The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 lens, first introduced in 1987 and updated to the AF-D version in 1994, is a highly regarded medium telephoto prime lens. Known for its sharpness and affordability, it remains a popular choice for portrait photography.
Key Specifications:
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.85 meters
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:9.2
- Filter Size: 62mm
- Dimensions: 72 x 59 mm
- Weight: 380 grams
- Mount: Nikon F-mount
Performance:
The lens is noted for its fast and accurate autofocus, even in lower light conditions. It delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, with particularly good center sharpness even at its maximum aperture. The bokeh is smooth, and chromatic aberration is minimal, making it suitable for portraits with a pleasing background blur. Distortion is virtually non-existent, and the lens handles flare well with the use of its metal, screw-in HN-23 lens hood.
Build and Handling:
The AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 features a robust build quality with a polycarbonate exterior and a metal mount. The internal focusing mechanism ensures that the lens does not extend during focusing, which is beneficial when using filters. The manual focus ring is smooth and provides good control for precise focusing adjustments. However, the lack of an internal AF motor means that autofocus relies on the camera body, resulting in a moderate degree of noise during AF operation. This also means that AF functionality is not available on entry-level Nikon DSLRs that lack a built-in motor.
Use Cases:
This lens is ideal for portrait photographers looking for a high-quality, fast prime lens at a relatively affordable price. Its performance in low light, combined with its excellent image quality and pleasing bokeh, makes it a versatile tool for various types of photography, including events and indoor settings.
Overall, the Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 is a reliable and high-performing lens that offers great value for both amateur and professional photographers.
References:
- Ken Rockwell, “Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-D Review”
- Imaging Resource, “Nikon 85mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Review”
- Photozone, “Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.8 D (FX) – Review / Test Report”
