the new AFS 85mm f1.4G worth it?
- Thread starter jrhellboy
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just to add on to what SnagIt has already mentioned,
the color is better too (the 85 1.4D is a bit too cool on the color balance side)
the color is better too (the 85 1.4D is a bit too cool on the color balance side)
A new piece of 85mm f1.4d is around SGD1,800 while the G version is only SGD2,000. The price difference is just SGD200 but the qualities differ as mentioned above.
That's 2nd hand price range..grey set around SGD1,400. Seems like most people buy 2nd hand or grey set version rather than brand new local set for this lens.
However, when do comparison, cannot compare a brand new local set price (for f1.4G) versus a 2nd hand/grey set price (for f1.4D). Not fair.
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Now for the bad points of the afs 85mm.
- forcusing speed is much slower( 2 x slower compare using d3s)
- more parts.. Motor means more things to spoil
- go NSC to quote price of cleaning for both lens u be shock at how ex the afs is.
- the color too warm.. Lost the magical image rendering cap of the lengendary cream machine.
- bokeh is more harsh. Dun only compare on day bokeh only try night spot light one too.
To me personally is not worth upgrading after intensive comparing both versions when it was launch months ago. The AFD give me a wow Everytime I use it which the afs dun.
- forcusing speed is much slower( 2 x slower compare using d3s)
- more parts.. Motor means more things to spoil
- go NSC to quote price of cleaning for both lens u be shock at how ex the afs is.
- the color too warm.. Lost the magical image rendering cap of the lengendary cream machine.
- bokeh is more harsh. Dun only compare on day bokeh only try night spot light one too.
To me personally is not worth upgrading after intensive comparing both versions when it was launch months ago. The AFD give me a wow Everytime I use it which the afs dun.
I know this is a nikon discussion, but would like to ask. Where would u place the sigma F/1.4 HSM when comparing it's built and IQ against the two nikon lenses?
I'd say the sigma is average performer but cheaper than the G. Weak sharpness at corner until F4 - F5.6. Suffers from CA too but better than the AF-D. If you want top quality go for AFS G. If you on budget but want moderate-good performance, go for the Sigma. The AFD, I personally will forget about it since the price is higher than the sigma and not better
I'm a happy user of the 85 f1.4G. The dof is thin for a lens like that. Even if stopped down to f2.8 (because it an 85mm) So AF accuracy is very important here.
Will recommend this over the D version as AF on the D is a hit and miss. Although the AF on the D is faster, you hardly need the lens to cycle through the whole focus range to get the AF lock. usually its a smaller adjustment which in turn does close the gap i terms of AF speed. I'll rather have accurate AF over fast AF for a lens like that.
Will recommend this over the D version as AF on the D is a hit and miss. Although the AF on the D is faster, you hardly need the lens to cycle through the whole focus range to get the AF lock. usually its a smaller adjustment which in turn does close the gap i terms of AF speed. I'll rather have accurate AF over fast AF for a lens like that.
I like the Sigma. In my real world usage, I find CA performance is much better than 1.4D and almost the same as the 1.4G. It's micro contrast is awesome, tack sharp and the bokeh is amazingly creamy. And you gotta love the price you can get it nowadays. I am amazed at the performance SOOC. It is almost there in the league with the 1.4G.
If you are interested I can show you a pic or two SOOC. just pm me.
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AFS 85mm f1.4G - awesome! Moved from 1.4D...
To be fair, if you are not particular and dont analyze your pics, apart from better contrast in the 1.4G - one will probably won't notice the difference between the 1.4G and 1.4D. However, if you really notice, especially at the corners the 1.4G is sharp at f2.8 and after. The corners of 1.4D will only get sharp after f8.0. 1.4G is weather sealed (if thats important to you...), 1.4D is not. The hood design in 1.4G is better - for putting on and removal, again if this is important to you...
What I think can be better in the 1.4G... in my view 1.4D seems to focus faster (? maybe my perception...).
So, it actually boils down to "if it is worth it" in your opinion. For me, I think it is.
A word of caution bros & sis', do test this lens on the spot with your camera when you buy. I had a bad sample that is not sharp wide open till f5.6. Subsequent one that was replaced is tack sharp all the way.
To be fair, if you are not particular and dont analyze your pics, apart from better contrast in the 1.4G - one will probably won't notice the difference between the 1.4G and 1.4D. However, if you really notice, especially at the corners the 1.4G is sharp at f2.8 and after. The corners of 1.4D will only get sharp after f8.0. 1.4G is weather sealed (if thats important to you...), 1.4D is not. The hood design in 1.4G is better - for putting on and removal, again if this is important to you...
What I think can be better in the 1.4G... in my view 1.4D seems to focus faster (? maybe my perception...).
So, it actually boils down to "if it is worth it" in your opinion. For me, I think it is.
A word of caution bros & sis', do test this lens on the spot with your camera when you buy. I had a bad sample that is not sharp wide open till f5.6. Subsequent one that was replaced is tack sharp all the way.
Yes, I do like the new AF-S 85mm f/1.4G. If value is what you are after, the Sigma is much more worthwhile.
havent used the 1.4D yet but the 1.4G is very very sharp wide open corner to corner on D3s, managed to borrow from a friend haha
it's not as sharp on my D90 maybe because the focusing system of D3s is light years away compared to D90.
it's not as sharp on my D90 maybe because the focusing system of D3s is light years away compared to D90.
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