There's always a surge of new buyers for a new lens, so prices will be high for a long time when it comes out - especially if it's an eagerly-anticipated one. However, there are a few rays of hope here . . .
(1) You may be able to get a used copy of the old version fairly cheaply, as people move to the new version
(2) A few months after it comes out, you'll see a few of the new product appear second-hand. It always happens when people rush to buy something that sounds good, then realize it doesn't quite suit them
(3) If/when the new one comes out, the old one will still be as good as ever. I doubt anyone will be able to tell the difference between the results of the old and the new. So unless you have a body without an AF drive, there's not much reason to wait for anything

An updated 85mm f1.4 has been rumored for a very very long time. It's probably one of the most highly anticipated new lens. I hope it doesn't take yet another year before we see it :^(

Ah, I missed that topic astro. Thanks for linking it!

Problem is a new 85 1.4 may be released next month or next year. If you sell your current one too soon you'll be without it. And the current one's price won't drop that much. There does seem to be an update in the works:

http://nikonrumors.com/2009/10/02/nikons-patents-for-the-week-nikon-af-s-85mm-f1-4.aspx

very true, it's absolutely amazing what they can do with an update and some extra coatings here and there, but unless they EVER add VR to a prime (which is doubtful, you're talking about a 1.4 or less aperture), I hardly ever see the reason to upgrade. . .for primes that is :-)

hmmm just been playing with the 50 1.4g (borrowed it from a friend)... and dear me its an amazing lens! granted I dont have the afd version to compare it with.. but the the 1.4G is amazing.. had a shoot out with it against the 1.8 afd and my old 1.4 ais and 35-70 afd and 18-200vr..

Yeah, I would be surprised if they added VR to a prime lens, but if they did, I would have to get it.

I like your strategy shiva. I don't have a problem buying a used lens as long as the seller is a reputable one.

Good advice again! Thanks ;)

i look at it this way; the 50 1.4G wasn't that AMAZING of an upgrade to the older one; just some special coatings, AF-S (which is slower ironically), and a really obtuse filter size (58mm). . .so, I would either keep it or wait for everyone to sell there's and THEN buy a used (which will be my strategy!)

Hey PBrigido!

I say just keep it and enjoy it. The new version will be more expensive and will "only" offer AF-S and "special" coatings. No big deal. Unless they stuff VR into it? But I doubt that.

Honestly, I just like to keep my lenses up-to-date versus keeping a lens for 10-20 years and having to replace it. Just my personal way of doing things :)

The 85 1.4 is awesome. Why get rid of it? The upgrade probably wouldn't be THAT much better anyways... probably.

Hey guys! Haven't had the opportunity to keep up-to-date with all of my NR friends! I miss being a regular here!

I have a question. I have the 85mm 1.4 lens and I was wondering if anybody thinks if it might be a good time to sell it before Nikon releases a new version of the lens. I figure I would get more for it now than if I wait and the new one is released and others are trying to sell off theirs also.

The big downside which I am sure most of you would point out is that there is not even a definite upgrade coming out that we know of. It would seem like a logical release from Nikon just by looking down their product line...but it just a guess on my end.

Hope all is well with my fellow NR patrons!