Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
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Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

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 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.5
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/3.2
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/6400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/4000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/8000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 125
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/5.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s

Verdict

The Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G is an excellent lens that performs on a very high level in almost every regard. Sharpness is excellent in the image center straight from the largest aperture, the borders and corners deliver very good resolution wide open and excellent sharpness stopped down.

Typical for a fast prime there is pronounced vignetting wide open, which can easily be cured by stopping down. The same applies to Bokeh fringing. CAs and distortion are very well controlled though. The biggest surprise is probably the bokeh quality, which is not right up there on the benchmark level set by 85mm f/1.4 lenses, but quite close.

The build quality is on a high level and in line with other Nikon consumer prime offerings. Thanks to an AF-S drive autofocus action is virtually silent and quite fast for a portrait lens.

So, in summary, for most subjects the lens gives around 95% of the performance of an AF-S 85/1.4 but at just one third of the price. Certainly highly recommended!

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

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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