Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens — image 1
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86%
95%
Image Quality
93%
Low-Light Performance
87%
Autofocus Speed
89%
Build Quality
90%
Bokeh Quality
91%
Compatibility
72%
Weight and Portability
88%
Ease of Use
84%
Value for Money
85%
Focus Accuracy
86%
Durability
75%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens is a premium prime lens designed to elevate portrait photography with its remarkable optical performance. Offering a fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens excels in low-light situations, allowing for sharp images even in dimly lit environments. The 85mm focal length is perfect for achieving natural perspective and compression in portraits, while the internal focus mechanism ensures quick and quiet autofocus. Compatible with both Nikon FX and DX DSLR cameras, this Nikon portrait lens is versatile and suited to a variety of shooting conditions.

Features & Benefits

The NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G lens is equipped with a range of advanced features that enhance both usability and image quality. A Nano Crystal Coat minimizes flare and ghosting, ensuring clear, sharp images even under challenging lighting conditions. The M/A focus mode switch allows for seamless transitions between manual and autofocus, giving photographers greater control. On both FX and DX cameras, this lens delivers impressive edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal distortion, while its lightweight and durable construction ensures reliability during long shooting sessions.

Best For

This fast aperture lens is ideal for portrait photographers who demand exceptional clarity and smooth background blur (bokeh). Its fast autofocus makes it an excellent choice for users capturing dynamic, moving subjects. Nikon DSLR owners seeking to upgrade their portrait lens will appreciate the superior optical performance and build quality. Additionally, photographers working in low-light environments will find the f/1.4 aperture especially beneficial, allowing for better control over exposure without sacrificing image quality.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise the sharpness and clarity of the NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G lens, particularly when shooting at wide apertures. Many enjoy the smooth bokeh effect it produces, making it perfect for portraiture with beautiful background blur. However, some users mention that the lens can feel a bit heavy for long shoots, which may affect comfort during extended use. While autofocus is generally regarded as fast and precise, a few users note that it can slow down in low light, requiring careful adjustment for optimal results.

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Pros

  • This lens offers excellent low-light performance with its fast f/1.4 aperture.
  • Ideal for portrait photographers, providing sharp images with smooth bokeh.
  • The autofocus system is quick and silent, making it suitable for dynamic shooting.
  • Its Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce lens flare and ghosting, improving image quality.
  • Lightweight and durable design makes it suitable for both studio and on-location shoots.
  • The lens is compatible with both FX and DX Nikon DSLR cameras, offering versatile use.

Cons

  • Some users find the lens a bit heavy for extended shooting sessions.
  • Autofocus can be slower in low-light environments, which may be a drawback for some.
  • The lens may be too specialized for casual photographers who don’t need top-tier performance.
  • For DX cameras, the 85mm focal length translates to a 127mm equivalent, which might limit framing options.
  • Its relatively high price point may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers.
  • The lens's manual focus switch can feel cumbersome for those who need quick adjustments.

Ratings

After analyzing authentic user reviews from verified sources across multiple languages and platforms, we’ve compiled insights for the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens. Our rating reflects a balanced overview, incorporating both the product's strengths and the occasional pain points noted by users. Spam, bot, and incentivized reviews were filtered out to ensure only reliable feedback informed these scores, offering a true representation of global sentiment on this portrait lens.

