Nikon AF 85/1,4 or 105/2 DC?

[apeiron]

For portraits, of course.
It's a cyclic question, I think. I'd like very much to read your opinion, even beyond technical issues. To get both is probably the best solution, but it doesn't seem a good idea to me. I don't want to develope the collector syndrome more than so
What do you think? And are there many that use both lens?
Apeiron

 

[Pinholemaster]

I have both. I use them differently. The 85 mm I use for photojournalistic work. The 105 DC I use it mostly for portrait that needs a little different feeling. Then there is the 85 mm PC tilt-shift lens I use for another approach.

Good luck.

 

[apeiron]

Hello, Pinholemaster.
But, don't you use the 85/1,4 for portraits at all? Why? And do you think than the 105 better for portraits than the other? For the lenght, the defocus control....?

Thanks,
apeiron

 

[keithwms]

The 50s and 85s are too sharp IMHO for portraiture unless its journalistic. Others may (and will) feel differently.

I don't think the DC buys you much flexibility for the buck, frankly. I mean, compare to a medium format soft focus lens with interchangeable disks...

Beside the DC, you might consider the old manual 105/1.8 or the 105/2.5.

 

[sbelyaev]

I have 105 DC. It is a terrific lens.

 

[ehparis]

I'd opt for an 85mm f1.4 lens for close or full body shots, 105mm f2.5 for more distance or the head and shoulder shots. My personal preference is the 85mm f1.4 but my 105mm f2.5 has to make no excuses.

 

[karl]

I have both. I bought the 105 myself and I've been borrowing the 85 from my dad for the last couple of years. Although I do like the 105 if I had it to do over again I would have just bought the 85. It's an amazing lens and is more compact than the 105.

 

[cotdt]

what about... an old barrel lens for large format, mounted to nikon f-mount via adaptor.

 

[apeiron]

Thanks to everybody.
I've to decide for one of the two, for the while. What to consider then? Maybe the aperture and then if my shooting is more outdoor or indoor? But this is not a good starting point because I really don't know. And price is more or less the same for both lens.

For cotdt: it's interesting. Do you mind to clarify further? With an example, please?
Apeiron

 

[DanielOB]

adjusting DOF with 105mm can looks unnatural to trained eye.
85 mm has F1.4 and it is a rare lens that is usefull with full oppening, especialy at F1.4. It is, I think, better to adjust DOF with aperture, so 85 mm will be better choice, and enough.

Daniel OB
www.Leica-R.com

 

[cotdt]

For cotdt: it's interesting. Do you mind to clarify further? With an example, please?
Apeiron

like the soft focus lenses made at the turn of the previous century.

i don't really like the 85/1.4 because of a huge amount of purple fringing in the out of focus regions (lateral CA's). the 85/1.8 has the same problem, and it comes from internal focus. these lenses are designed for autofocus so in order to make things light, only the rear elements are shifted, not the entire optical system. so yeah... lateral CA's result. the 105/2DC and 105/2.5 AIS don't have this problem. BTW, the DC feature is useless. all it does is make things blurry.

the very best portrait lens is the Sony 135/2.8. This new lens is able to actually blur the edges of the airy disks! No other lens can do it!

http://www.dyxum.com/columns/articles/lenses/SAL-135F28/Sony-AF-135-STF-SAL-135F28_review.asp

It can focus close too, great for headshots, or even eyeshots. I wanna try this lens.

And here's the link to the BHPhoto shop page:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...L135F28_SAL_135F28_Telephoto_135mm_f_2_8.html

 

[cotdt]

btw i think the resolution of the 85/1.8 (the one i have) is too high for portraits. i measured mine to resolve over 230 lp/mm at f/2.8, and by f/5.6 diffraction already kicks in and you get 170 lp/mm (on Adox CMS20). i tried to take a pic of my brother but every strand of facial hair was too plainly noticeable with this lens.

 

[Chaplain Jeff]

HEllo,

If you can afford the 85, f/1.4 AF, you can afford BOTH.

However, instead of the Nikon 105mm, I would suggest the KIRON instead. Better yet, get the Vivitar Series One 90mm f/2.5.

THAT's the perfect portrait lens.

Jeff M