Nikon NIKKOR AF-S - Lens - 85 mm - f/1.4 G
Nikon AFS85/1.4G AF-S Nikkor 85mm F/1.4G, Ø77 Often described as the ideal lens for portraiture, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a short-telephoto prime characterized by its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and ability to isolate subjects using shallow depth of field. The slightly long focal length and fast design are complemented by a rounded nine-blade diaphragm, which helps to achieve a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality. Individual elements feature both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which suppress lens flare and ghosting in order to produce greater contrast and color rendering when working in bright and backlit conditions. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor affords fast and precise autofocus capabilities along with full-time manual focus control. Short-telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. Notably fast f/1.4 maximum aperture helps to isolate subjects and achieve shallow depth of field effects. This bright design also excels in low-light conditions. A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting. Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds. Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Nikon AFS85/1.4G AF-S Nikkor 85mm F/1.4G, Ø77 Often described as the ideal lens for portraiture, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a short-telephoto prime characterized by its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and ability to isolate subjects using shallow depth of field. The slightly long focal length and fast design are complemented by a rounded nine-blade diaphragm, which helps to achieve a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality. Individual elements feature both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which suppress lens flare and ghosting in order to produce greater contrast and color rendering when working in bright and backlit conditions. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor affords fast and precise autofocus capabilities along with full-time manual focus control. Short-telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. Notably fast f/1.4 maximum aperture helps to isolate subjects and achieve shallow depth of field effects. This bright design also excels in low-light conditions. A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting. Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds. Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Nikon AFS85/1.4G AF-S Nikkor 85mm F/1.4G, Ø77 Often described as the ideal lens for portraiture, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a short-telephoto prime characterized by its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and ability to isolate subjects using shallow depth of field. The slightly long focal length and fast design are complemented by a rounded nine-blade diaphragm, which helps to achieve a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality. Individual elements feature both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which suppress lens flare and ghosting in order to produce greater contrast and color rendering when working in bright and backlit conditions. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor affords fast and precise autofocus capabilities along with full-time manual focus control. Short-telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. Notably fast f/1.4 maximum aperture helps to isolate subjects and achieve shallow depth of field effects. This bright design also excels in low-light conditions. A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting. Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds. Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Nikon AFS85/1.4G AF-S Nikkor 85mm F/1.4G, Ø77 Often described as the ideal lens for portraiture, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a short-telephoto prime characterized by its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and ability to isolate subjects using shallow depth of field. The slightly long focal length and fast design are complemented by a rounded nine-blade diaphragm, which helps to achieve a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality. Individual elements feature both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which suppress lens flare and ghosting in order to produce greater contrast and color rendering when working in bright and backlit conditions. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor affords fast and precise autofocus capabilities along with full-time manual focus control. Short-telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it provides a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. Notably fast f/1.4 maximum aperture helps to isolate subjects and achieve shallow depth of field effects. This bright design also excels in low-light conditions. A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting. Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds. Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
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The lowest price for Nikon NIKKOR AF-S - Lens - 85 mm - f/1.4 G right now is $1,099.95 at Ted's Cameras, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $499.00 on 23 Apr 2026 — today's price is 120% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 13 Oct 2026.
