Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Nikon · NIKKOR

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Released September 2010

A full-frame Nikon F-mount 85 mm prime with an f/1.4 aperture, Silent Wave Motor autofocus and Nano Crystal Coat.

Mount
Nikon F mount
Focal length
85 mm
Max aperture
f/1.4
Stabilisation
No
Weight
595 g

What reviewers say

Both describe a manageable portrait lens with improved sharpness when stopped down, particularly towards full-frame corners, and a high price. Their wide-open findings differ. Cameralabs praises central sharpness and smooth backgrounds on its D300, D700 and D800 tests, but reports prominent longitudinal colour fringing and relatively slow autofocus. Digital Camera World finds more pronounced softness at f/1.4 and less fringing, while describing autofocus as quick and quiet. The lens has no optical stabilisation; both favour stopping down for more consistent performance across the frame.

From cameralabs.com and digitalcameraworld.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
85 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.4
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Ten elements in nine groups
Coatings
Nano Crystal Coat
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
FX 28°30′; DX 18°50′

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon F mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Nikon F-mount G-type lens covering FX and DX; Digital Camera World confirms use on Z bodies through FTZ or FTZ II

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.85 m
Maximum magnification
0.12×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Silent Wave Motor autofocus with M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modes
Focus distance detail
Internal focusing keeps the barrel length unchanged; minimum focus 0.85 m
Stabilisation detail
No optical VR, confirmed by both reviews

Design

Filter diameter
77 mm
Maximum diameter
86.5 mm
Length
84 mm
Weight
595 g
Controls
Manual focus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; no aperture ring
Weather resistance
Both reviews identify a seal at the lens mount; no general maker weather-protection claim is assigned
Dimensions detail
Approximately 86.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm from the mount
In the box
LC-77 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-55 bayonet hood and CL-1118 flexible lens pouch, as listed by Nikon UK
Release detail
Nikon's original US announcement specifies availability starting September 2010. Its heading appends ED to the model name, but the exact UK product name and optical table omit ED; no ED element is assigned

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.4 maximum aperture
  • Nine rounded diaphragm blades
  • Manual-priority autofocus mode

Cons

  • No optical vibration reduction
  • Maximum magnification of 0.12×

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon F mount85 mmf/1.8No350 gFeb 2012
Nikon F mount105 mmf/1.4No985 gAug 2016
Nikon F mount50 mmf/1.4No280 gDec 2008

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/dslr/af-s-nikkor-85mm-f1.4g
  2. nikonusa.com/press-room/nikkor-legacy-continues-commit
  3. cameralabs.com/nikon_nikkor_af-s_85mm_f1-4g
  4. cameralabs.com/nikon_nikkor_af-s_85mm_f1-4g/2
  5. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-af-s-85mm-f14g-review

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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