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 |
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G: The best 85mm prime on a NikonD3x?
Achieving an Overall DxOMark Score of 35 the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G prime lens is the best 85mm lens we’ve tested on the Nikon D3x DSLR. Scoring 17P-Mpix for sharpness, which is above the average of 15 P-Mpix on our database for 85mm primes, with a good 1.9TStop Transmission score and virtually no distortion, optically this is a very good lens. At just 4um Chromatic Aberration is well controlled too, although the weakest aspect of the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is vignetting, which is strong when shooting at the maximum aperture of f/1.8.
That DxOMark Lens Metric Score for Sharpness of 17P-Mpix places the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G 3rd out of the 14 85mm prime lenses on our database (Full Frame mount for Canon, Nikon and Sony camera). This is just behind the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G with a score of 19 P-Mpix and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM for Canon also with 17 P-Mpix.
As you’d hope from a prime lens the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G delivers excellent sharpness at all aperture settings up to f/11 with only a minimal dip in performance at its minimum aperture setting of f/16. Importantly sharpness is also homogeneous across the frame, which means photographers can expect great edge-to-edge sharpness at all aperture settings from f/1.8 to f/16.
One of the weaker aspects of the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G lens however is corner shading, or vignetting, when shooting at wider aperture settings. Between f/4 to f/16 it’s well controlled but stopped down to f/2.8 the undesired effect starts to become visible and at the maximum aperture of f/1.8 it’s positively heavy.
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. |