Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

Nikon · NIKKOR

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

Released February 2012

A 350 g full-frame F-mount portrait prime with an f/1.8 maximum aperture, internal focusing and a built-in Silent Wave Motor.

Mount
Nikon F mount
Focal length
85 mm
Max aperture
f/1.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
350 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews find it light and good value, with strong central sharpness, low colour fringing and attractive background blur. Edge sharpness and shading improve when stopped down. Digital Camera World describes autofocus as fast, while ePHOTOzine finds its speed adequate rather than particularly quick. Both appreciate the modest size and manual focus override.

From digitalcameraworld.com and ephotozine.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
85 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.8
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Nine elements in nine groups
Coatings
Super Integrated Coatings, according to Nikon USA's announcement
Diaphragm
Seven 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; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.8 m
Maximum magnification
0.124×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Silent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modes
Focus distance detail
Internal focusing with a non-rotating front element; minimum 0.8 m from the focal plane
Magnification detail
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.124×
Stabilisation detail
No optical VR, confirmed by both reviews

Design

Filter diameter
67 mm
Maximum diameter
80 mm
Length
73 mm
Weight
350 g
Controls
Focus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance window
Filter detail
67 mm screw-in filters
Weather resistance
Both reviews identify a rubber seal at the mount. Digital Camera World says broader weather sealing is limited; Nikon UK's specifications give no general protection rating
Dimensions detail
Approximately 80 mm diameter × 73 mm length from the lens mount
Weight detail
Approximately 350 g
Lens hood
HB-62 bayonet hood included
In the box
LC-67 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-62 hood and CL-1015 flexible pouch
Release detail
Nikon Japan records first sale on 16 February 2012. Nikon USA's announcement states March availability in the US

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.8 maximum aperture
  • 350 g weight
  • Internal focusing with manual focus override

Cons

  • No optical vibration reduction
  • Minimum focusing distance is 0.8 m
  • Fixed 85 mm focal length

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon F mount85 mmf/1.4No595 gSept 2010
Nikon F mount105 mmf/1.4No985 gAug 2016
Nikon F mount50 mmf/1.8No185 gJun 2011

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/dslr/af-s-nikkor-85mm-f1.8g
  2. nikonusa.com/press-room/the-new-nikon-af-s-nikkor-85mm
  3. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/fmount/af-s_nikkor_85mm_f18g
  4. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-af-s-85mm-f18g-review
  5. ephotozine.com/article/nikon-af-s-nikkor-85mm-f-1-8g-lens-review-18810

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

Spot a mistake? Tell us