Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G: An awesome prime that doesn’t cost the earth
By Paul Carroll - Monday, January 21, 2013 Lens Review| Introduction | Measurement | Comparisons | Conclusion |
85mm portrait lenses for Nikon DSLRs battle it out: Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G Vs Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G Vs Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Nikon
With all three lenses mounted and tested on a Nikon D3x DSLR the Overall DxOMark Scores demonstrate no significant difference between the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G, which scores 34, and the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G with 35. With a Lens Metric Score for Sharpness of 19P-Mpix, compared to 17P-Mpix and a Transmission Score of 1.7TStop compared to 1.9TStop the f/1.4 version of these two Nikon 85mm primes just edges out its f/1.8 rival. However, in terms of distortion and vignetting the cheaper f/1.8 version just has the edge, although the difference is so small it shouldn’t be noticeable. Of course if you’re working in very challenging low-light conditions or would like the stronger depth-of-field effects possible with the f/1.4 version then this is the better lens, but costing $1649 all that extra money only buys a minor improvement in overall sharpness.
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM also boasts some very good Lens Metric Scores but it doesn’t perform quite as well as the two Nikon lenses and finishes 3rd in this comparison with an Overall Score of 30. In terms of Transmission, Distortion, Vignetting and Chromatic Aberration the results are similar and although the Sigma only just loses out to the Nikon f/1.8 version for Sharpness, 16P-Mpix to 17-P-Mix, results are not as homogeneous across the frame at the wider aperture settings, which has cost the Sigma f/1.4 EX DG HSM in the Overall DxOMark Score.
Comments
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Added by walTARINA |
March 20
Nikon 85mm f/1,8G halo / axial cromatic aberration
<div id="linkdxomark">This a comment for <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Lenses/Camera-Lens-Database/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G">this page on the website</a></div>
The Nikon 85mm f/1,8G is a good lens for portraits. However, the halo (or axial croma) is really strong, creating magenta fringe in high contrast area. I get also the green fringe in artificial light in contrast bokeh-area, and this can't be corrected easily with CS6 or NX2. Therefor I don't like to use it outdoors. I don't see you mentioning anything about this feature in your review. Strange (unless there is something wrong with the particular lens that I have), since this is more difficult problem than vignetting. AF is also rather slow, not for capturing fast-moving children. I noticed this weaknes in the shop, therefor had no unpleasent surprises after unboxing it home. Reply |
Further readings for the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G: An awesome prime that doesn’t cost the earth
To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.
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Announced in February 2012 the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 is a ‘fast’ telephoto prime for the Micro Four Thirds Lens mount. With an equivalent 150mm focal length it’s a good option for portraiture or sports and the wide f/1.8 maximum aperture is great for low light, too. Costing $899 it’s an expensive option for serious amateurs or professionals alike, so if it’s a lens you’re considering read on to make sure it delivers the results you desire. |