Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Handling and features

As with Nikon's other new mid-range prime lenses, the lens barrel is constructed from high quality plastics with a metal lens mount, which has a rubber gasket in place to prevent the ingress of dust and moisture. It has a slightly textured finish, which doesn’t show marks easily and a large rubberised focusing ring. The size of this lens may take those who've used the older AF-D version by surprise, as it is substantially longer and wider. Even so, it is very lightweight, weighing only 350g and it balances well on the Nikon D700 used for testing.

As focusing is performed internally the 67mm filter thread does not rotate during use, making this lens ideal for use with graduated and polarising filters. Focus speeds are reasonable, although not lightning quick and the wide manual focus ring offers a decent amount of resistance, which makes applying fine adjustments a pleasure.

The minimum focus distance of 80cm isn't overly special for a lens in this focal range and is perfectly suited for portraiture, although not so much for frame filling detail close-ups.


Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

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