Want to get some feedback from others that have bought this lens to replace the 85mm 1.8D. I have the 85mm 1.8D and was excited when the G was announced. I got mine through B&H and was very excited.
Lens arrives, it's bigger and lighter. Initially the first thing I noticed is that the AF speed on the G is definitely slower than the D. AF accuracy is about the same.
Bokeh seems rather similar between the two and the G is marginally sharper at maximum aperture.
Essentially I'm sitting here confused on whether I should keep the G when the performance of the D is so similar not to mention the build quality of the D is significantly better in my opinion.
Has anybody else noticed that besides it being just a bit sharper that the D seems to have some advantages over the G?
Interesting. I'm about to pick up an 85, although my wife will probably be the one to use it when we shoot. I'm aiming for the 1.8D primarily since the used prices are about $150 cheaper than the G. If it focuses faster, so much the better.
tobicus wrote:
Interesting. I'm about to pick up an 85, although my wife will probably be the one to use it when we shoot. I'm aiming for the 1.8D primarily since the used prices are about $150 cheaper than the G. If it focuses faster, so much the better.
If you shoot wide open with lots of light/high contrast stuff in OOF foreground/background, be aware that the D has some pretty nasty LoCA (purple/green fringing) wide open. It's pretty much gone by 2.8, and if backgrounds are muted it's not nearly as much of a problem.
From what I have read, the G has a better bokeh than the D and for these portrait/short tele lens, that is very important.
By the way, do not fall into trenchmonkey's trap. His posted samples have made me spend a lot of money. His technique is solid and so are his biceps. Many of us won't be able to match it just because of that.
I used to have the 1.8D years ago. Recently bought the 1.8G. I use it on my D800. It is a really nice lens, sharp wide open. Really like the bokeh. It is light and to me balances really well on the D800. I bought it to shoot primarily portraits. The AF is a tad slower than what I remember of the D version. I really like the portraits that this lens has given me over the past month. Got it from a local dealer after waiting for Adorama for 2 months!
By the way, do not fall into trenchmonkey's trap. His posted samples have made me spend a lot of money. His technique is solid and so are his biceps. Many of us won't be able to match it just because of that.
trap years spent laboring in da trenches...please note: I do NOT work for Nikon.
One of the most important reasons I've upgraded D lenses to G versions is the improved AF accuracy while tracking a moving subject. Flare, sharpness, and purple fringing are typically better also. Bokeh is, of course, rather subjective.
I'm with TM, the 85/1.8G rocks on the D700's... period. I'm still processing my daughter's wedding reception pics (shot 14bit RAW, 85/1.8G on one body, 50/1.4G on the other) and man are they incredible. Period! I should have all 600+ shots processed this weekend.
But for now, Here's a few random test shots (all shot large/fine JPEG.) I'm love'n this lens!
love the collie, Jim...time to introduce to the hydrant 
and paint 85 f1.8D on it 