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Archive 2012Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
p.5 #1Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
espressogeek wrote:
Would it not be more fair to compare the Sigma at F/1.8 rather than wide open?Perhaps for a totally 'fair' test but I'm not sure it would make any difference at all in my experience with it.I just thought the DOF would be significantly different and that might make a difference if something was in the range of acceptable focus or not. It is "good" to hear some feedback on the Sigma 85mm even if it is not positive. I wonder if this is an issue with all of the Sigma 85mm lenses? If so, I feel even better having ordered the Nikon lens.
1.4 to 1.8 isn't that significantly different, dof at portrait distances is still minuscule. My sigma has an odd problem (and is on it's way back from sigma right now apparently) in that the focus on the outer AF sensors was repeatably significantly off while the centre point was fine so I'm not sure mine is representative. Apparently they had never heard of this issue happening, see https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1075299
Mark_L wrote
espressogeek wrote
Mark_L wrote
For people who have this lens has anyone tested the focus repeatability wide open? This is my main criticism of the sigma, wide open at portrait distances it will misfocus at least 25% of the frames.1.4 to 1.8 isn't that significantly different, dof at portrait distances is still minuscule. My sigma has an odd problem (and is on it's way back from sigma right now apparently) in that the focus on the outer AF sensors was repeatably significantly off while the centre point was fine so I'm not sure mine is representative. Apparently they had never heard of this issue happening, see https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1075299
Feb 24, 2012 at 02:41 PM
p.5 #2Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
espressogeek wrote:
Would it not be more fair to compare the Sigma at F/1.8 rather than wide open?Perhaps for a totally 'fair' test but I'm not sure it would make any difference at all in my experience with it.I just thought the DOF would be significantly different and that might make a difference if something was in the range of acceptable focus or not. It is "good" to hear some feedback on the Sigma 85mm even if it is not positive. I wonder if this is an issue with all of the Sigma 85mm lenses? If so, I feel even better having ordered the Nikon lens.
I have owned the Sigma 50 for three years and the Sigma 85 for over a year along with the Nikon 50 f1.4 and the Nikon 85 f1.4d and G plus the canon 85 f1.2. None of these lenses will give 100% wide open. 75 to 80% tends to be about right when shooting wide open. Anyone expecting 100% is being a bit unrealistic. The main things these 85 lenses all have in common is their all sharp wide open in the center with the nod going to the Canon, followed by the Sigma. The edge sharpness goes the the Nikon 85g followed by the Canon. The one thing all of these lense don't have in common is focus speed. The Sigma wins here hands down, followed by the Nikons and lastly the Canon.
Mark_L wrote
espressogeek wrote
Mark_L wrote
For people who have this lens has anyone tested the focus repeatability wide open? This is my main criticism of the sigma, wide open at portrait distances it will misfocus at least 25% of the frames.I have owned the Sigma 50 for three years and the Sigma 85 for over a year along with the Nikon 50 f1.4 and the Nikon 85 f1.4d and G plus the canon 85 f1.2. None of these lenses will give 100% wide open. 75 to 80% tends to be about right when shooting wide open. Anyone expecting 100% is being a bit unrealistic. The main things these 85 lenses all have in common is their all sharp wide open in the center with the nod going to the Canon, followed by the Sigma. The edge sharpness goes the the Nikon 85g followed by the Canon. The one thing all of these lense don't have in common is focus speed. The Sigma wins here hands down, followed by the Nikons and lastly the Canon.
Feb 24, 2012 at 02:47 PM
p.5 #3Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Bruce Sawle wrote:
I have owned the Sigma 50 for three years and the Sigma 85 for over a year along with the Nikon 50 f1.4 and the Nikon 85 f1.4d and G plus the canon 85 f1.2. None of these lenses will give 100% wide open. 75 to 80% tends to be about right when shooting wide open. Anyone expecting 100% is being a bit unrealistic. The main things these 85 lenses all have in common is their all sharp wide open in the center with the nod going to the Canon, followed by the Sigma. The edge sharpness goes the...Show more →
Thanks for this, I suspected this would be the case - I don't see it on my 70-200 but the dof probably masks it. Assuming my bizarre focus issue with the sigma is resolved I'll probably hang onto it since otherwise it is excellent.
As an aside I really wish camera manufacturers would get their act together with focus accuracy and repeatability, 36MP is only going to make the shortcomings even more obvious.
