I would give preference to the Nano crystal coat, 9 rounded aperture blades (versus 7 for the 1.8), made in Japan, and brighter view when shooting/composing from the 85mm f/1.4.
I have both the f/1.8G and the f/1.4G. the F/1.4G is sharper. It also offers nicer bokeh and better color rendition and accuracy, as well as richer colors.
I bought my f/1.4G before the f/1.8G was ever announced, so had I had it to do over again, I can't say what I'd do. But my f/1.4G is strapped to my camera probably 60-70% of my wedding days.
I love my 1.4g more than I can describe. I tell people the front element is made from a unicorns eye - its the only way they could make it that good...
I bought it before the 1.8g was ever announced, so I have no frame of comparison.
sboerup wrote:
When I was exploring Nikon land this summer, I had both the 85 1.4G and 1.8G. Bokeh was very very similar, sharpness was about equal. They both felt like plastic crap, so no build advantage on the 1.4. I'd say save some money and get the 1.8G.
That "plastic crap" has been plenty solid for me. The lens feels way lighter then the 85D and 85L and I feel like it's actually more durable then them as well. The build quality is superb imho. It's comprised of pleanty of metal on the inside and covered by a very durable polycarbonate. Such a hater Spencer =P
The Sigma had the best image quality and tied for best AF with the 1.8G. I used the Sigma for over a year, but now I'm about to sell it because I've decided to place a high priority on cutting bulk and weight, so I'm now very happy with the 85/1.8G.
I can say that a repair experience with the Sigma is a pleasant one. The AF on mine started acting goofy, so I sent it in.
It came back a week later, well-packaged, with a note that the R-something sensor had been replaced at no charge to me. No finger-pointing, accusations of "impact damage", etc., like I would've feared had it been a Nikkor.
I killed two Sigma 85's. Picked up a 1.4G. I've seen plenty of examples that the 1.8G is good too but I haven't checked it out yet. I really like the build quality of the new primes.
