Tested this lens during nikon kopi session. Seems like the AF is accurate at long distance but only if the AF point is at the center. Anyone experienced this?
this might be because the center few AF points are cross type sensors.
Usually I use the center AF-point to focus in the dark or against bright backlights.
I've tried this new lens and have used the AF-D 85mm f1.4. Although the AF is a tad slower but it is undoubtedly more accurate and lesser hunting. This is essential in my line of work as a wedding photographer. The ability to compose with my subject at the sides and corners, with lots of negative space play is also much possible and sharper.
As a hobbyist I do agree that this lens may not be worth the upgrade unless a deep pocket exist. However I believe that for an event or wedding photographer, the out-of-camera images should be a breeze for post processing.
I experience this when the AF-S 50mm f1.4 became available and also the AF-S 24mm f1.4. Colors are much richer, sharper wide open (i shoot at f1.4) and even the colors shooting at high ISO is still contrasty.
One point to take note. Most of the time when you increase contrast in post-processing, you lose gown details, hair light details and many others. But when your lens packs a punch in contrast, when i push up the contrast in PP, the details are still very much recoverable.
Please do not take my post too seriously as different people have different workflows and use for the lens. I simply just wish to share with photographers who have interests in this lens for work. Colors are a lot more consistent using a series of AF-S lens together than mixing the lenses.