Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.8 D (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
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Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

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Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/3200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/6400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/4000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/125s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/160s

Verdict

The Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.8 D performs on a very high level. Sharpness is very good wide open and excellent across the frame stopped down.

Typical for a fast prime there is some visible vignetting as well as bokeh fringing wide open, both of which can be reduced by stopping down. CAs and distortion are very well controlled.

The build quality is on a high level. Not quite up to pro standards, but certainly nothing to worry about for the average shutterbug. If anything, it looks a bit outdated compared to newer AF-S lenses.

So, does it perform better than its faster and more expensive cousins? Well, not quite, there is one property where it falls short: bokeh. The quality of the background blur is not bad, but lower than with most ultra fast portrait primes. If you're after buttery smooth bokeh, this is not your primary choice. For anyone else, though, the lens offers tremendous value for a quite affordable price.

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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