Camera Lenses
Apr 19, 2023

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Lens Review

$499 | An amazing lens for portrait photography with beautiful bokeh and fast autofocus capabilities.

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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Lens Review

Summary:

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Lens is a popular and sought-after lens among professional photographers. It features exceptional image quality, fast and quiet autofocus, and a compact and lightweight design. This lens is perfect for portrait and low light photography.

Ratings:

Amazon: 4.8 out of 5 (628 ratings)
Best Buy: 4.9 out of 5 (91 ratings)
BH Photo: 4.9 out of 5 (88 ratings)
Walmart: 4.8 out of 5 (22 ratings)

Total Rating:

4.9 out of 5 (829 ratings)

Main Specs:

- Focal Length: 85mm
- Aperture Range: f/1.8-f/16
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8m/2.62ft
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Autofocus: Yes
- Filter Diameter: 67mm
- Dimensions (DxL): 3.07 x 2.87" / 78 x 73mm
- Weight: 12.35 oz / 350 g

Top Pros:

1. Exceptional image quality: The lens produces sharp and detailed images with stunning bokeh.
2. Fast and silent autofocus: The lens features a silent wave motor that provides quick and accurate autofocus even in low light.
3. Lightweight and compact: The lens has a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.

Top Cons:

1. No Vibration Reduction: The lens lacks in-built vibration reduction, making it challenging to use in low light conditions.
2. Focus ring is not smooth: The focus ring is not very smooth and can be challenging to use for manual focus.
3. High price: The lens is quite expensive and may not be affordable for all photographers.

Expert Reviews:

1. "The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G delivers excellent sharpness, even when used at its maximum aperture..." - PCMag
2. "In summary, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is a sharp, fast and optically excellent lens with an affordable price..." - Photography Life

Final Verdict:

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is an excellent lens that provides stunning image quality and fast autofocus. While it is pricey, it is worth the investment for professional photographers who require high-quality portraits and low light photography. However, the lack of vibration reduction and smooth focus ring may be a concern for some. Overall, this lens is perfect for professional portrait photographers who demand the best image quality.