Nikkor 85mm f2 Ais

[peterm1]

While I freely accept that the Nikkor 85 mm f1.8 is regarded as the better lens I am frankly mystified at the poor reviews the 85mm f2 gets in some reviews. I bought one a while back and have found it to be consistently an excellent performer. It is sharp and contrasty but maybe lacking a bit in the bokeh department compared with the older lens. I have an AF 85mm f1.8 but not the MF one as it always sell for a premium. Comparing the two they seem pretty close. What do others think about the f2 version?

 

[x-ray]

I had the f2 for many years and was very satisfied. When I went AF I bought the 1.8D and really didn't see much if any difference. I never had a client complain about the images from it.

Like much on the Internet things get exaggerated.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I suspect that a considerable portion of the bad reputation the 85mm F2 has on internet forums comes from people parroting Bjorn Rorslett's review of it here without actually trying the lens for themselves.

I certainly liked mine when I owned one. Great combination of performance, small size, and reasonable price.

 

[peterm1]

I suspect that a considerable portion of the bad reputation the 85mm F2 has on internet forums comes from people parroting Bjorn Rorslett's review of it here without actually trying the lens for themselves.

I certainly liked mine when I owned one. Great combination of performance, small size, and reasonable price.

You could be right. I also had read that review and my post was in part based on it. But of course many others make similar claims. As I say I simply have not found the criticism to be correct. I would like to acquire a nice older version of the 85mm f1.8 some day simply because I love that era of lenses with their scalloped design but am happy to use the f2.

More views and any pictures would be appreciated.

 

[Gumby]

I've been shooting with one for many years. love it!

 

[Contarama]

I am an owner of the aforementioned 85/1.8 K Ai'd and while it is a fantastic lens I can't imagine it to be so good or the 85/2 to be so bad as to merit all the comparisons. They each have their own thing. If anything the 85/2 may be superior because of seven instead of six aperture blades if you ask me.

 

[x-ray]

I believe the 85 f2 was the 85 of choice for Galen Rowell.

 

[uhoh7]

I found one for a client and shot it a bit. Like everyone above says, small and very good.

 

[Waus]

I have one (for years)and really love it! It's tiny and it gives great results. I raise my shoulders about those reviews-and keep shooting...(btw. Ken Rockwell has a very positive review!)
This lens is very loved by video-shooters and prices have risen here in Europe.

 

[J enea]

i found the lens to be a stellar performer on all my film cameras as well as a great performer on full frame digital cameras. I also agree that many people will re-post others opinions as their own without ever trying whatever it is that they are commenting about.

 

[mfogiel]

This is a very compact lens.It isn't tack sharp wide open, which may or may not be an issue depending if you like to shoot portraits. From f 2.8 on it is difficult to distinguish it from other Nikkors. What I like about it, is that the bokeh is to my eyes vastly superior to the 1.8D - a pity it does not have more aperture blades.
20128616 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

 

[Ronald M]

Bjorn got a damaged one. Mine is right up there with 105 2.5

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I preferred my 85/2 AI Nikkor to either of the 105/2.5 Nikkors I have owned.

Chris

 

[peterm1]

Thanks guys that is all good to know. No dissenters. The lens is a winner. As I say, I am very happy with mine and have found nothing about it to dislike. Given its small size and the fact that I have a preference for longer not shorter (i.e. wider angle) lenses it may make a perfect standard manual focus lens for my full frame camera.

 

[Robert Lai]

I've had two of them. The first was very sharp, and comparable to the 105 2.5 AIS. The second one was definitely softer wide open. So, there is variability in these lenses.