AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
This fast, compact lens is an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor portraits, as well as indoor sports and stage productions.
$489.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
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Supplied Accessories
- HN-23 hood
- 62mm lens cap
- Rear lens cap
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
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AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
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Great Portrait Lens
This is a fabulous portrait lens, and it produces wonderful bokeh. The only fault I can find is that it does not autofocus on cameras like the D40 and the D60. It is also worth the price, without having to fork over more than $1,000 for the f/1.4 version. If you have a camera with a focusing motor that would support this lens, I would highly recommend it.
May 9, 2011
Great portrait lens. Really sharp f2 on. Very nice bokeh as well.
April 16, 2011
Excellent lens. Great value.
What a great lens. Amazing portraits. Great value. Recommend this lens with no hesitation.
April 15, 2011
a real bargain
The 85 1.8D is the real bargain in Nikon's lineup. Mine is sharp, sharp wide open. There is some small CA, though, if you look for it. It is a good portrait lens, and it is good for other tasks where a short telephoto is desired. I like it for its size and its good focus speed. It also helps that the filter size (62 mm) is one that many of my lenses use. Build quality is good but not outstanding - but this lens is far less than half of the cost of the 1.4D and waaaay less than the 1.4G.
I like the aperture ring and the size. I really like the images it produces.
It comes with a metal screw-on hood.
April 15, 2011
Great Investment
Works great for portraits and indoor sports. Fast lens, precise, sharp. My only regret is not buying it SOONER!!!
April 15, 2011
sharp!
it's a superb lens. it's worth it! this lens is good for portraits even at a distance. i tried to used it as a walk around lens, still gave good result. i highly recommend this lens if the budget is a little tight compare to f/1.4 85mm.
March 19, 2011
Fine lens; 35-105 zoom constant aperture better
I bought three autofocus prime lenses, 35, 50, and this 85 with a D700.The autofocus 35, 50, and 85 are fine lenses, maybe not as good as my manual 35 f1,4, 50 f1.4 or 84 f1.4 but O.K. For digital, zooms with 28-35 to 85-105 and constant aperture would be better. I'd prefer 35-85 f2.8.
January 23, 2011
This is a great lens
I bought this lens mainly to photograph my kids' high school basketball games because I could not bring myself to pay big money for the 70-200mm. The focal lengh is just about right for most of the shots on the court. I am glad I went for the 1.8 because our gym is extremely dark. I have to shoot at 3200 ISO just to get to 1/320 speed. I sat by a lady with a 3.5 zoom lens and she was shocked by how well my pictures were turning out. She had to put her camera away because she couldn't get anything to turn out.
The lens feels a little short to me because my fingers keep wanting to grab the end of the lens while it is focusing. I am really happy with this lens for the intended purpose. It is too much lens for most of my shots inside the house.
January 17, 2011
Great sports, event and portrait lens
The 85mm f/1.8 is a superb lens. I use it on a D90 for indoor sports, live stage events and portraits. Very sharp, distortion-free and fast focus. Beautiful bokeh. My clients rave about my images made with this lens. This lens is a great bargain, too. I'm not sure the extra cost of the f/1.4 would buy that much. Sure didn't seem worth it to me. I know it's 2/3 of a stop, but does that really change things enough to warrant the extra expense?
December 21, 2010
Incredible
This is probably the sharpest lens I own. Great for low light when a moderate telephoto is needed. The build quality is very nice.
Just wish the supplied lens hood was a bayonet style rather than screw on
November 10, 2010
Impressed
I bought this lens specifically for covering volleyball for a newspaper. It focuses quickly and has sharp focus. I've been nothing but pleased with its quality. I get an extra stop of light with the 1.8 over a previous 2.8 lens and that means a lot when not being able to use flash for indoor sports sometimes in less than desirable lighting.
September 9, 2010
The Gatekeeper of the Tele Primes' world.
The review is based on DX body.
The build quality of this lens is on par with consumer-grade Nikkors, outer plastic shell feel well put, no creeks, no blobs anywhere. Combined with the metal mount, you can be sure it'll endure lens changing in daily basis.
Of course, this lens is AF Nikkor, autofocus is achieved by the screw from camera body, AF is not possible for D40 and the likes.
The focus ring turns around during AF servo, please keep your fingers away. (85 f/1.4D won't do this.) MF takes a little play because of the short focus travel and low-friction focus ring.