I have owned the Sigma 50 for three years and the Sigma 85 for over a year along with the Nikon 50 f1.4 and the Nikon 85 f1.4d and G plus the canon 85 f1.2. None of these lenses will give 100% wide open. 75 to 80% tends to be about right when shooting wide open. Anyone expecting 100% is being a bit unrealistic. The main things these 85 lenses all have in common is their all sharp wide open in the center with the nod going to the Canon, followed by the Sigma. The edge sharpness goes the...Show more →
Thanks for this, I suspected this would be the case - I don't see it on my 70-200 but the dof probably masks it. Assuming my bizarre focus issue with the sigma is resolved I'll probably hang onto it since otherwise it is excellent.
As an aside I really wish camera manufacturers would get their act together with focus accuracy and repeatability, 36MP is only going to make the shortcomings even more obvious.
Feb 24, 2012 at 02:54 PM
p.5 #4Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Sorry Mr. Mohaupt! I grabbed the last one before you called.
And thanks so much to Andy for posting so many wonderful shots. This little gems really shines on the D3s, eh!? No doubt in my mind.
If it performs this well on my d7000 / D2Hs I'll be ecstatic.
Mine comes Tuesday, can't wait!
And thanks so much to Andy for posting so many wonderful shots. This little gems really shines on the D3s, eh!? No doubt in my mind.
If it performs this well on my d7000 / D2Hs I'll be ecstatic.
Mine comes Tuesday, can't wait!
Feb 24, 2012 at 07:30 PM
p.5 #5Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
MackDaddy1962 wrote:
And thanks so much to Andy for posting so many wonderful shots. This little gems really shines on the D3s, eh!? No doubt in my mind.
If it performs this well on my d7000 / D2Hs I'll be ecstatic.
Thank you. You are welcomed :-)
Don't see any reason, that it won't perform on your bodies .....
Yesterday evening: 1920x1200
http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/141708395/original.jpg
Enjoy your new lens,
Andy
And thanks so much to Andy for posting so many wonderful shots. This little gems really shines on the D3s, eh!? No doubt in my mind.
If it performs this well on my d7000 / D2Hs I'll be ecstatic.
Thank you. You are welcomed :-)
Don't see any reason, that it won't perform on your bodies .....
Yesterday evening: 1920x1200
http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/141708395/original.jpg
Enjoy your new lens,
Andy
Feb 25, 2012 at 02:30 AM
p.5 #6Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Thank you sir, and agreed it should work just fine (as the f/1.8D did a great job and this lens is just that much better!)
Stunning shots Andy. Love them!
Take care,
Jim
Stunning shots Andy. Love them!
Take care,
Jim
Feb 25, 2012 at 06:58 AM
p.5 #7Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Photozone just released their AFS 85mm/1.8G review
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/717-nikkorafs8518ff
regards,
Andy
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/717-nikkorafs8518ff
regards,
Andy
Feb 26, 2012 at 06:17 PM
p.5 #10Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
I'm encouraged by what photozone said about the lens. I can't wait to try my copy out when it arrives on tuesday.
Feb 26, 2012 at 10:31 PM
p.5 #11Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Took the 85/1.8G out for a spin tonight. I'm very happy with the performance of the optics and AF.
@ The Basement by nashsnazzy, on Flickr
@ The Basement by nashsnazzy, on Flickr
Feb 28, 2012 at 11:56 PM
p.5 #12Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Nice pic^^^^
did you desaturate on post?
Btw, what camera you used?
did you desaturate on post?
Btw, what camera you used?
Feb 29, 2012 at 12:11 AM
p.5 #13Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
I received my copy today, and I must say that I am very impressed with this lens' sharpness wide open and the way it renders colors. I took a few quick shots of my wife, and I was blown away. I'll be testing the AF speed on my children tomorrow, but I was able to get shots I was very pleased with using an 85L II, which had very slow AF, so it shouldn't be a problem. At $500 I would highly recommend this lens.
Feb 29, 2012 at 12:47 AM
p.5 #14Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Cecilia C wrote:
Nice pic^^^^
did you desaturate on post?
Btw, what camera you used?
Yes I did desaturate due to the very intense LED stage lighting used at this club. If I don't desaturate I end up with crayon blue colored performers and little else. I also used a crazy WB setting of over 14k. I hate LED stage lighting. This was shot with my wife's D5100. I can't wait to try this lens out on a D800E whenever it arrives.
Nice pic^^^^
did you desaturate on post?
Btw, what camera you used?
