AF-S 85mm F/1.4G N

[Blur Shadow]

FWIW that Photozone review drew a lot of protests in dpreview -- many disagree with its findings. I mostly find Photozone reviews useful, but I do think either they have a bad copy of the 85 AFD or they screwed up on this one.

I have been following the discussion, and I think it's really a matter of:

- Methodology
- Recognition of technical merits and intended use

I really don't hope to import the discussion (which, dare I say, is becoming meaningless) over here, but I just like to say that:

- According to the methods employed by Photozone to evaulate the lens, the lens is soft in the corners at large apertures. This may or may not be true, and it depends on the methods employed and the ultimate objective being measured

- Even if it is soft, this may be useful for all of us, who primarily use this lens for its bokeh

- If it is not soft, then its great news to all. Your fortune went into a sharp lens, which is presumably what most people want when buying a lens

- Ultimately, I just think we should just get the lens that gives us what we need.

So if the new AF-S 85mm is better, and if my use justifies the need for that improvement, I'll get it. If not, I won't. It's that simple.

 

[mondocheesemonster]

So if the new AF-S 85mm is better, and if my use justifies the need for that improvement, I'll get it. If not, I won't. It's that simple.

i.e. Got money, no reason = BBB

Got reason, no money = BBB

No money, no reason = Forget it

 

[vaxvms]

So if the new AF-S 85mm is better, and if my use justifies the need for that improvement, I'll get it. If not, I won't. It's that simple.

i.e. Got money, no reason = BBB

Got reason, no money = BBB

No money, no reason = Forget it

how abt "no reason got money" ?:bsmilie:

 

[mondocheesemonster]

Got money, no reason = BBB (see above again )

 

[Omega23]

Hopefully the New afs 85mm Lens does not have the same sluggish af speed as the afs 50 f1.4 and the 24mm f1.4..

 

[jeff7id]

i.e. Got money, no reason = BBB

Got reason, no money = BBB

No money, no reason = Forget it

How come "got reason, no money" is able to BBB

 

[mondocheesemonster]

When there's a will there's a way...

(sell B___side)

 

[greengoblin]

24mm f1.4 still okay...as long it is not as slow as the C 85 f1.2 can liao

 

[Spectrum]

24mm f1.4 still okay...as long it is not as slow as the C 85 f1.2 can liao

You mean the 1st or the 2nd version?

 

[jeff7id]

You mean the 1st or the 2nd version?

I also read that 85mm f/1.2 L is a slow lens, but not sure which one is it, whether version 1 or 2 ?

I think Greengoblin is also Nikon user

 

[TMC]

Seriously. What is wrong with the afd version that requires a change? Pick up a new one from HK or BnS would be a better investment IMO.

 

[lunas]

Seriously. What is wrong with the afd version that requires a change? Pick up a new one from HK or BnS would be a better investment IMO.

Better CA control? :dunno:

 

[jeff7id]

Seriously. What is wrong with the afd version that requires a change? Pick up a new one from HK or BnS would be a better investment IMO.

AF-D (old technology) usually is less bokeh and less sharp at corner on FX body.

Proved on:
- AF-D 80-200 f/2.8 vs AF-S 70-200 f/2.8G VR2 on FX body
- AF-D 50 f/1.4 vs AF-S 50 f/1.4G

AF-S + G symbol mean Always Forever Seriously GOOD :lovegrin:

 

[TMC]

Less Bokeh? How to measure? both are 9 blade diaphrams, unless the new 85 can create bokeh between eyelashes, I would say you have a clear winner.
Less sharp at corner? most of the time with bokeh, how are you going to tell? and why bother pixel peeping......

Seriously, for this lens, you are getting a lot less returns at a higher cost. That is why is it not a good investment.
Nikon got other lenses that requires more attention and yet they choose the 85mm......jeez.....

 

[jeff7id]

Less Bokeh? How to measure? both are 9 blade diaphrams, unless the new 85 can create bokeh between eyelashes, I would say you have a clear winner.
Less sharp at corner? most of the time with bokeh, how are you going to tell? and why bother pixel peeping......

Seriously, for this lens, you are getting a lot less returns at a higher cost. That is why is it not a good investment.
Nikon got other lenses that requires more attention and yet they choose the 85mm......jeez.....

At least they announce AFS 24-120 f/4 VR and AFS 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 VR which get attention for everyone, inclusive of another brand user.

 

[bigpond]

I have been following the discussion, and I think it's really a matter of:

- Methodology
- Recognition of technical merits and intended use

I really don't hope to import the discussion (which, dare I say, is becoming meaningless) over here, but I just like to say that:

- According to the methods employed by Photozone to evaulate the lens, the lens is soft in the corners at large apertures. This may or may not be true, and it depends on the methods employed and the ultimate objective being measured

.

I think if Photozone were to claim that the 85 is soft at f1.4 or even f2, probably few would quibble about that.

But, if you look at their test results, they indicate that the corners do not become acceptably sharp ("very good") till like f8!! That's REALLY BAD for a medium-tele prime lens from Nikon!!

I've used the 85 a lot, and my personal experience just does not coincide with Photozone's supposedly more scientific test results. Eg, I will not hesitate to place the subject near the edge of the frame at f2.8 -- no problem.

For an alternative take on the corner performance of the 85/1.4, you may want to take a look at KRW's site -- with a pinch of salt, of course His samples suggest the corners are not bad EVEN at large apertures.

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-corner-comparison.htm

Incidentally, he also posted the official MTF results of the AFD and the new AFS 85/1.4 lenses, and they sure do look similar to me...

 

[jeff7id]

I think if Photozone were to claim that the 85 is soft at f1.4 or even f2, probably few would quibble about that.

But, if you look at their test results, they indicate that the corners do not become acceptably sharp ("very good") till like f8!! That's REALLY BAD for a medium-tele prime lens from Nikon!!

I've used the 85 a lot, and my personal experience just does not coincide with Photozone's supposedly more scientific test results. Eg, I will not hesitate to place the subject near the edge of the frame at f2.8 -- no problem.

For an alternative take on the corner performance of the 85/1.4, you may want to take a look at KRW's site -- with a pinch of salt, of course His samples suggest the corners are not bad EVEN at large apertures.

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-corner-comparison.htm

Incidentally, he also posted the official MTF results of the AFD and the new AFS 85/1.4 lenses, and they sure do look similar to me...

You have been poisoned by Mr. Rockwell so much.:sweat:

I don't know when he has chanced to do MTF test for this lens, at this moment the lens hasn't available at store yet.

 

[Zichar]

Sample photos from all the new lenses
Looking good... very good in fact
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10234786@N06/
Got the link from Moose's blog

Cliff Mautner does the 85mm f1.4
Already an awesome wedding photog imho, these are simply amazing shots
http://cliffmautner.typepad.com/my_...-coat-first-weddings-shot-with-this-lens.html

 

[bigpond]

You have been poisoned by Mr. Rockwell so much.:sweat:

I don't know when he has chanced to do MTF test for this lens, at this moment the lens hasn't available at store yet.

Far from it

Pls read carefully -- I did say "official" MTF charts -- that means from Nikon.

 

[icarus]

Nikon got other lenses that requires more attention and yet they choose the 85mm......jeez.....

Slowly ma... at least things are finally moving in Nikon!

Looking forward to their continuing refresh of their primes!

AF-S 300mm f/4G VR N,
AF-S 200mm f/4G VR N Micro-Nikkor,
AF-S 35mm f/1.4G N