Nikkor 85mm f/1.4

HowlinWolf · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 02:05 PM

Hi to all you photographers on the forum. I'm considering the purchase of the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens to use on my digital camera. Does anyone here have any experience with this lens? From what I understand the f/1.4 will give very limited depth of field when used 'wide open'. I want to use this feature in my photography this coming spring when photographing flowers etc.
Is this lens sharp? It seems to get good reviews everywhere I look, but I thought I'd run it past you guys first.

HW

Oy · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 02:39 PM

I don't own one but have used one.

It's sharp - in fact if you buy this lens I'd recommend kevlar gloves

HowlinWolf · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 02:47 PM

Oy, why the need for the gloves?

HW

HowlinWolf · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 02:48 PM

Oh, sorry. It's just dropped....sharp!

HW

Kev Lewis · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 04:56 PM

it's very sharp

probably worth buying a set of Kenko extension tubes for it as it would make a superb macro lens

HowlinWolf · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 05:47 PM

Two birds with one stone! I hadn't considered extension tubes for macro use, Kev. That's clinched it: I've put in my order with Warehouse Express. It should be here Saturday.

HW

eeyore · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 09:08 PM

although you are correct that actually setting f1.4 would severely limit your dof - the major advantage of fat lenses such as this is that even set on smaller appertures the aperture does not stop down until you take the pic and thus when you are preparing to shoot prior to pressing the button their is ample light flooding into the len enaling the af to focus admirably even in poor light.

I have a 50mm f1.8 and would love a 85mm f1.4 for low light portraiture and gig photography but cant justify it as i already have a f2.8 90mm macro which covers this situation fairly well itself.

Raffman · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 09:02 AM

Hi there HW,

I dont typically take photographs of flowers or use Nikon gear but I would of thought that if flowers and other closer subjects were you thing than a macro lens would be best suited. If I'm looking at the correct lens then the Nikkor 85 1.4 sells for about £730 (UK) and thats over double which you could get the raved about Tamron 90 2.8 macro at £280 (UK). Of course if it is to be a multi used lens such as portrait and general walk about or the 1.4 is needed for indoors/badly lit situation then a non macro plus some extentions could be a way to go. Alternatively you could get the Nikkor 85 1.8 which recieves very good reviews and the Tamron 90 2.8 and still have some change in the pocket.

Just some food for thought.
Raff

note: oops just looked back and saw you already gone for the 85 1.4

HowlinWolf · #9 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 02:19 PM

Hi Raffman,
Thanks for the advice, but I'm already using a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 for any Macro work that I do. I wanted the Nikkor for the f/1.4 aperture to get totally out-of-focus foregrounds and backgrounds. It's more a creative desire than a straight forward record of a whole subject: The ability to isolate a small part of a specimen is what appeals in this instance.

HW