Nikkor 85/1.4 AIS = Heavy

[mw_uio]

Today I went out to for 2 and half hours to visit a local favorite spot to shoot some film [solo]. I brought my 28/2.8 which lives on my F3HP, and a second lens my 85/1.4 AIS bad boy. I rarely use my 85, but today I thought of bringing it. Well I only used it for two frames. The 85 for those who are not familar with it, it has a 72mm filter diameter, and weighs in at 620 grams. It is a great lens, but a beast in weight. It is a great lens, but I did not feel the vibe in using 85mm focal length. Since I live in South America, I just feel that the 85 is too big and I feel that it attracts to much attention for me, and I love 28mm focal length and weighs in at 245g. Maybe being in a setting that is securely safer than an environment where I face risk everyday, then I would be more inclind to use more often. I know that I will use the 85 focal length in a portrait use when every I get back to Canada, but for now it stays back on the shelf.

Nikon F3HP: 760g approx.

Nikkor 85/1.4 AIS - 620 g.

Nikkor 28/2.8 AIS - 250 g.

Link to the 85:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/85mmnikkor/index.htm

My 85/1.4, bad boy

Cheers 😀
[Hello to the RFF gang in Toronto! 🙂 ]
[Aperture Priority EH !]

MArk
Quito, EC

 

[summicron2020]

I have the AF 85/1.4. Its one of my favorite lenses. Whenever I got out with a Nikon SLR I take it. It is magical.

 

[RayPA]

I have the AF 85/1.4. Its one of my favorite lenses. Whenever I got out with a Nikon SLR I take it. It is magical.

I have the 85/1.4, the same as Mark. He's right it's nice and it's a big ol' heavy light-sucker, BUT...the AF version IS supposed to be magical. Isn't this the one with the extra special 😛 apeture blades. I like the AI version but I think it has only 7 blades.

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[mw_uio]

summicron2020, I like the 85, but I have to be incognito when roaming solo on the streets in Quito. The 85 just does not jive with me as I have my gear under my jacket all the time... plus I like my 28 so much.

Cheers
MArk

 

[RayPA]

summicron2020, I like the 85, but I have to be incognito when roaming solo on the streets in Quito. The 85 just does not jive with me as I have my gear under my jacket all the time... plus I like my 28 so much.

Cheers
MArk

maybe try the 85/2 AI lens. It's much much smaller, and I think it's the nicer rendering lens. Although, the bokeh of the 1.4 always seems nice. The 1.4 seems to be a lower contrast lens, but I don't know (not enough time with it). I like the 85 FL (and I like the 90 in RF lenses, too).

.

 

[mw_uio]

Ray, yeah good suggestion, but I like the boken on the 85/1.4, and for street I am not going to bring the 85 with me any more, as I like being light. I was walking for several km's and plus 1000m in elevation difference, walkin down hill, plus hot sun, just did it too me. Light is better, for me I guess in these instances. I will put the 85 to use for some family and friends portrait's, but not street. I guess being light has spoiled me with my one lens, one camera combo. Side note, living in Quito, you never know when might feel the heat, [danger] of being robbed and having lots of gear on you just makes me feel...well you know, you get the drift....

MArk

 

[titrisol]

That is a good point, I know exactly what you talk about
specially around the Basilica or in the Marin/Centro.
I guess the 85/1.4 is not only heavy but also large in the front... the 50/1.4 maybe better to be inconspicuous in a crowd

I used to walk those streets with a Pentax Spotmatic and a 55/1.8 or a 35/3.5
Now I'll do it with a Nikon FE and a 28/2.8

 

[Paul T.]

I love the lens for portraits, especially in colour. But out and about it attracts too much attention, one time at Glastonbury I got told "nice lens, you're professional, right!" I have no ambitions to be identified as anything other than the complete amateur I am, so eventually I will replace it with a Nikkor 85/2 I can use on my M3.

It's also a dangerous lens. I (accidentally) clonked my son on the head with it and the bruise took several days to disappear.

 

[sepiareverb]

One of my top 5 Nikkors that 85/1.4, but indeed a beast of a lens.

Mark, you still need to find a 28/2.0 Ai- now that is the king of Nikkor 28's.