Nikkor 85mm F2 AI vs. AIs

[haempe]

Can someone tell me if the optics of those lenses are identical?
Read different things about it, I'm confused...
TIA, -h

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I doubt that anyone other than Nippon Kogaku could provide a definitive answer. On the other hand, the Nikon Compendium suggests that the change came in 1988 with the introduction of the "new" f1.8, not to be confused with the original f1.8 from 1964.

The Compendium also claims that the f2 isn't as sharp as you might expect at full aperture, a problem fixed with the new f1.8.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Same optics as far as I know. I always thought the only difference between the Ai version and Ai-S version of the 85mm F2 was the focus throw and a slightly redesigned barrel. The Ai rotates 255 degrees to focus from infinity to 0.85m versus the 170 degrees for the Ai-S version. I used to own a late s/n Ai-S version and found it very sharp wide open. It was sharp and compact. More lens specs here:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#85

 

[mfogiel]

Well, this lens is not bad at all, particularly at wider apertures, where it is not the sharpest, but the bokeh is better than most other Nikon 85's, perhaps excluding the 1.4versions:


20125406 by mfogiel, on Flickr


20125425 by mfogiel, on Flickr


20125411 by mfogiel, on Flickr


201212404 by mfogiel, on Flickr


20128607 by mfogiel, on Flickr


20125408 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[haempe]

Thanks for the answers, pics and the link, that helps me.
Especially the hint on the focus throw, that is a very interesting info for me.

I'm not that much picky in this case, just need a compact tele for casual portraits while carrying the FE.

 

[dbarnes]

I'm glad the focus throw issue was mentioned. Significant difference in usability, in my experience. But not in sharpness. Both excellent.

 

[Noserider]

I've had both the Ai long throw and the Ai-s shorter throw; same optical formula but I found the long throw one too much. The shorter throw version is much more useful in practice. Video guys seem to like the long throw versions however...