11 replies to this topic

[alden]

I want a portrait lens for my FX format camera, but need some input here.

These are the choices, in order of my preference:

1. Nikon 85mm f/1.8G

2. Nikon 85mm f/1.8D

3. Nikon 105mm f/2.8D

Now, some things I am considering. The number one choice (85-G)would be the lightest and has the more recent technology, costs around $400.00

The 85-D I can get for around $100 less, but it's going to be heavier, and used, and the autofocus will likely be slower.

The 105-D will cost around the same as the brand new 85-G, but it will be used, and quite a bit heavier.

I plan to use this more as a walking around lens, not a studio lens.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[Merco_61]

If you absolutely want AF, either of the 85/1.8 versions work about equally well. The D version has some CA wide open, but it is easily corrected.

IMO the 105D is a bit of a joat with busy bokeh unless wide open at medium to long distances and not quite sharp until a bit stopped down. It is not as sharp a macro as the 105/4 AI or AIS either.

Why not look at a pair of early 80's classics instead? A 105/2.5 AI and a 105/4 Micro AI can be had in somewhere between EX and EX+ condition together for around $400-450 from KEH. Manual focus, but both your bodies meter with AI lenses and are easy to focus with them.

 

/Peter

[alden]

If you absolutely want AF, either of the 85/1.8 versions work about equally well. The D version has some CA wide open, but it is easily corrected.
IMO the 105D is a bit of a joat with busy bokeh unless wide open at medium to long distances and not quite sharp until a bit stopped down. It is not as sharp a macro as the 105/4 AI or AIS either.
Why not look at a pair of early 80's classics instead? A 105/2.5 AI and a 105/4 Micro AI can be had in somewhere between EX and EX+ condition together for around $400-450 from KEH. Manual focus, but both your bodies meter with AI lenses and are easy to focus with them.
 
/Peter

If I'm going to go that route (manual) why not just opt for a Rokinon/Samyang f/1.4 85mm? They run around $300 brand new with the focus confirmation chip. I have heard good things about them.
Sample photos with the Rokinon 85mm.

Search: rokinon 85mm | Flickr

[Merco_61]

I have tried two samples of the Samyang belonging to friends, both had too much friction in the focusing ring for my taste. The light falloff in the corners is easily corrected in post, but this can introduce noise. I don't like it and much prefer the 105/2.5.

[Ron]

I think I would go with the current 85mm f1.8. In fact I almost pulled the trigger on it last month... opting instead to go for a 50mm which has a similar (just slightly larger) angle of view on my D7k.

 

That said, the manual focus 105mm Nikkors are very nice lenses.

 

--Ron

[alden]

They are all nice lenses and they will all get the job done. If I had unlimited funds and the time to use them all I would probably own one of each.

The way these things usually go for me is when I can't stand waiting any more I tend to just buy the best I can afford. A lot of it depends on the availability of disposable income.

[K-9]

I'd go with the 85mm f1.8 G. I feel 85mm is the better portrait focal length. You'll find yourself having to take a step or two back, too often with a 105mm lens. I use my 85 as a walk around street lens all the time. Framing is just too tight on the 105mm, and bokeh is better on the 85. If you're not close enough with an 85mm, you can always just crop it later, as FX has the power to still look great, even cropped!

[alden]

Thanks K-9. That is my first choice, the 85-G. My gut feeling is that is what I will end up with.

[nbanjogal]

I'm not adding anything relevant to this discussion--you've all already addressed sharpness, bokeh, autofocus, and whatnot--just have to say that I LOOOOOOOOOOVE my 85mm 1.8G.

 

I do. I love it. If you can get it, do.

[funny peculiar]

I have the 105mm f2.8 and use it for street photography. It produces good results.

But I use it because I bought it for macro work and don't have an 85mm. If I had a choice I imagine an 85mm lens would be better due to the extra light capability.

[TBonz]

As I recall, you already have a macro so the 105 Micro G probably wouldn't fit your needs as much as the 85G...of those you listed, I'd probably opt for the 85G, but personal preference would be the 105 Micro to give me both capabilities...In my Pentax days, my 100 or 105 was one of my best lenses and I loved it for portraits...when I switched to Nikon I had an older 85 1.8 that was nice - probably as nice, but I wasn't doing as much that required that lens, so it didn't get nearly the activity that my Pentax lens did...it was "sacrificed" for some other gear at some point along the line since it wasn't used that often...

[byrd-2020]

Alden-

 

I was faced with the same choice.  I decided on the 85mm f1.8 D.  I purchased this lens *new* from B and H for $439.  I believe that both B & H and Adorama have them in stock at that price.

 

Several factors influenced my decision.  (i) Superior construction when compared to the 85mm 1.8 G lens; (ii) slightly faster autofocus when compared with the G version; (ii) essentially equal IQ.

 

It was also a plus for me that the D has an aperture ring and the G does not.

 

My advice would be to order in both and put them 'head to head'.  Go with what feels best.  I am continually impressed with the IQ on the 85mm f1.8 D. It is in many ways superior to my Zeiss 85mm f1.4 ZK.

 

I use an 85mm as my 'normal' lens on full frame. I have now also purchased a 135 f2 DC--an absolutely superb lens for head shots and working outside.