Nikon AF-D lens reviews

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D mounted on a Nikon D3x

With a DxOMark score of 26, the Nikkor AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D lens is perfectly able to compete with even the most recent lenses.

Comparison: Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G, both mounted on a Nikon D3x

With a DxOMark score of 30, the new generation (2010) Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G offers even better performance.

The advantages of the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G:

• Slightly superior resolution over the field at wide apertures, which explains the difference in DxOMark scores.
• Very slightly brighter (a gain of only 0.16EV in the center at full aperture).
• Negligeable distortion.
• Integrated autofocus motor (SWM).
• At f/2.0, a complete absence of vignetting over approximately 3/4 of the field — a remarkable difference.

The advantages of the Nikon 85mm f/1.8D:

• Half the weight of the f/1.4G.
• Less expensive by about 1740 USD.
• Negligeable distortion.
• Aperture control ring.

Just like its cousins (the 20mm, 28mm and 35mm), the 85 mm is a lens for adventurers — light-weight, inexpensive, and very satisfactory optical qualities.

We’re looking forward to the test results for the new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G that should arrive in our lab in mid-March!