Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Pro Reviews

As an update to a lens design that has stood the test of time through at least a couple of decades, this new 85mm f/1.8 represents a good job on Nikon's part. Image sharpness is excellent where it is needed – in the centre at wide apertures and across the frame when stopped down – the build quality is good and the lightweight design not too much of a burden to be carried around all day. The price may seem a little high compared to the older lens, although that has been heavily discounted to clear the remaining stocks. Overall this lens represents a high quality and good value alternative to Nikon's top of the line 85mm lens, without sacrificing too much in the way of quality, build, or sharpness.

The Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G is an excellent lens. It performs on a very high level in almost any regard, even on the high resolution DX sensor of the Nikon D7000. Sharpness is excellent in the image center straight from the largest aperture, the borders and corners deliver very good resolution wide open and excellent sharpness stopped down. Typical for a fast prime there is some vignetting wide open, which can easily be cured by stopping down. The same applies to Bokeh fringing. CAs are on a moderate level, while distorion is no issue at all. The biggest surprise is probably the bokeh quality, which is not right up there on the benchmark level set by 85mm f/1.4 lenses, but quite close. The build quality is on a high level and in line with other Nikon consumer prime offerings. Thanks to an AF-S drive autofocus action is virtually silent and quite fast for a portrait lens. So, in summary, the verdict remains the same as in our earlier FX review: for most subjects the lens gives around 95% of the performance of an AF-S 85/1.4 but at just one third of the price. Certainly highly recommended!