Just because you have a lens that happens to overlap with a given focal length doesn't mean two or more lenses happen to meet your needs the same way.
The 85/1.8 is much lighter and also sharper (in my experience, at least) than the 80-200. My 85/1.8 would smoke any copy of the 80-200/2.8 in sharpness, so far as I've seen.
Also, the resale value of a mint condition 85/1.8 is probably about $350-400, with the latter number only with truly perfect copies that have all the packaging. After that, there's not much value in getting a used one of any kind instead of a brand new one.
If max aperture is your goal I don't think I'd sell an f/1.8 to buy an f/1.4 -- not enough extra bang for the buck IMO.
If your quandary is the 85/1.4 vs the 14-24 I have to say I think you need to help us filter your thinking. I'd take resale out of the equation for now and focus on what and how you shoot and how your current lineup limits you.
I'd sell all three of them. I'd then buy the 85mm f1.4 AF-D, a 70-200 f2.8 VR II, and a 14-24 f2.8. If you find you do miss the 50mm focal length, I would replace the AF-S with the 50mm f1.4 AF-D version.
However, since you gave us no factors to base a decision off, such as what you shoot, what your most important features are, and most importantly your budget, its very hard to help you.
Virtue Effect wrote:
I have an opinon question. I have a D700 along with 3 lenses, 50mm f1.4 AF-S, 85mm f1.8, and 80-200mm f2.8.
My question: Should I sell the 85mm prime because I already have that focal range covered? Or should I sell them both for the 85mm f1.4?
or
Should I sell the 85mm f1.8 and put the money toward the 14-24mm?
If it was me, I'd just get a nice compact light wide prime (20mm, 24mm or 28mm) and save the $1500 you'll save in not buying the big and heavy 14-24mm.
You give no indication at all what you are using the lenses for, what you photo, what light conditions, and so on. Any suggestions you get will be meaningless. I tried the 85mm f1.8 and it was the very worst lens I've ever owned when it comes to flare. It was unusable for me. Don't know if you photo the same things I do, so don't know if it's a bad choice for you too. My gut feeling is that if you really needed f1.8 or f1.4, and knew it, you wouldn't be asking the question. FWIW, I've been avoiding the old Nikon lenses and am concentrating on only buying the modern state of art ones. Just as cameras have improved since the 1980s, so have lenses. Maybe even to a greater extent.
My opinion, you seem pretty well covered from 50mm and up. I would keep the 85 f1.8 as it is much lighter, smaller, maybe sharper, and faster then your 80-200 at the sam FL. Same with the 50 f1.4. Where you are lacking, especially if you do landscape, is on the wide end, and the 14-24 Nikkor is pretty well known as tops in its class in that range. If money is a factor, the 17-35 f2.8 is a heck of a lens as well, and available used in ex. shape for about $800 or so less then a new 14-24.
I have the 85mm f1.8 but usually use my 70-200mm F2.8 VR 99% of the time. Having a sharp zoom is far more Convenient than the prime. My preference. But What is confusing is you state all these telephoto or longer lenses and then throw in the 14-24mm F2.8. The total opposite of the first question.
unless you absolutely need buttery smooth bokeh or extra 1/3 stop of light of the 85/1.4, I don't really see what you gain by selling the 85/1.8 for the 1.4.
also, the 85/1.8 and the 80-200 are completely different animals. It's like comparing a two-prong turkey carving fork to a three prong pitch fork. different tool for different uses, in my opinion.
How do you shoot? what do you need more?
On the other hand, the 14-24 is a very very cool lens... if you can afford it or have to have it, or have the need for it, and can finance it, go for it.
I can't tell you how to spend your money... other than for you to give'em to me
but really, only you can truly decide what you need/want. The only thing we can do here, is to provide information and feedback to help you make your decision... but again, we'd need more info on HOW you shoot, what kind of budget you're allowed, etc.
FWIW, I've been avoiding the old Nikon lenses and am concentrating on only buying the modern state of art ones. Just as cameras have improved since the 1980s, so have lenses. Maybe even to a greater extent.
