Help me pick an 85mm f1.8!!

11 years 4 months ago #266979 by john_m
So, I am going to pick up a Nikon 85mm f1.8 next week but I'm not sure which one (af-s G or the AF D) to go with. I have done some reading and found that the D is acutally faster but the G is slightly sharper. Also, the D has 9 straight blades and the G has 7 rounded. Anyone have any experience with these 2 lenses?? Yeah I know that I can get the D used for about $100 less than the G lens, but Im willing to spend the extra coin if its worth it. Thanks guys and gals!!

Nikon D200
Nikon 50mm f1.8D, Tokina 28-80 f2.8, Nikon 75-300, Sigma 18-200, Nikon SB-600, Nikon SB-25, Promaster triggers

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11 years 4 months ago #266981 by Screamin Scott
It's just me, but I prefer lenses with aperture rings...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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11 years 4 months ago #266982 by john_m
Yeah, I hear ya Scott. Im not sure why this is a hard decision lol. I guess ill do some more reading. Thanks for the input bud!

Nikon D200
Nikon 50mm f1.8D, Tokina 28-80 f2.8, Nikon 75-300, Sigma 18-200, Nikon SB-600, Nikon SB-25, Promaster triggers

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11 years 4 months ago #266985 by McBeth Photography
I'm kinda thinking about the same focal length right now. I sold my 85mm f2 ai a few weeks ago and have been looking at the same two lenses, I will probably land on the G lens, but it is tempting to save up for a while and get a 85mm 1.4 D also. Decisions, decisions.......

The 85mm 1.8G is totally being raved about right now, and the 85mm 1.8D is usually referred to as "pretty good for the money."

It is what it is.
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11 years 4 months ago #266989 by effron
I would usually opt for the newest version.. I don't miss the aperture ring myself, in fact have gotten quite accustomed to the dial spinning..... ;)

Why so serious?
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11 years 4 months ago #266996 by john_m
Yeah Barry I agree with you. I have been digging around online and seem to see the same opinion.

Thanks for the input Ernesto, and I agree that I doubt i'll be missing the aperture ring much haha. I think I am going to head to Glazers camera down in Seattle next weekend and grab the G lens!

Nikon D200
Nikon 50mm f1.8D, Tokina 28-80 f2.8, Nikon 75-300, Sigma 18-200, Nikon SB-600, Nikon SB-25, Promaster triggers

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11 years 4 months ago #267005 by garyrhook
For what it's worth:

Manual aperture control allows the lens to be used on non-Nikon equipment, too. This came to light when I tried to loan a Canon user a Tamron f/2.8 lens made for my Nikon. Needless to say the lens could not be used.

I've read some reviews that point out the Sigma 85 f/1.4 is as good as or better than the Nikon 85 f/1.8, at essentially the same price point. You might want to consider that possibility.

Regarding the blades, I think rounded blades produce more pleasant results. This image produced with 7 rounded blades.



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11 years 4 months ago #267016 by john_m
Thanks for the info Gary. I havent had much luck in the 3rd party lens area, Sigma and tokina. I will def take a look at the reviews on the sig though.

Nikon D200
Nikon 50mm f1.8D, Tokina 28-80 f2.8, Nikon 75-300, Sigma 18-200, Nikon SB-600, Nikon SB-25, Promaster triggers

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