The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G stands as a highly regarded prime lens within Nikon's extensive F-mount DSLR ecosystem. Positioned as a mid-telephoto optic, it offers a classic focal length beloved by portrait photographers, balancing excellent optical performance with a relatively compact and lightweight design. Released as an update to its D-type predecessor, this G-series lens incorporates Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Internal Focusing (IF) for improved autofocus capabilities, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and professionals seeking a fast, versatile prime for their full-frame (FX) or APS-C (DX) cameras.
Design, Build Quality, and Handling
Weighing in at a mere 350 grams, the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is remarkably light for a full-frame f/1.8 lens, making it an excellent companion for extended shooting sessions and travel. Its compact dimensions, with a 67mm filter thread, ensure it balances well on a variety of Nikon DSLR bodies, from the smaller enthusiast models to larger professional ones. The lens barrel is constructed primarily from high-quality plastic, contributing to its light weight while maintaining a reassuringly solid feel. Despite the plastic build, it does not feel flimsy, and the construction is consistent with modern Nikon G-series lenses, designed for durability in typical usage scenarios.
The focus ring is well-damped and offers smooth operation, which is beneficial for manual focus adjustments, although the lack of a physical aperture ring confirms its G-type designation, requiring aperture control directly from the camera body. There is no built-in optical image stabilization (VR) on this lens, which is common for fast primes of this focal length. While VR can be beneficial, the bright f/1.8 aperture often mitigates the need for it by allowing for faster shutter speeds in challenging light, especially for stationary subjects.
Optical Performance
The optical design comprises 9 elements in 9 groups, a relatively straightforward configuration for a prime lens, which often contributes to better light transmission and fewer aberrations.
Sharpness: The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G delivers impressive sharpness, even wide open at f/1.8, particularly in the center of the frame. This central sharpness is crucial for portraiture, where the subject's eyes are often the primary point of focus. As the aperture is stopped down, sharpness improves across the frame, reaching its peak between f/2.8 and f/5.6. The corners, while not as critically sharp as the center at f/1.8, still perform commendably and quickly catch up as the lens is stopped down, making it suitable for landscape or architectural use when desired, though that's not its primary purpose.
Aperture and Bokeh: The f/1.8 maximum aperture is a significant selling point, providing excellent light-gathering capabilities and, more importantly, superb control over depth of field. With its 7-blade rounded diaphragm, the lens produces smooth, pleasing out-of-focus areas (bokeh). The quality of the bokeh is generally creamy and natural, effectively separating the subject from the background, which is paramount for portrait and event photography. While a 9-blade diaphragm might offer slightly rounder highlights, the 7-blade design of the 85mm f/1.8G still yields very aesthetically pleasing results, particularly given its price point.
Chromatic Aberration, Flare, and Distortion: Thanks to Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC), the lens effectively suppresses flare and ghosting, even when shooting into strong light sources. Chromatic aberrations (CA) are generally well-controlled, with minimal lateral CA observable, especially when processed in-camera or through post-production software. Longitudinal CA, common in fast primes, can be present at wider apertures but is typically not overly distracting and can be managed. Distortion is negligible, as is expected from a fixed focal length lens of this type, ensuring straight lines remain straight.
Autofocus Performance
Equipped with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Internal Focusing (IF), the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G offers swift, accurate, and notably quiet autofocus. The SWM ensures that focus acquisition is fast enough to keep up with moving subjects in many scenarios, making it viable for events and even some action photography where precise focus is paramount. The Internal Focusing mechanism means the front element does not rotate or extend during focusing, which is convenient for using polarizing or graduated neutral density filters. The quiet operation is a distinct advantage, especially for discrete event photography or when shooting video, where lens motor noise can be problematic. The minimum focus distance of 0.8 meters (2.6 feet) and a maximum magnification of 0.12x are typical for a lens of this type, allowing for reasonably close-up shots without venturing into macro territory.
Use Cases Where This Lens Excels
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is a versatile workhorse that particularly shines in several key photographic disciplines:
- Portraiture: This is undoubtedly the lens's strongest suit. The 85mm focal length provides a natural, flattering perspective for portraits, allowing for a comfortable working distance between photographer and subject. The f/1.8 aperture, combined with its excellent bokeh, creates stunning subject isolation and a professional aesthetic, making it a go-to choice for headshots, half-body shots, and full-length portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds.
- Low-Light Photography: The bright f/1.8 aperture is invaluable in challenging lighting conditions. It allows photographers to use lower ISO settings and faster shutter speeds than slower lenses, reducing noise and preventing motion blur, respectively. This makes it ideal for indoor events, dimly lit venues, and available light photography where flash might be undesirable or prohibited.
- Events Photography: From weddings to corporate gatherings, the lens's combination of speed, sharpness, and excellent low-light performance makes it a highly effective tool. Its ability to create professional-looking images with beautiful background separation allows photographers to capture the essence of an event with artistic flair, while the fast and quiet autofocus is essential for candid moments.
- Street Photography: While 85mm might be considered a longer focal length for some street photographers, it offers a unique advantage. It allows for capturing candid moments from a discreet distance, without being overtly intrusive. The f/1.8 aperture can isolate subjects against a bustling urban background, transforming everyday scenes into captivating images. Its relatively compact size and light weight also contribute to its suitability for prolonged carrying during street walks.
Conclusion
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G remains a stellar performer in the Nikon F-mount lineup. It masterfully balances optical excellence with practical design, delivering sharp images, beautiful bokeh, and reliable autofocus in a lightweight package. While it lacks optical image stabilization, its fast maximum aperture effectively compensates for this in many scenarios. For Nikon DSLR users, it represents an outstanding value proposition, serving as an indispensable tool for portrait photographers, a capable companion for event and low-light work, and a distinctive option for street photography. Its consistent performance and ability to produce aesthetically pleasing results solidify its reputation as a classic and highly recommended prime lens.