Yes I did desaturate due to the very intense LED stage lighting used at this club. If I don't desaturate I end up with crayon blue colored performers and little else. I also used a crazy WB setting of over 14k. I hate LED stage lighting. This was shot with my wife's D5100. I can't wait to try this lens out on a D800E whenever it arrives.
Feb 29, 2012 at 07:06 AM
p.5 #15Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
MackDaddy1962 wrote:
Sorry Mr. Mohaupt! I grabbed the last one before you called.
:-( I am very disappointed, I put my name on the list at B&H. I just hope I didn't get it on there too late. I am guessing today people "Should" start seeing some movement of this lens?
~M
Sorry Mr. Mohaupt! I grabbed the last one before you called.
:-( I am very disappointed, I put my name on the list at B&H. I just hope I didn't get it on there too late. I am guessing today people "Should" start seeing some movement of this lens?
~M
Feb 29, 2012 at 07:39 AM
p.5 #16Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Patients my brother, they will come. 
Well, I received my little gem yesterday right on schedule (had to take a vacation day as the seller used UPS with signature at delivery.) Not that I didn't want to take a day off work... Lol!!
The lens build quality is superb. Compared to my just sold 85/1.8D it's just as good as far as I'm concerned. Actually, a bit nicer. Nice weight (heft shall we say) but not too heavy like the Nikkor 1.4G, or Sigma EX 1.4. The lens just feels solid. Buttery smooth focus ring with FTM (Sorry, I'm still stuck with Canon terminology - Full Time Manual Focus override) that feels better than the 50/1.8G by FAR.
I'm happy to report that it also includes a Nikon LF-4 rear cap (much better than the junk LF-1's that a lot of newer lenses ship with.) That was a real bonus for me at least.
Overall, I'm pleased as can be with the ergo's and feel of the build. Nice product. I'm not complaining one bit paying the $500 retail figure for it.
Random sample test shots to come. They're still on the camera right now.
Well, I received my little gem yesterday right on schedule (had to take a vacation day as the seller used UPS with signature at delivery.) Not that I didn't want to take a day off work... Lol!!
The lens build quality is superb. Compared to my just sold 85/1.8D it's just as good as far as I'm concerned. Actually, a bit nicer. Nice weight (heft shall we say) but not too heavy like the Nikkor 1.4G, or Sigma EX 1.4. The lens just feels solid. Buttery smooth focus ring with FTM (Sorry, I'm still stuck with Canon terminology - Full Time Manual Focus override) that feels better than the 50/1.8G by FAR.
I'm happy to report that it also includes a Nikon LF-4 rear cap (much better than the junk LF-1's that a lot of newer lenses ship with.) That was a real bonus for me at least.
Overall, I'm pleased as can be with the ergo's and feel of the build. Nice product. I'm not complaining one bit paying the $500 retail figure for it.
Random sample test shots to come. They're still on the camera right now.
Feb 29, 2012 at 07:50 AM
p.5 #17Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Anyone see any movement from the major distributors?
~M
~M
Mar 01, 2012 at 06:47 PM
p.5 #18Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
B&H did started shipping last week a few copies, but thats it....I pre ordered mine 2-3 days after the announcement and still nothing, and a rep told me Iam in the top ten, who knows...
Mar 01, 2012 at 09:15 PM
p.5 #19Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
Cecilia C wrote:
B&H did started shipping last week a few copies, but thats it....I pre ordered mine 2-3 days after the announcement and still nothing, and a rep told me Iam in the top ten, who knows...
Your rep must have been better than mine... He couldn't tell me where I was at. But maybe its because I was too far down. I waiting until the 24th-ish (had to get the OK).
Speculation on how many B&H might actually get? My thought is if I'm like 1500 down and they only get 1000 it might be months and months before they get more....
~Mike
B&H did started shipping last week a few copies, but thats it....I pre ordered mine 2-3 days after the announcement and still nothing, and a rep told me Iam in the top ten, who knows...
Your rep must have been better than mine... He couldn't tell me where I was at. But maybe its because I was too far down. I waiting until the 24th-ish (had to get the OK).
Speculation on how many B&H might actually get? My thought is if I'm like 1500 down and they only get 1000 it might be months and months before they get more....
~Mike
Mar 02, 2012 at 07:39 AM
p.5 #20Nikkor AFS 85mm/1.8G
I got mine last Monday and it is super-sharp, that is when my D7k hits focus. Unfortunatly no samples from me yet because my D7k is over at Nikon at 2nd time because of the dreadful focus problem.
Mar 02, 2012 at 10:27 AM