Last updated at 13/10/2026 11:03:33
Nikon AF-S 85mm f1.4 G | Secondhand
Free delivery
Nikon Nikkor Af-s 85mm F/1.4g Fx Lens With Uv Filter - Black
Delivery $115.27
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Nikon AF-S 85mm F1.4 G Lens FX / DX Mount Camera Lens
Free delivery between Thu – Fri
originally posted on lensrentals.com
Everything went well with the rental in terms of logistics. It showed up on time and was boxed well, etc. The lense was not sharp between 1.4 & 2.2 aperture on my D850. I tested it on a tripod but still had the issues. May have been that it wasn’t calibrated but I ended up not using it on my shoot. I’m not dissatisfied with the lens rental but the lense may have some issues worth checking out.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I am compulsive about sharpness, but I shoot most of my pictures hand-held often in low light. First I bought a Zeiss Otus 55mm. It is a spectacular lens, but the manual focus was just too awkward for my shooting style. I will continue to use it for tripod shots. Then I bought a Sigma Art 105mm DG HSM 1.4. This is also a very sharp lens, but noticeably less sharp than the Otus on the D810. The Sigma is a monster at 3.6 lbs - not something I wanted to lug around very often. Also, I regularly had trouble with it hunting for focus in low contrast settings. I finally decided to try the Nikon 85mm f1.4G. It is an amazing lens - light enough to hand-hold easily, it generally finds focus quickly and accurately, and is super-sharp. The bokeh is beautiful. After a few days, ... MoreI am compulsive about sharpness, but I shoot most of my pictures hand-held often in low light. First I bought a Zeiss Otus 55mm. It is a spectacular lens, but the manual focus was just too awkward for my shooting style. I will continue to use it for tripod shots. Then I bought a Sigma Art 105mm DG HSM 1.4. This is also a very sharp lens, but noticeably less sharp than the Otus on the D810. The Sigma is a monster at 3.6 lbs - not something I wanted to lug around very often. Also, I regularly had trouble with it hunting for focus in low contrast settings. I finally decided to try the Nikon 85mm f1.4G. It is an amazing lens - light enough to hand-hold easily, it generally finds focus quickly and accurately, and is super-sharp. The bokeh is beautiful. After a few days, this has become my go-to lens especially for portraits. My only complaint is that it does not focus closer than about 3 feet, but I guess you cant have everything.
originally posted on lensrentals.com
Excellent performance.My favorite lens. Immaculate photos, ZERO DISTORTION.Wife said “Looks like a magazine photo”It does.Will buy soon, possibly by the time my daughter Sofía is born by end of September, God willing.
| General | |
| Length | 8.4 cm |
| Diameter | 8.6 cm |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Lens System |
Nikon AF-S 85mm f1.4 G | Secondhand
Free delivery
Nikon Nikkor Af-s 85mm F/1.4g Fx Lens With Uv Filter - Black
Delivery $115.27
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon AF-S 85mm F1.4 G Lens FX / DX Mount Camera Lens
Free delivery between Thu – Fri
Everything went well with the rental in terms of logistics. It showed up on time and was boxed well, etc. The lense was not sharp between 1.4 & 2.2 aperture on my D850. I tested it on a tripod but still had the issues. May have been that it wasn’t calibrated but I ended up not using it on my shoot. I’m not dissatisfied with the lens rental but the lense may have some issues worth checking out.
I am compulsive about sharpness, but I shoot most of my pictures hand-held often in low light. First I bought a Zeiss Otus 55mm. It is a spectacular lens, but the manual focus was just too awkward for my shooting style. I will continue to use it for tripod shots. Then I bought a Sigma Art 105mm DG HSM 1.4. This is also a very sharp lens, but noticeably less sharp than the Otus on the D810. The Sigma is a monster at 3.6 lbs - not something I wanted to lug around very often. Also, I regularly had trouble with it hunting for focus in low contrast settings. I finally decided to try the Nikon 85mm f1.4G. It is an amazing lens - light enough to hand-hold easily, it generally finds focus quickly and accurately, and is super-sharp. The bokeh is beautiful. After a few days, ... MoreI am compulsive about sharpness, but I shoot most of my pictures hand-held often in low light. First I bought a Zeiss Otus 55mm. It is a spectacular lens, but the manual focus was just too awkward for my shooting style. I will continue to use it for tripod shots. Then I bought a Sigma Art 105mm DG HSM 1.4. This is also a very sharp lens, but noticeably less sharp than the Otus on the D810. The Sigma is a monster at 3.6 lbs - not something I wanted to lug around very often. Also, I regularly had trouble with it hunting for focus in low contrast settings. I finally decided to try the Nikon 85mm f1.4G. It is an amazing lens - light enough to hand-hold easily, it generally finds focus quickly and accurately, and is super-sharp. The bokeh is beautiful. After a few days, this has become my go-to lens especially for portraits. My only complaint is that it does not focus closer than about 3 feet, but I guess you cant have everything.
Excellent performance.My favorite lens. Immaculate photos, ZERO DISTORTION.Wife said “Looks like a magazine photo”It does.Will buy soon, possibly by the time my daughter Sofía is born by end of September, God willing.
