Nikon 85mm f/1.4G lens now in stock

27 Comments

1. Newfie
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 9:08 pm | Permalink

   Have it. Love it!

   • Daniel
     Posted March 18, 2011 at 1:21 pm | Permalink

     Couldn’t agree more. This lens is wonderful!

2. Martin Wong
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 9:33 pm | Permalink

   Oh, I want to see results.

3. Ryan A
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 9:34 pm | Permalink

   I’ve been after this lens for a while, but still not sure if I should get the 85mm f/1.4D instead… hmm

   • Micah
     Posted March 17, 2011 at 10:26 pm | Permalink

     …for optics, get this. For build and use with film, get the D. It’s that simple.

   • Sean Molin
     Posted March 19, 2011 at 11:33 am | Permalink

     The build is far from bad. It’s just got that semi-plastic-feeling coating. Otherwise core structure and components are magnesium and such.

     But yes, the optics are sharper, with higher contrast (thank you, coating). The bokeh is the same to slightly better than the original. The AF-S isn’t lightning fast, but it’s quick and more importantly, DEAD accurate. Every. Time.

     The AF-D is not a bad buy for under $1000, but as broxibear says, if you can stomach the difference and you aren’t using film… the G is a complete winner. I love my dearly.

   • Ryan A
     Posted March 20, 2011 at 9:09 pm | Permalink

     Yeah the price is the main issue for me since I no longer shoot film. If only I didn’t also want the 70-200mm f/2.8 at the same time

4. D
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 9:35 pm | Permalink

   that is good that its in stock

5. Jodjac
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 10:11 pm | Permalink

   Two questions, what is the difference between the ‘D’ and ‘G’ lenses and is there a physical difference between grey market lenses and the other ( whatever it’s called, American?)?

   • Drew
     Posted March 17, 2011 at 10:27 pm | Permalink

     D does not have the AFS motor. G does. Thats probably the biggest main difference on paper. Other stuff the newer G lens has -nano coating. The focus acquisition is reportedly better. I have the G lens and its not bad with focus tracking.

     American vs other – no physical difference. the Serial no. is prefixed with ‘US’ for the american ones though.

     • T-Mac
       Posted March 24, 2011 at 5:42 pm | Permalink

       Sorry but this isn’t true. D lenses can send distance information to the camera body. G type lenses are missing the aperture ring. There are AF-S lenses which are also D, for example the AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

   • andyh
     Posted March 18, 2011 at 12:39 am | Permalink

     also, the G lenses dont have aperture rings, so if you have an older camera body that can’t control the aperture setting in the body, then the D is what you’ll need

6. Jeff
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 10:16 pm | Permalink

   To Ryan A: If you are thinking about 85mm f1.4D then you should get the Sigma 85mm f1.4 instead, better IQ and focus a lot faster

7. mshi
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 11:38 pm | Permalink

   I was trying to sell mine for $1600 but there wasn’t any takers.

   • suprchunk
     Posted March 18, 2011 at 3:30 am | Permalink

     Maybe because you are trying to sell a used one for only 99 less than brand-spanking new. Most folks think used items should be a lot less than the retail price. I know I would spend the minuscule amount over your asking price for the piece of mind I would get from buying it new.

     • Jeremy
       Posted March 21, 2011 at 10:55 am | Permalink

       LOL “piece of mind.”

8. Bob
   Posted March 17, 2011 at 11:53 pm | Permalink

   Just got mine today from Amazon

9. StanS
   Posted March 18, 2011 at 12:21 am | Permalink

   if you need any Nikon equipment, I suggest you buy it now because there will be some major shortages/price increases in the future

10. design.matters
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 3:41 am | Permalink

    this lens was avail in Europe since several weeks – just another reason to visit Europe…

11. jtra
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 5:29 am | Permalink

    I have found comparison at this site (posted by somebody on dpreview) to be useful:
    http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207283&page=1

    Translated:
    http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=th&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thaidphoto.com%2Fforums%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D207283%26page%3D1&act=url

    That said, I have Sigma already.

12. JakeB
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 5:45 am | Permalink

    Keep in mind, people, that even “lower end” Nikon equipment will probably be seriously impacted by this disaster.

    For example, while the D7000 is produced in Thailand, its battery is made in Japan; a shortage of batteries is clearly going to impact availability of this camera.

    I pulled the trigger on the D7000 a few weeks earlier than I intended based on the Japan situation. Also got a 50 mm 1.4.

    Let’s face it; there will be shortages and dealers will hike prices, at times substantially.

    If you need it, buy now or prepare for months of uncertainty.

13. Jay A
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 11:58 am | Permalink

    All gone

14. D700guy
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 2:25 pm | Permalink

    I’m staying with my 1.4D

15. amien
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 2:47 pm | Permalink

    Juste bought the 85mm 1.4G in switzerland for about 1550 CHF (1650$) and the 24mm 1.4G for about 1950$. Now I am setup for 20 years.

16. yuliang nikon
    Posted March 18, 2011 at 11:30 pm | Permalink

    i have the af-d version. i heard af-s version is not much better? anyone can comment on this ?

    • amien
      Posted March 20, 2011 at 11:51 am | Permalink

      I think although the differences are small, they still remain significative :
      nano coating really improves global sharpness around the frame and for higher MP sensors. Flare control and vignetting are much improved, CA still there at 1.4-2-8 but very tiny. Some reported the lens to be a bit slow to AF, to me the AF is fast enough and very precise.
      I was thorn between the Sigma HSM 85mm1.4 and the Nikon AF-S 85mm 1.4G but finally decided to go with the Nikon, for 300$ more in Switzerland. I tried the Sigma, it looked nice, but not as sharp and precise as the Nikon, at 1.4. This beeing said, I have a 50mm 1.4 HSM and it is a really nice lens. Finally, the bokeh is extremely nice and shallow on both.

      • yuliang photography
        Posted March 21, 2011 at 12:26 pm | Permalink

        cool thanks!