Dilemma: Canon User with a Nikon 85mm/f1.4

<p>Okay first let me say that I am a Canon user because I have always had Canon gear. I have been shooting for about 10 years using formats ranging from 35mm to large format. Now i have a dilema in that I am actually saving for a better Canon camera but have inherited a 85 1.4 lens and only have in my possesion an n90 film camera. I would LOVE to use this lens but want to use it with a digital camera. So what is the least expensive NIkon DSLR that will take advantage of this lens?<br>

Thank you very much!! <br>

Clark</p>

 

<p>Looking at currently available bodies (in the lower price class), the D60, D3000 and D5000 have no internal focus motor, which you need for the 85mm 1.4. Then the D90 would be the body of choice.<br /> Or perhaps go for a second hand D200. Build like a tank, but not as good with the higher isos as the newer D90.</p>

<p>get a d50/70/70s. they have a small screen and are a bit slow to preview images but image quality is as good as any other Nikon DX you can get in the store today. I have a D300 but am looking to pick one of these up myself (my old D50 was stolen).</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure the <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/1933/AF-NIKKOR-85mm-f%252F1.4D-IF.html">85/1.4</a> is not a "G" lens. It is a D lens, which means that any AF Nikon body should be able to operate it. So you can go with a D40 or D3000.... Of course on DX, it's like a 127.5 or whatever the DX multiplier makes it...</p>

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<p>I'm pretty sure the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/1933/AF-NIKKOR-85mm-f%252F1.4D-IF.html" target="_blank">85/1.4</a> is not a "G" lens. It is a D lens, which means that any AF Nikon body should be able to operate it. So you can go with a D40 or D3000...</p>

 

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<p>Gen, the 85/1.4 <strong>will not</strong> AF on d40/60/3000/5000. Nikon G lenses have no aperture ring, that has nothing to do with a focus motor. the nomenclature for lenses which can AF on lower-end bodies is AF-S.</p>

<p>Clark, the d200 is a solid body and you can find them cheap used. if you shoot a lot of high ISO, you'll want a d90 instead.</p>

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<p>I'm pretty sure the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/1933/AF-NIKKOR-85mm-f%252F1.4D-IF.html" target="_blank">85/1.4</a> is not a "G" lens. It is a D lens, which means that any AF Nikon body should be able to operate it. So you can go with a D40 or D3000</p>

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<p>Wrong! As Dennis already made clear, this lens does not have an internal motor, meaning that it is not an AF-S lens, so that it cannot autofocus with bodies such as the D40, D60, D3000, and D5000, which lack the screw drive motor to focus lenses that lack their own motors. That it is a "D" lens is irrelevant.</p>

<p>Eric posted just ahead of me -- both posts are listed at the same time. Together with Dennis's answer above, I hope there is no mistake about this.</p>

<p>Another thought: In choosing between getting a used D200 on the one hand, and a D90 (or used D50 or D70) keep in mind the weight, if you'll be doing a significant amount of shooting hand-held. If you prefer a heavy camera with a heavy lens like the 85 f/1.4, the D200 is a better choice. If you would like the total weight lower, then one of the others would be better. It's up to you, just be aware of it.</p>

<p>Buy a Nikon F lens to Canon EOS body adapter. You have to manual focus and the aperture is not automatic, but you can focus at infinity, meter with the EOS body and can even use "A" mode. This set up should be enough to evaluate the optical quality of your 85/1.4 lens at all apertures and distance settings.</p>

<p>85/f1.4 is one of the best Nikon primes and among the top three lenses I like mostly. Its portraiture capabilities are extraordinary, with a unique character and bokeh. I'd encourage you to pair it with a D90.</p>

<p>I use it in available light, usually at f2... f2.8 and every time I have a hard time to take it out of my camera.</p>

<p>The least expensive -and in my opinion very good- solution would be to buy a used D70 (s). The 85 1.4 is a real gem and joy to use and I found out that my old D70 is actually still a very good quality body albeit only in good light situations. Here in the Netherlands they now go for about 150 euros!<br>