This lens achieved high status because it renders skin tones, color and out of focus areas smoothly. It is technically extremely sharp as this focal length range generates some of the sharpest lens designs possible - but that is not its calling card. How it makes people & light look are its strengths.It is substantially larger than the 85mm 1.8 and much smaller than the new 105mm 1.4. It handles mid tone to highlight transitions better than the 85mm 1.8 and is very slightly less punchy overall than the 105 1.4 - which has similar smooth rendering and reluctance to blow highlights.If you are interested in a short tele for portraits your choice is between the 105mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.4. Both make magic. After using both I bought the 85mm 1.4 because I prefer the ... MoreThis lens achieved high status because it renders skin tones, color and out of focus areas smoothly. It is technically extremely sharp as this focal length range generates some of the sharpest lens designs possible - but that is not its calling card. How it makes people & light look are its strengths.It is substantially larger than the 85mm 1.8 and much smaller than the new 105mm 1.4. It handles mid tone to highlight transitions better than the 85mm 1.8 and is very slightly less punchy overall than the 105 1.4 - which has similar smooth rendering and reluctance to blow highlights.If you are interested in a short tele for portraits your choice is between the 105mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.4. Both make magic. After using both I bought the 85mm 1.4 because I prefer the focal length - just seems right to me, I like how it makes faces look.
This lens is magic. I already had the f/1.4 and f/1.8 versions of the Nikkor 50mm lens. This is not that kind of lens. This superb lens makes the most amazing bokeh shot nearly wide open. Also the softest transitions from sharp to un-sharp image areas I've ever seen. Then take it out and shoot it at f/5.6 or f/8. Unbelievable sharpness, gorgeous color and contrast. Look over the images at 500px or Flickr shot by this lens group. There's the magic. Get this lens, don't take it off your camera until you know how to make the magic. You'll never look at another standard lens again.
Comparable lenses used: 85mm f/1.8 Nikon 90mm f/2 Leitz Summicron (for Leica M6) 56mm f/1.4 Fujinon (84mm equivalent) 80-200mm f/2.8 Nikon AFS 75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E 70-210mm f/3.5 Vivitar Series I (Nikon mount) Background: For decades, I have used the 85mm lens for portraits, wedding candids, hand held candids at dimly lit social events, stage performances, and photojournalism. The 85mm f/1.8 lens was the second Nikon lens I purchased (the 35mm f/2 was the first). The 35mm and the 85mm Nikon lenses were two of the three lenses I normally carried (the 180mm f/2.8 was the third) when working for a newspaper. One thing I really liked about the 35 and my old 85 was that they used the same size filters (52mm). The high price of the newer 85 lens and not being ... MoreComparable lenses used: 85mm f/1.8 Nikon 90mm f/2 Leitz Summicron (for Leica M6) 56mm f/1.4 Fujinon (84mm equivalent) 80-200mm f/2.8 Nikon AFS 75-150mm f/3.5 Nikon Series E 70-210mm f/3.5 Vivitar Series I (Nikon mount) Background: For decades, I have used the 85mm lens for portraits, wedding candids, hand held candids at dimly lit social events, stage performances, and photojournalism. The 85mm f/1.8 lens was the second Nikon lens I purchased (the 35mm f/2 was the first). The 35mm and the 85mm Nikon lenses were two of the three lenses I normally carried (the 180mm f/2.8 was the third) when working for a newspaper. One thing I really liked about the 35 and my old 85 was that they used the same size filters (52mm). The high price of the newer 85 lens and not being able to use the same size filters were the main reasons why I had delayed replacing my older 85mm f/1.8 with a newer 85mm f/1.4 lens. However, failing eyesight has forced me to replace my manual focus 85mm lens with the newer auto focus 85. I never considered the newest 85mm Nikon G lens because it does not have an aperture ring and my older Nikon film cameras need an aperture ring to set the proper exposure. Pro: Well built f/1.4 maximum aperture High image quality Very pleasing bokeh (thus the nickname "cream machine") Auto focus (was going to get the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 but decided that paying more for a manual focus lens was illogical) Unlike the newer "G" lenses and the newer "E" lenses, this "D" lens has an aperture ring Screw-on metal lens hood comes with lens No built-in auto focus motor to break (uses the auto focus motor in the camera body) No built-in vibration reduction motor to break Works well with all my 35mm film bodies Works well with my DX (APS-C) digital bodies Works well paired with my Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens Good replacement for my older 85mm f/1.8 manual focus Nikon lens Great half-length and head & shoulder portrait lens Works well with my other prime portrait lenses (50/105/135/180mm) Depth-of-field scale (some newer lenses do not have one) Internal focus Con: 77mm filter size is not compatible with my 52, 62, 72mm filter inventory No built-in silent auto focus motor No vibration reduction Production stopped in 2010; therefore, only available on the used market High cost
