If you have the choice...

Home · Register · Search · Software · Hosting · Software · Join Upload & Sell

FM Forum Rules
Nikon SLRs, primes, and zooms lenses reviews

FM Forums \| Nikon-mount SLRs \| Join Upload & Sell
1 2 end

Archive 2011 · If you have the choice...

supermario343
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #1 · If you have the choice...

Having around $2k to spend on a prime....would you buy the 24/35/85mm 1.4G? I currently have a D7000, Nikon 16-35mm f/4, Nikon 50mm 1.8G, and Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro. I will be upgrading to FX next year in case anyone was wondering why im getting a 1.4 prime. Any opinions thoughts would be helpful

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:18 AM

Avi B
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #2 · If you have the choice...

What do you shoot, subject-wise?

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:37 AM

euua
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · If you have the choice...

I would get 24/1.4. Well invested money for ether DX of FX.
Future is looking friendly so no worries so far....

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:38 AM

supermario343
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #4 · If you have the choice...

I shoot just about anything....landscape, portraits, street

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:46 AM

galenapass
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · If you have the choice...

Avi B wrote:
What do you shoot, subject-wise?

+1

A lens is a tool. If you went to a woodworking forum and said "what tool should I buy?" how would anyone be able to answer without knowing what you intend to make?

Edit : looks like I can't type fast enough on this blasted iPad, since you answered the question while I was responding. Sounds like an 85mm might be useful to you.

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:47 AM

Zaitz
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #6 · If you have the choice...

Nah I'd buy a 300mm f2.8 af-i.

But an 85mm sounds like it fits what you want more.

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:52 AM

Steve Perry
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · If you have the choice...

supermario343 wrote:
I shoot just about anything....landscape, portraits, street

OK, so what photos would be easier to make with one of the lenses you mention - and which photos wouldn't see much benefit? When I buy lenses, it's generally to plug a hole in my lineup, to help fix a photographic problem.

For example, if I'm shooting landscapes and don't have a nice wide angle, that 24 would be tempting (although I'd go Zeiss 25 first for that use

). If you like doing low light or getting those magical wide-open portraits, then the 85 has a good reputation for those kind of shots.

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:56 AM

Avi B
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · If you have the choice...

You already have the 16-35/4 so I'd skip the 24/1.4 unless you're looking for in-your-face street or portraits. Ditto the 35/1.4. This leaves the 85/1.4.

Tho on FX, I personally would go with 35/85 1.4 combo. Actually I find on film that these FL's cover most of my shooting.

Dec 24, 2011 at 04:05 AM

supermario343
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #9 · If you have the choice...

Yeah I was leaning mostly towards the 85mm 1.4G. I had a Rokinon 35mm 1.4, loved it but I need the AFS. I also had the Sigma 85mm and sold it. Ive always wanted the 85mm G though. Too bad its back ordered like everywhere though. Thats the problem

Dec 24, 2011 at 04:27 AM

galenapass
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #10 · If you have the choice...

I have the Rokinon 85mm but I am struggling with the MF. This coming from someone who "grew up" with a Nikon FM and AIS glass.

Edited on Dec 24, 2011 at 06:17 AM · View previous versions

Dec 24, 2011 at 04:38 AM

hjanssen
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #11 · If you have the choice...

I would buy a Sigma 85/1.4, but what does that say for you?

Dec 24, 2011 at 05:48 AM

ct8282
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #12 · If you have the choice...

I too am a D7000 owner and have both the 24 f1.4 and 85 f1.4. I also have the 14-14 f2.8 so if I had to let one of the primes go it would defo be the 24 f1.4. You have a pin sharp wide angle already so I would go with the 85 first and then think about the 24 for a future purchase.

Both are incredible but I would miss the 85 more as that bokeh is just astonishing and yummy. I often just go for a walk with the D7000 and 85 and do street candid stuff. Having this short (as in physical lens dimensions) prime lens on a crop body makes for an excellent unobtrusive and discreet portrait lens.

You wont be disappointed if you buy the 85.

Dec 24, 2011 at 08:07 AM

jeterfan3
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #13 · If you have the choice...

supermario343 wrote:
I also had the Sigma 85mm and sold it. Ive always wanted the 85mm G though.

Why did you sell the Sigma?

Max

Dec 24, 2011 at 08:51 AM

Mishu01
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #14 · If you have the choice...

Considering your budget and existent kit I'll spend the money buying a Sigma 85/1.4 and a Nikon 180/2.8. Both are performing great on D7000 and on D700. Another option is to go for two Nikkors... 135/2 DC and 180/2.8...

Dec 24, 2011 at 10:53 AM

supermario343
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #15 · If you have the choice...

jeterfan3 wrote:
supermario343 wrote:
I also had the Sigma 85mm and sold it. Ive always wanted the 85mm G though.

Why did you sell the Sigma?

Max

I like Nikon lenses too much

Dec 24, 2011 at 02:21 PM

Chris Court
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #16 · If you have the choice...

I've made a few lens purchases lately, and I picked up the 70-200 VRII before the 85 G. It's 90% of the portrait lens, but 1000x as flexible for most other purposes.

I have both now though, so I'm a happy camper :-)

C

Dec 24, 2011 at 02:55 PM

LLondon
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #17 · If you have the choice...

85 PC-E

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:07 PM

supermario343
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #18 · If you have the choice...

Well I just ended up ordering the 85mm 1.4G. Im happy with the purchase, now I gotta wait till it gets here

Dec 24, 2011 at 03:22 PM

Gunzorro
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #19 · If you have the choice...

You've already got the Tamron 90/2.8. So I don't see the value of the expensive Nikon 85/1.4 for two stops more light.

I was going to say that you should investigate the Samyang series, but I see that you have. I love their lenses, owning the 85/1.4, 35/1.4 and the 14/2.8 -- all for well under $1000. They are also supposed to come out soon with a 24/1.4, and I'll be in line for that.

I also like the Zeiss idea. But you prefer AF, and I can understand that.

In your position, I'd look for another versatile zoom lens, like the 24-70/2.8, or maybe the 24/120/4 (although the 24-70 gets mostly better reviews). Then maybe you would think about filling in with one of those fast Samyang?

I'm sure you'll have fun deciding!

galenapass -- I haven't had any trouble focusing my Samyang 85/1.4 on FF or APS-H body's OVF. Crop sensor OVF are very tough for me, using MF lenses.

Dec 24, 2011 at 05:11 PM

Jonathan
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #20 · If you have the choice...

I've had all three and the 85G is my favorite.

Dec 25, 2011 at 04:28 PM

1 2 end
FM Forums \| Nikon-mount SLRs \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 end