Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS or 85mm 1.8 AFD ?

[juanjo_viagran]

Hi..

 

If you have to pick one of this two which one will you take..?

 

Nikon 85mm

Manual 1.4 AIS

Auto Focus 1.8 AFD

 

I want to use this lens for sports (MTB Down Hill) and whenever I need an fast

85mm lens.

To be use with a D70 and D1X. (mostly with a D1x)

 

Whats your input.!

 

Thanks.

[leicaglow]

There are lots of threads about this comparison. If money was no object, I would choose the f/1.4, but as money was an option when I upgraded to the 1.8 version in AF-D, that's what I went with and I'm thrilled with the decision. It's a great lens. You may find the DOF too shallow when using either lens wide open.

[Peter_in_PA]

I'd pick the 1.8 and then put all that "extra" money into another lens!

 

Unless money was no object. If money was no object, I'd buy a Canon body and get their

85mm f1.2. (not to replace Nikon, but to augment it...)

 

What are you photographing with it? That should have a lot to do with which you choose?

[kelton]

I started out shooting sports with manual lenses. But, since having autofocaus, I am just not quick enough any more....Therefore, I would go with 1.8 AFD. I have the 85mm AFD and it is great.

[brucecahn]

I used an 80mm f1.4 for several years in my portrait studio. It is one of the better lenses they make. Was very happy with it, and I am hard to please.

[mitchfalk]

Funny how this came up today. I had just bought a 85mm 1.4 yesterday as my prize portrait lens, guess what? Dont waste your money - aside from a little more reach, the lens isnt really any better than my 50mm 1.4. Brought it back and went with a 70-200 2.8 VR. What a beauty, everything I'd hoped for in the 85 plus way more versatility and VR to boot.

[stwrtertbsratbs5]

Get the AF lens if you plan to shoot sports. I use the 85mm f/1.8 for indoor basketball. It's an excellent lens.

[frank_skomial]

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00KSZ6&unified_p=1

[inspiration point studio]

I think the manual lens is not compatible with your D70 metering system.

[mars790]

Mitch, i think you must've had a bad sample. i have the 50 1.4 and the 70 -200 2.8 and

they're both excellent. but my 85 1.4AFD blows me away...

 

if the AIS is as close to the AFD as i've read, go for it

[anthony_bez]

Mitch stated, "I had just bought a 85mm 1.4 yesterday as my prize portrait lens, guess what? Dont waste your money - aside from a little more reach, the lens isnt really any better than my 50mm 1.4."

 

Juanjo, I have a 50mm f1.4 AFD which I like a lot, but it is no 85mm f1.4AFD. The latter is a special lens, and it can not be replaced by the 70-200 either. If you can afford the 85mm f1.4 AFD you will love it, I do!

[corey]

I cant help but think that you will be missing some shots waisting time trying to focus the lens for you mtb downhill events. Though I agree that the 85 1.4 is a great lens and probably better then the 1.8 what good is it if you miss the shot. I think the 1.4 is better for photographs that can be set up but not for action.

[jose_angel]

I`m owner of the AiS 85/1.4, and I really miss the AFD version. I would take the AFD 85/1.8. It the real world, I think it is more useful.

[tritchonis]

I don't know guys. My 1.4 is wicked fast and I don't miss a lick with it ever.