In image quality terms, this lens can show the near flawless output, negligible distortions and corner light falloff (Vignetting). CAs are quite low at every aperture settings, though the purple fringings at harsh contrasty areas might be annoying when you shoot wide-open.
For me this lens can render sharpest output around F4 - F5.6, but I can use it at F2.8 without worry (esp. portraiture) and the quality at F2 is satisfying.
If you're looking for first medium telephoto prime or looking for the more compact and lighter substitute for the existing pro tele zoom, don't look elsewhere.
August 20, 2010
Great lens for a great price
I love my 85mm f1.8 lens. It's very sharp, small, lightweight and it focuses quickly.
It's soft at f1.8 but it sharpens up quickly.
August 1, 2010
Great Lens
I use this on both a DX and FX camera. Excellent sharpness and detail. Great for low light portraits and for throwing the background out of focus. My favorite lens.
July 31, 2010
Great optics for the price
I use this lens to shoot indoor sports. It is light-weight, fast enough and amazingly sharp. I love looking at the fine details in images captured with this lens. Nothing but good things to say about this lens.
July 30, 2010
Excellent portrait lens
Perfect balance of DOF and bokeh for a reasonable price.
July 30, 2010
Excellent lens at an affordable price!
This is the first lens that I choose to buy. It handle portraits very well, and isolates the subject from distracting backgrounds. Because it bright I often use it with out flash. If you like the perspective of a telephoto lens without the bulk, and weight, and don't mind some foot work to frame your subject, then this is bargain of a lens. Optically it's excellent. You'll need about 3m/10ft of room if you're doing portrait, so make sure you have room to move around.
July 30, 2010
A great value
I did a lot of research before buying this lens. I rented a copy and loved it. Very sharp pictures when combined with my D300. While very light, it is well built and strong enough that I do not worry about it. Considering the cost it really delivers quality photos. I think it is often overlooked because of the legendary 85f1.4.
July 30, 2010
Best Portrait Lens on a Budget.
Owning a number on lenses, primes and fast zooms, I always return to this lens if I'm doing portraits. It's focal length on both APS-C and full frame is near perfect for head shots. And it's fast f/1.8 helps frame your subject in a narrow depth of field. Excellent bokeh as well.
It's small size is very convenient.
Only complaint, the hood is screw on. Making it more difficult to use filters and return the lens cap when finished if using the hood.
Overall it's the best value for quality and performance in a portrait/mid-telephoto prime.
July 30, 2010
Great Portrait Lens
I love this lens! It is so sharp, it has saved my business. I have the original 85mm from the 70's and am very happy that I bought the autofocus version. So wonderful to use for portraits.
July 30, 2010
Superb quality
My favorite for portrait. Bokeh is perfect. Fast and very accurate lens.
July 30, 2010
One of their best
Very well constructed mechanically - mostly metal! Optically, it's outstanding; good contrast, very sharp (even out to the edges when stopped down a bit), great resolution and pleasing bokeh. This is one of my favorite Nikkors.
July 30, 2010
One of my favorite Nikon lens to date.
I keep this lens on my 2nd camera body 90% of my photo sessions. Needle sharp and fast enough to handle low light portraits and events.I have used Nikkor lenes for over thirty years and must say that for the money, it's the best value of any lens that I own.
July 30, 2010
Great lens
Great lens. Fabulous clarity. Gathers tons of light. Awesome bokeh. Great value. I currently use this lense on Nikon D200 bodies for portraiture work. Because of the sensor size of the body, I get the 1.5X factor so this 85mm becomes almost like a 130mm. Too bad it doesn't zoom... that will be my next Nikkor!
July 30, 2010
this lens is sharp!
Last summer I bought the 1.4 version of this lens.
The 1.4 is great, but I feel it did not preform like
a $1400.00 lens. I returned it and bought the
1.8- I am very happy wth this lens and feel it
is razor sharp at many f- stops. Looking forward
to the AFS version with the G coating !!!!!!!!!!
July 30, 2010
Great Lens
I love this lens, I definitely am happy I made this my first lens choice. Excellent picture quality and great for closeup headshots and portraits.
April 14, 2011
Great value, good portrait lens
I have to say, it's not my favorite lens, but it is a decent performer. The build is okay, but not the rugged metal feel of the pro level lenses. Bokeh is pretty good. It is a staple in the Nikkor lens lineup, but I would try to stretch my budget to include the f/1.4 version, or opt for a 105mm lens.
November 10, 2010
Among the best.
