It!

Go buy the Tamron 85mm 1.8, and I promise you'll be thanking me tomorrow. Now go...seriously!

KAVAN L.

2017-02-15T11:41:32

Rated 4 out of 5

Awesome

Great experience for my first purchase

keith w.

2016-11-27T15:04:06

Rated 5 out of 5

Most Versatile Portrait Lens ever Created Yet!

This lens is always in my bag. I use it for both photo and video shoots, and performs sublime. Watch my video on YouTube for a full in-depth review about this lens at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbvhb-2DG3Q

EDOARDO M.

2016-09-14T08:22:48

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens

VC works great. Super Sharp. Sold my Nikon 85 1.4 and kept this one.

ANTHONY S.

Select a plan in the Add Protection section above and purchase with this product by clicking “Add to Cart”.

image-protection

TRUSTED PROTECTION PLANS, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

Invest In Your Gear and Peace Of Mind!

Accidents happen. Protect your favorite Adorama products and purchase a protection plan to stay covered from accidental damage, mechanical or electrical failures, and more.

Repair or Replacement

Repair or Replacement

If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.

Accidental Damage

Accidental Damage

Protect your product from drops, spills, and more.

Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!

Failure Protection

Failure Protection

When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.

Zero Deductible

Zero Deductible

We will never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan.

Customer-Focused Support

Customer-Focused Support

Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.

Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for international or U.S. territories purchases. Plans on open box items do not cover pre-existing damage.
Adorama Protect plans are available for ABS clients. If you have any questions or require assistanse, please call 800-223-2500

Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Brand

    Tamron

  • MPN

    AFF016N-700

  • Lens Series

    Tamron Di

  • Color

    Black

  • Lens Type

    Telephoto

  • Lens Mount

    Nikon

  • Format Compatibility

    Full Frame

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Focusing Technology

    N/A

  • Closest Focus Distance

    31.5" / 80.1cm

  • Distance Information

    N/A

  • Built-In Motor

    Yes

  • Focal Length

    85mm

  • Angle Of View

    28 deg. 33'

  • 35mm Equivalent Focal Length

    Not Applicable

  • Coverage

    N/A

  • Minimum Aperture

    f/16

  • Maximum Aperture

    f/1.8

  • Maximum Magnification

    N/A

  • Lens Coating

    N/A

  • Aspherical Elements

    N/A

  • ED Glass Elements

    N/A

  • Filter Size

    67mm

Construction

Jump to...
  • Lens Elements / Groups

    13 Elements / 9 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    9

  • Dimensions

    3.5 x 3.3" (88.90 x 83.82mm)

  • Weight

    23.3oz /650.54g

Features

Jump to...
  • Image Stabilization Type

    VC

  • Tripod Collar

    N/A

  • Waterproof / Water Resistant

    N/A

  • Dust Resistant

    N/A

  • UPC Code

    725211085034

8 Accessories for Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USH Lens for Nikon F Mount

  • All Accessories (8)
  • Filters (3)
  • Cases, Bags & Sleeves (1)
  • Cleaning Accessories (2)
  • Adapters & Mounts (1)
  • Cap Leash (1)

About Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD

PRO REVIEW by Marcie Reif, Lifestyle and Street Photographer

"This is my ultimate portrait prime lens. This lens creates beautiful portraits with creamy backgrounds. It’s super sharp and with an ultra fast aperture of 1.8. It’s the perfect lens for any photographer looking to produce gorgeous portraits of their clients. "

SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016) - The world's first fast-aperture telephoto lens with VC (Vibration Compensation)
Tamron's acclaimed VC makes it possible to take handheld photographs in dim light or at night. The 85mm SP lens uses LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements in the optical design to minimize color fringing and to achieve sharp and clear image quality with high-fidelity color. It also achieves attractive bokeh that draws attention to the image foreground subject. In addition, Moisture-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of moisture, and a highly durable Fluorine Coating has been applied to the top element surface to prevent condensation and repel smudge-causing substances.

The world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization
Tamron's VC image stabilization system enables handheld use in dim light without flash. Camera movement - often too minute to be perceptible to the photographer - is the leading cause of unpleasant photographs. In addition, newer DSLR cameras with higher resolution and higher pixel densities are even more susceptible to subtle camera shake. The VC System, Tamron's time-proven Vibration Compensation, keeps the sharpness at hand, even in moody, dim light when shutter speeds tend to be longer.

Superior resolving power and attractive bokeh
Experienced optical design technique combined with LD and XLD lens elements have virtually eliminated on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations that might otherwise appear as color fringing. In addition, by thoroughly reducing comatic aberrations (distortion of off-axis point source) and astigmatism, subjects that appear as a distinct point source will be captured as a distinct point source even at the edges and corners of the frame. Furthermore, optical simulations were thoroughly conducted, and the 85mm achieves natural bokeh - that dreamy, semi-focus blur that separates the portrait subject from the background with a snap.

Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction
Fluorine Coating technology developed for use in industrial optics applications has been adapted to photographic lenses. The water and oil repellant coating applied on the front element surface allows safe and easy removal of fingerprints, dirt and smudges. The coating also provides an enhanced level of durability, and will sustain its effectiveness for years. In addition, seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and provide Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.

Sophisticated eBAND and BBAR coatings plus Advanced Anti-Reflection Technologies
Two highly developed lens coating technologies, eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) which uses nanotechnology, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection), combine to increase light transmission and to reduce flare and ghosting to imperceptible levels. Additional techniques are employed to prevent reflections inside the lens barrel so that the 85mm lens delivers high contrast, sharp and clear images worthy of a fixed focal lens. This lens clearly captures detailed tones even in the shadows.

Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used also for Nikon-mount lens
An electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.

USD actuator maximized for fast and accurate focusing
Fast, quiet AF is achieved by employing a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor which enables remarkably precise focusing drive with high torque and responsiveness. Thanks to the absence of reduction gears in USD, there is no backlash and no unnecessary back-and-forth movement. The control software program for the USD actuator has been revised to provide substantially improved focusing speed and accuracy when using AF. In addition, Full-time Manual Focus override is available at any point during the autofocus operation for deliberately shifting focus without switching the AF-MF. Whether overriding the autofocus or focusing completely manually, the focusing ring turns smoothly and evenly.

Compatibility with TAMRON TAP-in Console
Always as new as tomorrow: You can update firmware, customize autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the 85mm lens by simply attaching it to the TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a personal computer. (sold separately)

Compatibility with Adobe and Silkypix software
Supplied with SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0, advanced editing software that features correction menus for various aberrations (lateral color, distortion, relative illumination) based on the optical design data of this specific lens. In addition, lens profile information has been supplied to Adobe Systems, Inc. to facilitate selecting the precise lens data required for more sophisticated adjustments in RAW processing when using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Shooting RAW image files enables creation of more stringent and high-fidelity image quality.

Design Concept
The superior technology inside the Tamron 85mm is matched by advanced external ergonomic features under a design philosophy called "Human Touch." Improvements include altering the geometric shape and resistance of the AF/MF and VC switches to deliver comfort with secured operational feedback, and enlarging the distance scale window to maximize visibility and legibility. Even the font style has been newly developed to enhance legibility as part of the overall product design. Compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras.