Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm F1.8G

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm F1.8G is a prime lens designed for Nikon F-mount cameras, particularly those in the DX format. It has gained a reputation among portrait photographers for its sharpness, bokeh, and overall reliability. This lens strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability, making it a versatile choice for photographers crossing over from beginner to advanced levels.

Build Quality and Design

The lens features a solid build quality with a plastic body that feels sturdy in hand. Weighing in at approximately 350 grams, it's relatively lightweight and compact, which is a plus for those who prefer to carry less gear. The focus ring is smooth and offers a comfortable grip for manual focusing, though it's primarily an autofocus lens. The 72mm filter thread allows for easy attachment of filters, and the lens comes with a petal-shaped lens hood to combat flare.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm F1.8G is stellar, especially for portrait work. The lens excels at producing sharp images even at wide open apertures, and you can expect excellent clarity throughout the frame. Bokeh, the quality of the out-of-focus areas, is creamy and pleasing, effectively separating the subject from the background. This allows for striking portraits with an ethereal quality, which can be particularly beneficial in a variety of shooting scenarios.

One downside is that at its widest aperture, some distortion and vignetting can occur, particularly in the corners of the frame. However, these issues are minimal and can be easily corrected in post-processing.

Autofocus Performance

The lens is equipped with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which provides fast and quiet autofocus performance. The AF is generally accurate, making it suitable for shooting both posed portraits and candid moments. However, in low-light conditions, the autofocus can struggle a bit, requiring a more manual focus approach.

Compatibility

This lens is designed for Nikon F-mount DX-format cameras, making it an excellent choice for users of the D3000 and D5000 series, among others. When used on DX-format bodies, the effective focal length increases to approximately 127.5mm, which can result in stunning, tightly-composed portraits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional image sharpness and clarity
• Beautiful bokeh quality for portraiture
• Lightweight and compact design
• Fast and quiet autofocus with SWM
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Some distortion and vignetting at wide apertures
• Autofocus can falter in low-light situations

Verdict

In conclusion, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm F1.8G is a superb lens that delivers exceptional optical quality and solid performance, making it a fantastic choice for portrait photographers and those looking to capture beautiful images with a soft background. While it has minor quirks, the positives far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a worthy addition to any Nikon DX shooter’s kit. Whether you're a novice or experienced photographer, this lens offers the versatility and quality needed to elevate your photography.