Good IQ at f/1.8 and very good to excellent from f/2.8 on. I don't use it as much as I thought I would, but I'm always pleased when I do.
October 4, 2010
needs stopping down to be sharp
I like this lens except it's performance at f1.8 and f2. It gets sharp by f4 and beyond. I guess some portraits don't need to be sharp but mine do. The question raises, "why but a f1.8 or below if you have to stop it down to get sharpness"? Still it is a good lense and very reasonablely priced.
August 2, 2010
Can not beat it for the price
I have worked for a photo studio and went to school for photography, and i have used almost every type of nikon lens out there. This lens is great, not as sharp as the f/1.4 but still very sharp. I think as a photographer you might see a difference in the two lens but clients wont. I shot all my engagement sessions and graduate portfolio work with this lens and it was amazing. Great separation from the background, strong focus, and it weighs just enough to even out the camera body.
I give it a 9/10, only because the f/1.4 is still a stronger lens
August 2, 2010
21 Questions | 28 Answers
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AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
3 Answers
Is the AF nikkor 85mm f1.8D compatible with the nikon D90? I having trouble with AF.
10 months ago
by
deb
florida
Location :
florida
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Hi, If you photograph people try to point focus to his/her eye.Answer:
The D90 might not have an internal focusing motor, which is required for the AF to work on this lens. I have a D5000, for example, and need to focus manually.Answer:
Yes it is, make sure all the contacts between camera and lens are clean
My AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 d lense appears not auto focus on my D40 camera. Should it? if so, how do make the auto focus?
1 year, 2 months ago
by
John
Silverdale WA
Location :
Silverdale WA
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
no, it shouldn't. only af-s (or internal motor drive) lenses can autofocus on a d40, d60, d3000, d3100, d5000 and d5100 bodies as they lack the screw drive built into the body.Answer:
The D40 does not have a screw drive that I am aware of, so this lens will not auto focus.1 year, 2 months ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Sports
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Will the AF work with the D3100? Or will I have to MF?May 26, 2011 by
by
Wilson6
MO
Location :
MO
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes it is compatible, however you will have to manual focus it.1 year, 1 month ago
by
RYAN
UK
Location :
UK
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
This lens will indeed work with a D3100. However, it will not autofocus on a D3100 because neither the camera nor the lens have an internal autofocus motor.Jun 20, 2011 by
by
Allan
Sidney, NE
Location :
Sidney, NE
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes but you will have to focus manually, it does not have a built in lens motor
Does the 85mm f1.8D work with the 5T Close Up Lens? Is there any focus distance and magnification information available?
10 months ago
by
Muzzy
Seattle, WA
Location :
Seattle, WA
Nikon Family: 21+ years
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Lens to Subject Distance is 775-461mm. Reproduction Ratio is 1:7.8-1:4.3 and Subject field size is 188 x 282 - 104 x 156 in millimeter.Answer:
Yes, 5T & 6T can use with AF 85 f/1.8D.
AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
2 Answers
Is the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D compatible with the D3000? and f you have to MF?
10 months ago
by
Anonymous
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
It's will not Auto Focus with D3000.Answer:
Yes it will fit nd yes you have to manual focus.
Will this work with a coolpix p90?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
anewbie
texas
Location :
texas
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Just getting started with photography
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
This camera doesn't use interchangeable lenses. This model offers a Digital Vari-program modes. Selecting a program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as easy as rotating the mode dial.
I recently acquired several used Nikkor lenses, one of which is marked "AF NIKKOR 85mm f1.8" without the D as shown in the photo above of Product Number 1931. What are the differences between my lens and the one with the D designation?
1 year, 3 months ago
by
pheelix
Fairlawn, OH, USA
Location :
Fairlawn, OH, USA
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than 20 years
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
A NIKKOR lens that sends distance information to the microcomputer of a dedicated Nikon camera. D-type lenses can be distinguished by a model name in which the letter D follows the maximum f/number.Has staff answer
AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
1 answer
Can you get the 5000 series with a AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D?
1 year, 2 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
If you are referring to the D5000 and the new D5100 please take note that Nikon offers two types of autofocus digital camera bodies: those with a built-in focus drive motor and those which require a lens to have a motor. Cameras such as these two do not have a focus motor in it so they require the lens to have the focusing motor – an “AF-S” lens. While these bodies can use a lens with no focus motor (an “AF” lens) you would have to manually turn the focus ring to bring the subject in to sharp focus.1 year, 1 month ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes it will.
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