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 p.1 #11 · Nikon 85mm f/1.8 and f/2 MF lenses | |
Sorry to zombie this thread, but I figured I'd chime in since I have both lenses, specifically an 85mm Nikkor-H and an 85mm f2 (either AI or AIS). I shot them side-by-side today with my new Rokinon 85mm f1.4.
At f2 (the fastest stop they share), none are that sharp. The Rokinon is probably the sharpest and has the best micro-contrast and its aberrations are controlled best (spherical aberration, CA, vignetting, etc.)--it's actually quite impressive how boring this lens is, but that's not always a bad thing. The Nikkors are really hazy (particularly the f2, but mine has some fine scratches). The f1.8 is the least sharp in the corners by a very significant margin, but it has a more "solid" feel than the f2, like less spherical aberration and less purple fringing. In the center, it seems better than the f2 because it's equally sharp but with less spherical aberration and fringing. The Rokinon has the worst locas in the foreground by far--but it feels really nice and crisp nonetheless. The f1.8 has a lot of coma, I think; the f2 has some. The Rokinon has none or trivially little.
In terms of bokeh (again, tested at f2), the f1.4 is just nice and buttery but again kind of boring. Foreground areas that are out of focus have significant locas and look harsh, but the background is super smooth and clean. I know there is potential for swirlies but I didn't see them. The f2 has the most "nervous" bokeh (and for whatever reason the focus seems a bit deeper, but the foreground locas are fewer. There are more background locas, though. No cats eyes and minimal swirlies. I kind of like the look, although it's a bit harsh. The out of focus bubbles are clearly defined without being oniony or donuty. Not bad. The f1.8 is right in between--a beautiful vintage look, not so bad locas at all in the foreground or background but still apparent, bokeh is a little harsher than the f1.4 but smoother than the f2. There's a lot of fall-off and a serious cats eyes/swirlies, but it really draws attention to the center of the frame. This might be the worst lens technically but I love the look.
In terms of color rendering, the f1.8 has an unfortunate greenish tint. The f2 has a magenta tint. The Rokinon is amber (maybe a little green, too).
In terms of low light, the f2 is faster at f2 than the f1.8 is at f1.8. And significantly sharper with less coma (the f1.8 gains a bit between f1.8 and f2). I don't know if the f1.8 K would be faster than the f2 AI, but it might be. Bokeh is more nervous and focus deeper on the f2, of course. The Rokinon f1.4 is almost two stops faster than the Nikkors. It seems like modern coatings make a pretty big difference in terms of lens speed.
I can't pick a favorite. I'll probably end up ditching the f2 because, while it's better than the f1.8 at times, the Rokinon is "more better" and in some of the same ways. The f1.8 has great character for portraits, but it might be the worst lens technically.
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