Nikon 85mm Question

bkmvincent

bkmvincent

Active member
Hey guys, I'm in the market for an old Nikon 85mm, and I remember reading somewhere (can't remember if it was on DVXUser or not) that one of the older 85's was better than the other because of the focus throw and optical quality. I'm trying to find that same post but have not had any luck. If you have any experience with the old AI/AI-S lenses I'd love to hear your thoughts.

If you're wondering, I'll be pairing this with an FS100.

edit: didn't notice the lenses/optics sub-forum. feel free to move this if any mods are reading!
 
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I think I remember reading that the old Nikkor 85mm 2.0 was actually a better/sharper lens than the slightly faster 1.8, if that's what you're asking.

T
 
The 85 f/2 is actually newer and a little sharper. That being said, the 85 1.8 is also very nice.

Though I would suggest the 1.4 version (either the nikon AIS or the samyang 85 1.4)
 
TFilipiak said:
I think I remember reading that the old Nikkor 85mm 2.0 was actually a better/sharper lens than the slightly faster 1.8, if that's what you're asking.

T
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I think that may have been what I saw. There's so many variations of these primes out there, it's hard to keep track of the ones you've never used. Thanks

JPM Photography said:
The 85 f/2 is actually newer and a little sharper. That being said, the 85 1.8 is also very nice.

Though I would suggest the 1.4 version (either the nikon AIS or the samyang 85 1.4)
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The 85 1.4 AI-S is way out of my price range for a prime right now. I'm trying to put together a formidable set. The Samyang is very enticing, however. I've heard a lot of good things about it (for the money)
 
I'm using the 85mm f1.8 with my F3 and it is my favourite and most used lens. I also really like the 50mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4. If you keep your eye out on ebay and DVX, you can get one that's quite affordable - in the $500 range with some luck.

85mm f1.8 set to f4:
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103_1349_0113-27-57-01.jpg
 
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I have a Nikkor H 85 1.8 and absolutely love it.

I want the 85 1.4, and will probably get one eventually, but ehh I'm very content with mine.

That said, there's a used samyang 85 1.4 on KEH right now for 200 bucks, that's an awesome deal.
 
starcentral said:
I'm using the 85mm f1.4 with my F3 and it is my favourite and most used lens. I also really like the 50mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4. If you keep your eye out on ebay and DVX, you can get one that's quite affordable - in the $500 range with some luck.

85mm f1.4 set to f4:
103_1406_01_10-00-02-21.jpg

103_1349_0113-27-57-01.jpg
Click to expand...

I just picked up the 50 1.4 yesterday from eBay and should have it Thursday. Looking forward to it. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a good deal on the 1.4. Otherwise it might be a Samyang. (would love to have a matching set, though!)

homestar_kevin said:
I have a Nikkor H 85 1.8 and absolutely love it.

I want the 85 1.4, and will probably get one eventually, but ehh I'm very content with mine.

That said, there's a used samyang 85 1.4 on KEH right now for 200 bucks, that's an awesome deal.
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I was looking for that particular 85 as well but have yet to see any on eBay. I'll check out that KEH deal though. That's almost half the price!
 
I think, as said, you are thinking of the difference with the f/2. I have used all three and currently own the Nikkor f/2. The bokeh is beautiful. It's my favorite lens. I really like it a lot more than the 1.4 and 1.8.
 
The 2.0 has a seven blade aperture and is a bit sharper, that's not to say the other Nikkor 85's are bad at all.

In fact, it's really the opposite. THey're all great.

I got a great deal on my 85 1.8, thus have no compelling reason to upgrade right now.

Very, very happy with my 85 1.8.
 
In the film days I shot loads of stuff on the 85 1.8 AF. Really gorgeous lens, I always felt like it had some real mojo going on and the color rendition seemed really special with film. Don't use it as much for video since I'm using APSc... when I want a real telephoto look I always seem to grab the old series E 100 2.8 AIS. That lens is sexy. Never felt the need for anything faster than 1.8 though, and the difference in sharpness between these contenders doesn't seem enough to be a deciding factor - though I'm surprised a Samyang is thought of in the same league (not claiming it ain't, just surprised).
 
I love my series E 100 as well. That lens is freaking sweet.

I think the rokinon stuff is forced into the discussion with prices the way they are.
 
I own the Nikon 85 f2 AIS and I love it. I've been using it quite often for corporate interviews with great results. Best bang for buck IMO.
 
I have the Samyang 85mm f 1.4. Amazing lens. I also have nikkor 24mm and 55mm and they are so so sharp. I think you can't go wrong with either. Just pick one and go shoot.
 
I've been using the 85 1.4 ais for three years now, first on my 5d then af100 and now on my F3. It is my go to interview lens and clients love it. All of these Nikkor 85's are equally sharp once you reach f4/5.6 but with the 1.4 version your in the sweet spot earlier at 2.8. I mostly use it at 2.8 and 4 but it's nice to be able to go to f2 in a low light emergency without being all the way open. Given enough light you'll be pleased with any of the versions.
 
hmm just search on ebay for a nikkor 85mm f 1.4 ai-s and the price start at upward of $600. You can get the Samyang for $300 which I think its a complete steal. It is plastic however...
 
For the price difference I would still lean toward the Nikon and it's SOLID metal build. It is still half or a third in price of a Zeiss ZF 85 and Canon 85 1.2. Im not sure of the focus feel on the Rokinon but it's fantastic on the Nikon, smooth and well dampened. These Rokinon's are surprisingly good but plastic construction on any lens doesnt give me much confidence for their long term durability. I picked up a Nikon 135mm 2.8 Q Auto from 1970 for $80 for the hell of it. While it's coatings are definitely outdated, it's focus feel and all other things mechanical feel like a 2012 Zeiss ZF right out of the box.
 
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