Hows the 85mm f/1.8 lens on a Nikon D7100?

9 years 6 months ago #404930 by Mason Katz
I'm pretty sure the lens buy I make will be this 85mm f/1.8.  I want the 1.4, but my budget prefers the 1.8.  Would be cool to get some feedback from people that have this lens.  Let me know what you think of it.  

Bottom line, would you recommend it to a friend with a limited budget? 


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9 years 6 months ago #404932 by Screamin Scott
Which one ? The older AF or AF-D or the newer "G "?.... I have the older original AF version that I use on my D7100 & it's great.... A bit long on the crop sensor for portraits, but just move back a little more when you can....The F1.4 is nice, but not to the tune of the price difference. At least not IMHO...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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9 years 6 months ago #404960 by garyrhook
This comparison has arisen before. The 85 f/1.8G is an excellent lens on any body, and is arguably the best value in the Nikon line. It is the next item on my list, right after the D750.

The f/1.4 is superior, but not 3X superior to the f/1.8, based on the cost. It's a beautiful lens, no doubt about it, but I think you need the income to justify that kind of expense. It's the same reason I won't be buying the 16-24 wide angle lens any time soon.

If you have the $500, buy the lens. I've never seen anyone (that actually uses the lens) express regret.


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9 years 6 months ago #405020 by ubookoo
I shoot with the 85mm f/1.8 and hands down it is not only my favorite focal length but also my favorite portrait lens of all time.


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9 years 6 months ago #405944 by Mason Katz
Thank you.  Older one?  I don't know, how do you see this?


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9 years 6 months ago #405945 by Screamin Scott
If it has an aperture ring, it's an older model. The "D" has a "D" listed on the barrel indicating such. The newer "G" (gelded) versions have no aperture ring & the aperture is controlled thru the camera... The older AF & AFD have the same optical configuration. The "G" has more elements/groups

Mason Katz wrote: Thank you.  Older one?  I don't know, how do you see this?


Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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9 years 6 months ago #406162 by neal1977

Screamin Scott wrote: If it has an aperture ring, it's an older model. The "D" has a "D" listed on the barrel indicating such. The newer "G" (gelded) versions have no aperture ring & the aperture is controlled thru the camera... The older AF & AFD have the same optical configuration. The "G" has more elements/groups

Mason Katz wrote: Thank you.  Older one?  I don't know, how do you see this?



:goodpost:    someone really knows there gear!


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9 years 6 months ago #406603 by Mason Katz

Screamin Scott wrote: If it has an aperture ring, it's an older model. The "D" has a "D" listed on the barrel indicating such. The newer "G" (gelded) versions have no aperture ring & the aperture is controlled thru the camera... The older AF & AFD have the same optical configuration. The "G" has more elements/groups

Mason Katz wrote: Thank you.  Older one?  I don't know, how do you see this?



I'll be ordering this from either Adorama or B&H new so I'm assuming they are selling the new version vs old stuff.  But good to know how to spot different models.  Thank you for helping me out Scott. 


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9 years 6 months ago #406607 by Screamin Scott
Just be careful that you are ordering the "USA" model & not the less expensive "Imported" or "Grey Market" version. The USA model will get you a Nikon USA warranty, the other will not. That said, the sellers may offer a warranty, but that's a 3rd party , not Nikon...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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