I just bought a lens I've wnated for ages....

Matt5791

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The Nikkor 85mm f1.4 AIS.

This is going to be really handy for my wedding work - for speed I already have a 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.8 AF, but I've been after this lens for ages - and a beautiful lump it is too.

I use an F5 alongside FE2's (odd combining AF and MF I know but is works for me) and now I will be able to run with 85mm on both cameras - my most useful focal length.

Anyone else like this lens?
 

goros

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Yes, myself. I love it, but it is too heavy for me. My setup is a F4s (that I'm going to replace by a plain F2) with a 35, 50 and 85 all f/1.4. The whole think weights tonnes. Now, I'm taking the 105/2.5 instead of the 85. It also helps reducing the number of filters.

Cheers
 

Mick Fagan

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It is a brilliant lens and for your intended purpose, perfect.

I would suggest you think about the HN-20 hood, I have this hood and it lives on permanently.

It took me three years to find mine and I've had it since 1994!

Mick.
 

rexp

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Congratulations Matt on a fine purchase. I bought the AF version about a year ago, telling myself it would be a useful addition for taking photos of my mother in natural (read - low) light. I have been happily impressed, and have many new photos of mom. She is to the age where I take all the photos of her I can (well... without being annoying).

I used the same reasoning to pick up a 50mm f1.2 AIS a few weeks ago. Another low-light gem which I am really pleased with. I confess, I have used them both on my D70s as well as with my F4 & FE2 (is that sacrilege to say on this forum?), but in any case I am capturing images of someone who probably won't be on this earth for long.

Fine pieces of glass - thank you Nikon.
 

dslater

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Mick Fagan said:
It is a brilliant lens and for your intended purpose, perfect.

I would suggest you think about the HN-20 hood, I have this hood and it lives on permanently.

It took me three years to find mine and I've had it since 1994!

Mick.
Click to expand...

I second the HN-20 hood suggestion. I have the AF version of this lens and it is very prone to flare. My hood never comes off my lens either. In addition to helping with flare, it also offers some protection for that massive front element.

Congratulations on you're acquisition - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
 

dslater

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I also have the 50mm f/1.2 - mine is the older Ai version with a 7 bladed iris instead of the 9 bladed one. It permanently lives on my F3. IMO it has much better bokeh than the 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8. Wide open with some Delta 3200 and you're set for available light shooting at night.
 

j4425

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I know how you feel. I've been lusting for this lens for months and I'm picking one up right after christmas. I see it as kind of a specialty lens however as this will be my third lens that covers that particular focal length. It was either this lens or the ultra sharp 28-70mm (2.8) . I decided on the 85mm a couple weeks ago simply due to the speed and pristine bokeh. This is truly a special piece of glass. Please post some images when you get the chance.
 
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Matt5791

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Thanks for the replies - Mick - I was fortunate in that it came with the HN20 hood!

I already had a 80-200 f4 AIS, but whilst I find this a really useful lens, and I'm sure I'll still use it, I dont really need the 200mm length, and I prefer the discipline of primes. Plus of couse, f4 is limiting.

I'm testing the 85mm out over Christmas with a variety of films - have some Delta 3200 in at the moment!
 

Russ - SVP

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35mmDelux

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both the 85/1.8 and the 85/1.4 are outstanding lenses, with the 85/1.4 being exceptional.

I traded out my Nikon gear and work with Leica-M 90mm/2.8 latest or D200 with 50mm/1.4 zeiss Planar (turns into 75mm/1.4 with crop factor).

got some great shots with the 85mm AIS on F5. Great setup.
 
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