Image Quality
95%
Users rave about the crisp, sharp images that the lens produces, even at wide apertures. The clarity and detail are exceptional, especially for portrait shots, with the ability to capture both fine textures and smooth backgrounds. This fast aperture lens delivers stunning edge-to-edge sharpness, making it a favorite among photographers who demand top-tier image quality.
A few users have noted that, while the image quality is impressive, the lens can show some softness when shooting wide open at f/1.4. In certain scenarios, especially when working at very close distances, this slight reduction in sharpness might be noticeable, although it rarely affects overall performance.
Low-Light Performance
93%
The f/1.4 aperture of this lens offers excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for shooting in dim environments or at night. Photographers have praised its ability to maintain clear, bright images even in challenging lighting conditions, allowing for creative shots without the need for a tripod or higher ISO settings.
While the lens excels in low light, a few users have mentioned that autofocus can sometimes struggle in extremely dark conditions. Although this is not a major issue for most, those needing rapid focus in very low light may find it a bit slower than expected, particularly for moving subjects.
Autofocus Speed
87%
Many users highlight the lens's fast and quiet autofocus, especially beneficial for portrait photographers who need quick, silent focusing. The internal focus mechanism ensures that the lens remains compact while still providing fast, precise focus during both still photography and video capture, which makes it great for dynamic situations.
Despite the generally fast autofocus, a few users noted that the autofocus system can be a bit slow in lower light. While it’s quick in most conditions, certain challenging environments, such as dim indoor settings or during rapid subject movement, may cause a slight delay.
Build Quality
89%
The lens features a lightweight yet durable build, with users praising its solid construction. The overall design feels premium, and the lens is built to withstand heavy use, making it suitable for professional photographers who need gear that can endure long shoots and frequent handling. Its compact size makes it easy to carry without sacrificing sturdiness.
A small number of users have mentioned that, while the lens is well-built, the material can feel slightly heavier compared to other prime lenses in the same category. This added weight can be noticeable during extended shooting sessions or when traveling, though it’s not a dealbreaker for most.
Bokeh Quality
90%
The bokeh produced by this lens is widely appreciated for its smooth, pleasing quality. Portrait photographers particularly value the way the lens isolates subjects with a beautifully blurred background. The out-of-focus areas are soft and creamy, providing a natural, professional look that enhances portrait work.
While the bokeh is often praised, a few users have pointed out that it can sometimes appear slightly nervous or uneven in certain lighting conditions, especially with high-contrast edges. While this is not a common issue, it's something to keep in mind for users who rely heavily on bokeh for artistic shots.
Compatibility
91%
This Nikon portrait lens is compatible with both Nikon FX and DX DSLR cameras, offering versatile performance across a variety of setups. Users appreciate its ability to perform well on both full-frame and crop-sensor cameras, making it an excellent choice for Nikon users who want a single lens that can adapt to different bodies and shooting situations.
Though the lens works well on both FX and DX cameras, some DX users have noted that the effective focal length on crop-sensor bodies (127mm equivalent) is not always ideal for portraiture. This may limit its usefulness for those specifically seeking an 85mm lens for DX-format cameras.
Weight and Portability
72%
28%
The lens is compact and relatively lightweight for its aperture size, which is ideal for photographers who need to travel light. It’s easy to carry around for outdoor shoots, street photography, or events, offering a good balance between portability and image quality.
While not excessively heavy, some users have found the lens slightly bulky for extended handheld use. The weight can be a concern during long photo sessions, making it less comfortable for those who prioritize lightness in their gear, especially when carrying multiple lenses.
Ease of Use
88%
Photographers enjoy how intuitive and easy to use the lens is. The M/A focus mode switch provides a seamless transition between manual and autofocus, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. This feature is especially useful in fast-paced environments where precision and control are key.
Some users mentioned that the focus ring, though responsive, can feel a bit stiff when manually adjusting focus. This can make it slightly harder to achieve fine-tuned adjustments, particularly for those who are used to more fluid focus rings on other lenses.
Value for Money
84%
Given its superior image quality and fast aperture, many users feel that this lens provides strong value for money, particularly for portrait photographers. The combination of sharpness, low-light capabilities, and bokeh quality justifies the higher price point for those serious about their craft.
While the lens offers great performance, some users feel that it may not offer the same value for money as some of the more budget-friendly options in the same focal length range. For photographers who don’t prioritize absolute image quality or who are just getting started, it may seem like an expensive option.
Focus Accuracy
85%
The autofocus system is generally very accurate, providing precise focus even in challenging conditions. Users have found it particularly reliable for portrait photography, where focus accuracy is crucial for achieving sharp results on the subject's eyes or face.
Some reviewers noted that while the autofocus is generally accurate, it can occasionally hunt in low-light situations or with fast-moving subjects. This slight delay in focusing may require manual intervention in certain conditions, which can disrupt the shooting process.
Durability
86%
The lens is built to last, with many users noting that it feels solid and well-constructed. It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, withstanding daily wear and tear. The durable design is a key factor for photographers who need a reliable, long-lasting lens for professional work.
A few users have mentioned that while the lens is durable, the front element can be vulnerable to scratches if not properly protected. Care must be taken when storing or handling it in harsh environments, as the lens is not fully weather-sealed, which could be a concern for some photographers.
Customer Support
75%
25%
When users have needed assistance, customer support has generally been responsive and helpful. Nikon offers solid warranty services and repairs for this product, ensuring peace of mind for those who invest in it.
A few users reported delays and less-than-satisfactory communication when reaching out to customer support. Some felt that the support process could be more efficient, especially when dealing with repair or replacement requests. This has been a point of frustration for certain buyers.

Suitable for:

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens is an excellent choice for portrait photographers who demand high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. Its fast f/1.4 aperture makes it perfect for those who need to capture sharp, detailed shots with beautiful background blur, ideal for creating professional portraits with a smooth bokeh effect. Photographers using both FX and DX Nikon DSLR cameras will also benefit from the lens’s versatility and compatibility across different sensor types, making it suitable for a variety of shooting environments. Additionally, those working in dynamic situations will appreciate the quick and quiet autofocus, ensuring that they can capture fast-moving subjects without delay. If you're a professional or enthusiast portrait photographer looking to upgrade your lens or improve your low-light performance, this lens will meet your needs with excellent results.