Enjoy!<br>

Ray</p>

<p>Clark, based on the following previous thread on the Canon EOS Forum, you were contemplating getting a Canon 5D Mark II or 50D last year. I am not sure what you ended up with, but if you already have a higher-end Canon DSLR, it seems to make no sense to add a cheap and/or old Nikon DSLR merely for one lens: <a href="http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00Thds">http://www.photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00Thds</a></p>

<p>There are different versions of the Nikon 85mm/f1.4. E.g. it could be an AF-D version or a manual-focus AI-S, etc. If you would like to use that Nikon lens, the easiest way is to get a Nikon-to-Canon EOS lens mount adapter to mount that Nikon lens onto your Canon cameras. It should work the same way on Canon regardless of whehter it is an AF-D or AI-S. Some of those adapters are better than the others; please search around for additional information. You will only have stop-down metering and may or may not have focus confirmation.</p>

<p>Or I would suggest selling that Nikon lens and use the money towards other Canon accessories.</p>

<p>Clark<br>

I'm surprised nobody has asked what version of the lens you have which is pertinent information, but I'm with Shun forget buying a Nikon, swapping the lens for a Canon version must be the neastest solution, it makes little sense having a seperate system for 1 lens, I have one I will never sell, so I would suggest swapping not selling<br>

Steve</p>

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<p>I'm surprised nobody has asked what version of the lens you have which is pertinent information</p>

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<p>Didn't I ask that exact question? Or you are implying that I am nobody? :-)</p>

<p>Clark, besides what's already been written, there is also another possible way to use this wonderfull lens .... Micro Four Thirts with an adapter for Nikon lenses....</p>

<p>You can use the Nikon lens on your cannon with an adapter. Very simple. It will be manual, but will work on any Canon.</p>

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<p>Clark, besides what's already been written, there is also another possible way to use this wonderfull lens .... Micro Four Thirts with an adapter for Nikon lenses....</p>

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<p>That option has several drawbacks:</p>

<ul>

<li>The OP needs to buy yet another camera (unless he already has a 4/3 body).</li>

<li>He will have to use an adapter, thus losing functionalities.</li>

<li>There will be a 2x crop factor on 4/3. Therefore, the 85mm will be the equivalent of a 170mm on FX, and that is hardly a portrait lens any more.</li>

</ul>

Sell it and put the money towards the canon 85mm f/1.2

<p>Oh my gosh, just sell it and put the money towards the Canon. two systems to use one stinkin' lens makes no sense whatsoever.</p>

<p>Peter I agree but must point out that the lens is one of the better smelling Nikon lenses :-)</p>

 

<p>I would not buy another system just for one lens. If I had been given a 35mm, 50mm, and a 85mm....maybe....but not for just one of them.</p>

<p>So, either buy the adapter and do everything manually..... fotodiox ....is pretty good. I own the Mamiya 645 lens to Canon EOS on my 5D and it does a great job. Fotodiox has an Amazon store at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DAG1FKBNAQKSKJ&field-keywords=nikon+lens+canon+eos">http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DAG1FKBNAQKSKJ&field-keywords=nikon+lens+canon+eos</a> </p>

<p>.....or sell the lens and buy a Canon 85mm.</p>

Okay thank you for all thew discussion!! This an af lens the one that currently retails at bhphotovideo for around 1200. The previous owner purchased it cause he a nice lens for portraits. I have used the lens on n90 film camera and it af's great. I hope this helps clarify thank yall again!!

Those are some great suggestion and I really thank all of you very much. I suppose there is a bit of sentimental value even though the previous owner didn't use this lens but maybe on 5 occasions. While he was alive I probably used it more than he. I guess its just time for me to make a decision!! I will look into the adapter option but does that pose any concern for camera body fittment issues and what not? I suppose as mentioned previously the main issues will be with functionality of the lens.

<p><em>"two systems to use one stinkin' lens makes no sense whatsoever."</em> Depends on the lens. In this case, I agree.</p>

<p>Shun<br>

you are most certainly not a nobody apologies I somehow missed your post<br>

Steve</p>

<p>Steve, I am just kidding. Hope you saw the smiley.</p>