Which lens has creamier brokeh - Nikkor 85f1.4, 105f2, 135f2, 70-200f2.8VR

[Eric Lee]

I tried to search the internet to compare these lens about the brokeh (which is creamier, smoother) but came out empty handed.

My questions:

(1) The 105f2 has more tele-focal length than 85f1.4. But the 85 has a
bigger aperture at f1.4 so which of this 2 lenses would have a creamier brokeh?

(2) Which lens has creamier brokeh?
a. 85 f1.4
b. 105 f2 DC
c. 135 f2 DC
d. 70-200 f2.8 VR

(3) If I shoot a full body picture of a person at 85 f1.4 and then i take a few
steps back, change to a 70-200 f2.8 lens and shoot the same person
in a full body picture at 200mm f2.8, which picture would have a creamier brokeh?

(3) Does 300f2.8 have a superb brokeh?

What are your views?

[eastwest]

In my experience the 85 f1.4 has a slightly creamier bokeh than the 70-200 f2.8 VR. Both lenses are fantastic though. However, it's much easier doing prolonged shooting with the considerably lighter 85mm.

[Astin]

I think bokeh is mainly impacted by the number of the aperture blades and the construction of the aperture blades. I would say 85 f1.4 is smoother, although I have not really tested out the 105DC or 135DC (I own the 85 f1.4 and also wanted to buy the 105DC but still could not find a good copy in the camera shops yet)

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by eastwest In my experience the 85 f1.4 has a slightly creamier bokeh than the 70-200 f2.8 VR. Both lenses are fantastic though. However, it's much easier doing prolonged shooting with the considerably lighter 85mm.

Hehe thanks for your input, i agree... using the 85 much more now... my 70-200 is slowly becoming a white elephant.

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by Astin I think bokeh is mainly impacted by the number of the aperture blades and the construction of the aperture blades. I would say 85 f1.4 is smoother, although I have not really tested out the 105DC or 135DC (I own the 85 f1.4 and also wanted to buy the 105DC but still could not find a good copy in the camera shops yet)

Oh yeah.... read a lot on the aperture blades of the 84 f1.4 that gives it the creamy brokeh effect... but thinking... is the 135 better because of the increased focal length... have a thing for brokeh currently.... hehe...

U can buy a 105DC from the BnS if urgent.. good luck

[longkangman]

Originally Posted by Eric Lee (1) The 105f2 has more tele-focal length than 85f1.4. But the 85 has a bigger aperture at f1.4 so which of this 2 lenses would have a creamier brokeh?

85mmf1.4

Originally Posted by Eric Lee (2) Which lens has creamier brokeh? a. 85 f1.4 b. 105 f2 DC c. 135 f2 DC d. 70-200 f2.8 VR

depends on the aperture

Originally Posted by Eric Lee (3) If I shoot a full body picture of a person at 85 f1.4 and then i take a few steps back, change to a 70-200 f2.8 lens and shoot the same person in a full body picture at 200mm f2.8, which picture would have a creamier brokeh?

200mmf2 or the 85mmf1.4

Originally Posted by Eric Lee (3) Does 300f2.8 have a superb brokeh? What are your views?

No.

YMMV

[eclectyx]

Okay, doesn't have the primes mentioned above, but Ken Rockwell has a comparison of bokeh for the popular zooms (and 105 macro) at http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/bokeh-comparison.htm

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by eclectyx Okay, doesn't have the primes mentioned above, but Ken Rockwell has a comparison of bokeh for the popular zooms (and 105 macro) at http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/bokeh-comparison.htm

I did check out this site when i did a search. But the website didnt compare on the good brokeh lenses i mentioned and the 105 macro lens is a different construction from the 105 DC (its main aim for for macros).

Thanks for the input

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by longkangman 85mmf1.4 depends on the aperture 200mmf2 or the 85mmf1.4 No. YMMV

Thanks for your input bro!!

(2) Which lens has creamier brokeh?
a. 85 f1.4
b. 105 f2 DC
c. 135 f2 DC
d. 70-200 f2.8 VR

If these lenses shoot at the widest aperture... i wonder which lens has creamier brokeh though.... hehe....

[Astin]

Originally Posted by Eric Lee Thanks for your input bro!! (2) Which lens has creamier brokeh? a. 85 f1.4 b. 105 f2 DC c. 135 f2 DC d. 70-200 f2.8 VR If these lenses shoot at the widest aperture... i wonder which lens has creamier brokeh though.... hehe....

Actually creamy bokeh does not mean u must shoot in widest aperture...

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by Astin Actually creamy bokeh does not mean u must shoot in widest aperture...

I see... but when i set it to f2 the brokeh is not that creamy laio.....erm... can explain further? Thanks

[agape01]

If anyone of you is interested, my rental service starts on Monday.

My list of lenses include a 105 f/2 DC lens as well as a AFS 300 f/4.

[longkangman]

Originally Posted by Eric Lee Thanks for your input bro!! (2) Which lens has creamier brokeh? a. 85 f1.4 b. 105 f2 DC c. 135 f2 DC d. 70-200 f2.8 VR If these lenses shoot at the widest aperture... i wonder which lens has creamier brokeh though.... hehe....

compare the image output from a & b, shoot taken with f4 to f5.6 the rest no need to try.
Remember to use tripod during the shoot.

YMMV

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by longkangman compare the image output from a & b, shoot taken with f4 to f5.6 the rest no need to try. Remember to use tripod during the shoot. YMMV

Thanks bro! U were always the knowledgeble one

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by agape01 If anyone of you is interested, my rental service starts on Monday. My list of lenses include a 105 f/2 DC lens as well as a AFS 300 f/4.

Wah never help in my thread but advertise your lenses instead...

Wrong subforum to do that...

[Gunjack]

He is helping you out by offering you to rent his lens(which is quite rare) to you so that you can see the results for yourself. And its spelt "Bokeh", not "Brokeh".

[wind30]

actually,

as I posted in an earlier thread, if you shoot the 85mm wide open, you get HUGE fringing at the defocused areas. very distracting, hardly what I consider good bokeh.

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by Gunjack He is helping you out by offering you to rent his lens(which is quite rare) to you so that you can see the results for yourself. And its spelt "Bokeh", not "Brokeh".

Maybe you know him so he actually meant it that way. But put yourself in my shoes, after reading his comments (which is quite direct to the point), would you blame me for interpreting my way? Anyways I will take it as he meant it your way and am happy he offered to rent his lens for us to try.

Thanks for pointing the spelling mistake out!

More importantly, anyone tried the lenses before can provide some feedback?

[Eric Lee]

Originally Posted by wind30 actually, as I posted in an earlier thread, if you shoot the 85mm wide open, you get HUGE fringing at the defocused areas. very distracting, hardly what I consider good bokeh.

I just read your previous post... now i know I must shoot at a higher f stop to prevent purple fringing in bright and harsh contrast transitions. Thanks for the invaluable input!

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Eric Lee I just read your previous post... now i know I must shoot at a higher f stop to prevent purple fringing in bright and harsh contrast transitions. Thanks for the invaluable input!

The 135/2DC has variable bokeh!! I think it is capable of producing one of the nicest bokeh among the lenses you listed. The 105/2DC is sharp but the blur is not as nice as the 135/2. I have yet to side-by-side the 85/1.4 and 70-200/2.8 with the 2 DC lenses.