Not suitable for:

However, the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G lens may not be the best option for users seeking a lightweight or budget-friendly solution. Some users have reported that the lens can feel somewhat heavy during long shooting sessions, which might be a concern for photographers who prioritize portability. Additionally, while the autofocus is generally fast, it can occasionally be slower in low-light conditions, which could be frustrating for those who shoot in very dim environments or need rapid focus in challenging lighting. For DX camera users, the 85mm focal length may not be ideal for portraiture, as it effectively becomes a 127mm lens, potentially making framing and composition more difficult. Beginners or casual photographers who don’t require top-tier performance might also find this lens too specialized and expensive for their needs.

Specifications

  • Aperture: The lens has a fast f/1.4 aperture, ideal for low-light shooting and creating a shallow depth of field.
  • Focal Length: The 85mm focal length is optimized for portrait photography, offering a natural perspective with excellent subject isolation.
  • Lens Type: This is a prime lens, meaning it has a fixed focal length and is designed for superior image quality.
  • Mount Type: The lens is designed for Nikon F-mount cameras, compatible with both Nikon FX and DX DSLR models.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The minimum focus distance is 0.85m, allowing for detailed close-up shots.
  • Autofocus System: The lens features an internal autofocus (IF) system for fast, accurate, and quiet focusing.
  • Focus Mode: It has a Manual/Autofocus (M/A) focus mode switch for seamless transition between manual and autofocus control.
  • Coating: The Nano Crystal Coat minimizes lens flare and ghosting, improving image contrast and clarity in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 1.31 pounds (600g), which is moderate for a prime lens of this focal length.
  • Dimensions: The lens has a compact size of 3.31 x 3.43 x 3.43 inches, making it relatively portable for professional use.
  • Lens Construction: It features multi-element lens construction, ensuring high image quality and sharpness across the frame.
  • Bokeh Quality: The lens produces smooth, attractive bokeh, which is highly valued by portrait photographers for aesthetic background blur.
  • Build Quality: The lens is built with a lightweight yet durable design, suitable for professional photographers in various environments.
  • Compatibility: This lens is compatible with both full-frame (FX) and crop-sensor (DX) Nikon DSLR cameras.
  • Edge-to-Edge Sharpness: It offers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX cameras, ensuring high-quality results across the entire frame.
  • Lens Type: As a prime lens, it delivers superior optical performance with less distortion and higher resolution compared to zoom lenses.
  • Portrait Photography: This lens is specifically optimized for portrait photography, offering flattering perspective and excellent subject isolation.
  • Focus Speed: The lens has fast autofocus, but some users report slight delays in very low light conditions.
  • Price Range: This lens is positioned in the premium price range, reflecting its professional-grade performance and build quality.

FAQ

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens offers a fast f/1.4 aperture for excellent low-light performance, an 85mm focal length optimized for portrait photography, and an internal autofocus mechanism for quick and quiet operation. It is compatible with both Nikon FX and DX DSLR cameras, making it versatile for various setups.

The f/1.4 aperture allows more light to enter the lens, making it ideal for low-light conditions. This enables faster shutter speeds and better image clarity without needing to increase ISO levels, reducing noise in your photos, especially in darker environments.

Yes, this lens is fully compatible with both FX and DX Nikon DSLR cameras. On a DX camera, the effective focal length will be approximately 127mm due to the crop factor, making it a slightly tighter lens compared to using it on an FX camera.

The Nano Crystal Coat reduces lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections within the lens. This coating enhances image contrast and clarity, especially when shooting in backlit or high-contrast scenes, making your photos sharper and more vibrant.

While this lens features quick autofocus, it is primarily designed for portrait photography. It can handle fast-moving subjects, but there may be a slight delay in low-light conditions, which could affect performance when capturing fast-action shots.

The lens uses an internal focus (IF) system, which means the lens elements do not physically move forward or backward. This helps achieve quick, quiet autofocus, making it suitable for both still photography and video shooting. However, autofocus can sometimes be slower in very low light.

The lens weighs approximately 1.31 pounds (600g), which is on the heavier side for prime lenses. While its construction is durable, some users find it a bit bulky for extended hand-held use during long shoots. Using a tripod or monopod may help ease the strain.

Yes, the lens's fast and silent autofocus makes it suitable for video recording. However, some users report that autofocus may struggle in very low-light conditions, so manual focusing might be preferred in those scenarios for more control over focus shifts.

While the lens excels in portrait photography, its 85mm focal length might not be ideal for general, everyday shooting due to the narrower field of view. Additionally, its larger size and heavier weight can make it less convenient for casual or travel photography compared to smaller, lighter lenses.

Yes, if you're looking to step up your portrait photography game, this lens offers significant improvements over a typical kit lens. Its sharpness, low-light performance, and beautiful bokeh make it a great choice for those seeking to enhance their image quality and creativity in portraits.