Nikon offers a total of three different 85mm lenses, which differ by the type of focus motor (see comparative 85D to 85G), or by the maximum aperture (1.4 and 1.8). The described Nikkor 85mm 1.8 G marked the golden mean of the trio and offers not only a good to very good image quality and a pleasing feel, despite the plastic construction. This need not necessarily be bad, in the case of falls and also overlooks the weight offers Plastil but some advantages over metal optics. Even otherwise is hardly any complaints on the manner of production of the lens, the focus ring runs with absolute precision, the AF switch does not wobble and also the distance scale is properly fitted. This is by far not a foregone conclusion, in which I ordered copy of the 50mm 1.8G scale was clearly moved and did not match the actual focused distances. What I am already arrived at a negative point and would note the somewhat sloppy quality control Nikon. In addition to the 50mm 1.8G unfortunately was also the first of my 85mm 1.8G faulty. After about 100 images the iris was unfortunately broken and could no longer be open. Why then find the top four star and not just a star? This is due to the excellent service from Nikon. Lens posted on Amazon, repaired Niko Service Dresden and a week later in my hands. Namely, in both lenses! Now that is exemplary. After repairing both optics do now their service as it should be. The second reason why I want to pull no star is that I am absolutely delighted with the photographic quality of the Nikkor lens. At maximum aperture knackscharf something soft and from 2.0, the performance decreases f2.8 to very little. The Bokeh is subjectively very nice with great light round circles, but not as "creamy" as the 85mm 1.4. But for my needs it irritates completely. The chromatic aberrations criticized by many (CA) play not matter to me, because they can be corrected with one hand very little processing effort, on the other hand not be a characteristic of these optics alone, but appear in almost all lenses with large aperture beginning.
In the Quick Reference In sum:
+ Easy and nevertheless excellent feel + Excellent image quality from f2.0, absolutely usable at open aperture but + Lens hood is included
0-production quality and quality control, unfortunately, China-level, can be different but probably realize no price below 1000. With the Japan-Nikkor I had as yet no reason to complain, unfortunately both the 50mm Nikkor and 85mm Nikkor
Finally, I would like to say the following: I find it frankly strange that here is criticized in some reviews that no VR is integrated. Firstly, because I still can not require image stabilization for the price of the Nikkor. Secondly, because I find it pointless to debate about what might have the lens. A review should document the actual state and not the target state. I buy me also no VW UP and then complain that I do not get 5m long wooden slats in the car or during acceleration can not keep up with a Porsche ?! The problem of CAs is obsolete in my eyes, because you for bright optics just have to reckon with an increased likelihood of color bleeding. To complain about this when such an appearance is so outrageous.
What remains as a final conclusion? Full marks in the photographic quality of the lens (and thus the point which counts for me the most), nearly perfect score in feel and unfortunately only 2-3 star in the production quality. Overall, though, I forgive 4.5 points, which then depreciate to 4 points due to the excellent image results. As always this review will receive updates as changes in some sort of described impression!
I would be glad if I could help you a little with this brief assessment, if not, please use the comment form so that I can still take in the assessment of possible questions.
