85mm AIS prime lens.

[mori]

Tried seeking advice on Consumer Corner earlier but on second thoughts, I think I ought to have tried the experts here first instead! What are you opinions regarding the Nikkor 85mm f2.0 AIS manual lens? It's an ideal length for shooting portraits, and I'm assuming it'll probably cost less than the Nikkor AFD 85mm f1.8. Was thinking about the 50mm f1.8 initially, but I'm using a film SLR so the additional length accorded by a DSLR body doesn't apply to me. Pardon me if this is a stupid question; just wanted to find out more! Thanks in advance! =)

[TMC]

tried one before and found it a nice alternative to the 85/1.8. Not as sharp but then it isnt too obvious unless you like looking at 1:1

[Nik-enduser]

if you have the chance, try out the 85 f1.4. it is a really well built and sharp lens.

[gktat1]

Yesh...
I second that...

Originally Posted by Nik-enduser if you have the chance, try out the 85 f1.4. it is a really well built and sharp lens.

[Culés]

Originally Posted by mori Tried seeking advice on Consumer Corner earlier but on second thoughts, I think I ought to have tried the experts here first instead! What are you opinions regarding the Nikkor 85mm f2.0 AIS manual lens? It's an ideal length for shooting portraits, and I'm assuming it'll probably cost less than the Nikkor AFD 85mm f1.8. Was thinking about the 50mm f1.8 initially, but I'm using a film SLR so the additional length accorded by a DSLR body doesn't apply to me. Pardon me if this is a stupid question; just wanted to find out more! Thanks in advance! =)

I saw some copies of this at the shop next to CP at Peninsula, he offered to sell at $350. Was tempted to buy, but luckily I checked. The price at keh.com for a BGN condition (which i know from past experience to be pretty good condition actually) is only just over US$100, so at S$350, the 85mm f2 looks rather overpriced to me. Just my opinion. Maybe you should save up and go for the AF 85mm which is, as far as I know, a highly 'respected' lens.

[Culés]

Originally Posted by mori Tried seeking advice on Consumer Corner earlier but on second thoughts, I think I ought to have tried the experts here first instead! What are you opinions regarding the Nikkor 85mm f2.0 AIS manual lens? It's an ideal length for shooting portraits, and I'm assuming it'll probably cost less than the Nikkor AFD 85mm f1.8. Was thinking about the 50mm f1.8 initially, but I'm using a film SLR so the additional length accorded by a DSLR body doesn't apply to me. Pardon me if this is a stupid question; just wanted to find out more! Thanks in advance! =)

If you are determined to get a MF lens for portraits, the most renowned and legendary one is the 105mm f2.5 lens. I have it, but I dont rate it as highly as some people do. Stick to AF.

[mori]

Thanks all for the advice! I'd LOVE to get the f1.4 actually but it's way out of my price range unfortunately! =( Was thinking about the AF 85mm f1.8 too but I'd have to save up for that. . .that's why I wanted to check if the AIS f2.0 would make a suitable alternative, both price- and quality-wise.

[gktat1]

Originally Posted by mori Thanks all for the advice! I'd LOVE to get the f1.4 actually but it's way out of my price range unfortunately! =( Was thinking about the AF 85mm f1.8 too but I'd have to save up for that. . .that's why I wanted to check if the AIS f2.0 would make a suitable alternative, both price- and quality-wise.

A 2nd hand AIS 85mm 1.4 cost abt the same as a new AFD 85mm 1.8.
But not ez to get 1 though...

[mori]

Originally Posted by gktat1 A 2nd hand AIS 85mm 1.4 cost abt the same as a new AFD 85mm 1.8. But not ez to get 1 though...

Oh, sorry! Thought you were referring to the AF 85mm 1.4! That one's really expensive. Was actually looking for a comparison between AIS 85mm 2.0 and AF 85mm 1.8. =)

[Robin]

Originally Posted by gktat1 Yesh... I second that...

I third that......... super sharp......the 85/1.4 AIS......had a chance to see one in action myself.........

[Robin]

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthrea...highlight=85mm


Some selling the 85/1.4 AIS almost mint condition 750....... Good price......

[WideZoom]

would advise what's the difference between AI & AI-S?

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by WideZoom would advise what's the difference between AI & AI-S?

AiS has calibrated lever for actuation of the aperture using the FA body.

[mori]

Bumping!

[LENS]

Originally Posted by Culés If you are determined to get a MF lens for portraits, the most renowned and legendary one is the 105mm f2.5 lens. I have it, but I dont rate it as highly as some people do. Stick to AF.

so anyone have comment on this 105mm f2.5?

[Benji77]

Originally Posted by LENS so anyone have comment on this 105mm f2.5?

I have one. Love it.
bokeh is nice, colours are rich.

[diediealsomustdive]

Conventional wisdom says:
1) 85/2 AI or AIS are not the best lens designed. In comparison it is said that 85/1.8 AF/AFD is a much better lens in terms of sharpness, bokeh, etc. Mechanically 85/2 AI/AIS is superior, though.
2) 105/2.5 is a much better lens than 85/2 in both AI and AIS versions.
3) 85/1.4 AIS/AF/AFD better than 85/2, 105/2.5 and 85/1.8AF/AFD.
4) Choice of 85 vs 105 is frequently down to preference, on FF if you want a tighter head and shoulder portrait go for 105. If on DSLR, 105~152, a bit too long, 85~127 ok, close to traditional 135 focal length.

I shot a lot with 105/2.5 AIS during film days, and later acquired the 85/1.8AF. Personally I found both to be roughly equal (in sharpness, bokeh, etc), but since getting DSLR have stopped using 105 cause I found it too long. Using 50/1.4AF as equivalent to 85 on FF.

Buy 85/2 only as a novelty, stay with 85/1.8AF, or get the 85/1.4AIS if available.

My 2c.

[mori]

Originally Posted by diediealsomustdive Conventional wisdom says: 1) 85/2 AI or AIS are not the best lens designed. In comparison it is said that 85/1.8 AF/AFD is a much better lens in terms of sharpness, bokeh, etc. Mechanically 85/2 AI/AIS is superior, though. 2) 105/2.5 is a much better lens than 85/2 in both AI and AIS versions. 3) 85/1.4 AIS/AF/AFD better than 85/2, 105/2.5 and 85/1.8AF/AFD. 4) Choice of 85 vs 105 is frequently down to preference, on FF if you want a tighter head and shoulder portrait go for 105. If on DSLR, 105~152, a bit too long, 85~127 ok, close to traditional 135 focal length. I shot a lot with 105/2.5 AIS during film days, and later acquired the 85/1.8AF. Personally I found both to be roughly equal (in sharpness, bokeh, etc), but since getting DSLR have stopped using 105 cause I found it too long. Using 50/1.4AF as equivalent to 85 on FF. Buy 85/2 only as a novelty, stay with 85/1.8AF, or get the 85/1.4AIS if available. My 2c.

Useful assessment! Thanks for your help!

[LENS]

thank you. =)