Story1kanobw
Member
When I had a Canon 60d, my Zeiss 50mm 1.7 served as my comparible 80mm lens - and with its sweet spot in the cropped sensor, it looked great. So after I bought the 5DMII, I looked for the best 85mm in my price range out there. Research pointed to the Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS and the Nikon 85mm F2 also, beating out others, especially when it came to price for quality for the F2. I Really like the Nikon's AIS line for their neutral color rendering and superb mechanics and focus precision. My first Lens was a Sigma 30mm 1.4, so when I got Zeiss and a Nikon AIS in my hand I really found out what a good lens should be. I ordered the 85mm f2 AIS from Adorama for $300 in E+ condition. While I was waiting, i saw and bought a Nikon 85mm 1.4 for sale on craigslist for about $580. Had to do it based on stellar optics reviews. So far, comparing the two with a little footage: The nikon 85 1.4 has a bit more contrast and better skin color tone - though I've just barely begun to compare the two lenses. The 1.4 fstop is also a bit of an advantage but w/ my Sigma 1.4 experience, it's best to shoot with light provided by film group/crew peers than to shoot in low light at 1.4 because the depth of field is unnaturally shallow and an actor's or camera's slight movements will be noticeablly out of focus (though I have not shot actors with in Nikon video at 1.4, Im assuming this based on experience with the Sigma). But the Nikon 85mm F2 AIS still looks good. And F2 is plenty fast enough for most cases. The Nikon F2 AIS goes up to fstop 22, a stop above the 85mm 1.4 (up to 16). I'd like to see how and when that extra DOF can be applied to video. Also, The 85mm F2 focus ring is smooth (maybe a little to slick) and SUPER precise. The 85mm 1.4 is tougher to turn, but I kind of like it because I don't worry as much about it slipping out of focus.
Is it my copy or are all Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS focus rings firm to turn?
Anyone else out there familiar with these 2 lenses? I'm leaning towards returning the 85mm F2 for the $300. Just want to make sure because I can always keep it and sell the 85mm 1.4 for instead fo about $600, $300 more in the pocket. But much better optics could pay off when on the big screen or being viewed otherwise.
Thoughts anyone?
Is it my copy or are all Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS focus rings firm to turn?
Anyone else out there familiar with these 2 lenses? I'm leaning towards returning the 85mm F2 for the $300. Just want to make sure because I can always keep it and sell the 85mm 1.4 for instead fo about $600, $300 more in the pocket. But much better optics could pay off when on the big screen or being viewed otherwise.
Thoughts anyone?