Nikon F 85mm f/1.8

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 is a classic and highly regarded prime lens, a staple for portrait photographers using Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. Its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance, allowing for shooting in challenging lighting conditions without excessive reliance on high ISO settings. More importantly, this wide aperture creates a beautifully shallow depth of field, producing creamy, pleasing bokeh that effectively isolates subjects from their backgrounds, making them truly stand out. The 85mm focal length is considered ideal for portraits, offering a natural perspective and comfortable working distance from the subject. This lens delivers sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition, capturing fine details and subtle tones. While various versions exist (AF-D, AF-S G), they all share the common characteristic of being a reliable and high-performing lens for dedicated portrait work, as well as for events and general low-light photography. Its relatively compact size and lightweight design make it a portable option for photographers on location or in the studio, offering superb image quality at an accessible price point.