85mm is the best focal length for making subjects pop out of the picture in a 3 dimensional way. Canon's new 85mm is probably shaper but there is something magical about the way Nikon's 85 renders. The separation of in-focus and out of focus is surreal. I lvve the older version of this lens which is the Af-d. It is eery similar apart from an aspherical element. Both look give very similar results with the new lens having more accurate AF. I don't think this lens sets enough praise for it's AF accuracy. Try the Sony G 85 or Sigma 85 and you'll know how special the Nikon AF is. I shoot mine with a polarizer wide open at 1.4 for street photography and probably have about 9/10 in-focus keepers. For the streets of Phnom Penh, that is an absurd level of AF accuracy. I use ... More85mm is the best focal length for making subjects pop out of the picture in a 3 dimensional way. Canon's new 85mm is probably shaper but there is something magical about the way Nikon's 85 renders. The separation of in-focus and out of focus is surreal. I lvve the older version of this lens which is the Af-d. It is eery similar apart from an aspherical element. Both look give very similar results with the new lens having more accurate AF. I don't think this lens sets enough praise for it's AF accuracy. Try the Sony G 85 or Sigma 85 and you'll know how special the Nikon AF is. I shoot mine with a polarizer wide open at 1.4 for street photography and probably have about 9/10 in-focus keepers. For the streets of Phnom Penh, that is an absurd level of AF accuracy. I use a D700 body. If you already use Nikon and don't want to carry the newer monstrous 105mm, get the 85 and never look back. If you don't have a preferred camera system yet then the new Canon is worth a look. However, I don't think the newer lenses have the dreamy almost swirly bokeh. I haven't seen this swirly bokeh from the new 105mm but the old 105DC has this same effect. Maybe optical perfection isn't as pleasing after all. The 85 is the best combination of modern optics and vintage character
I've used this lens to take over a thousand photos now, and I feel like I can give it a fair review. Overall: this is a spectacular and highly capable lens with beautiful bokeh, usable sharpness wide open, and biting crystal clear images stopped down. It makes the most out of the D800E's sensor. But it does have a few drawbacks. I'll discuss those drawbacks first. The main problem with this lens is high levels of Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration (LoCA) when used wide open. LoCA is often present on ultra-fast glass (unless you get one that is truly APO), and the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G definitely suffers from it. You will primarily notice it as purple fringes along high contrast subjects as well as green fringes on the edge of some highlights and bokeh circles. Lightroom ... MoreI've used this lens to take over a thousand photos now, and I feel like I can give it a fair review. Overall: this is a spectacular and highly capable lens with beautiful bokeh, usable sharpness wide open, and biting crystal clear images stopped down. It makes the most out of the D800E's sensor. But it does have a few drawbacks. I'll discuss those drawbacks first. The main problem with this lens is high levels of Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration (LoCA) when used wide open. LoCA is often present on ultra-fast glass (unless you get one that is truly APO), and the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G definitely suffers from it. You will primarily notice it as purple fringes along high contrast subjects as well as green fringes on the edge of some highlights and bokeh circles. Lightroom and Capture One both include methods of reducing LoCA, though it can be tricky (purple fringes on a purple flower, for example, can make Lightroom turn the whole edge of the flower gray). LoCA can also reduce the perceived sharpness of the lens. All that said, this lens never gets as bad (in terms of LoCA) as, for example, the Zeiss 100mm f/2 Makro Planar. The LoCA issue largely resolves itself by stopping down to around f/2.8. By f/5.6 it's totally gone. The only other drawbacks of the lens are slight: the price is very high (especially compared to Nikon's own 85mm f/1.8G), the focus speed is good but not blazingly fast, it can mis-focus at f/1.4 occasionally, and it has a pretty short minimum focus distance (not a macro lens by any means). The positives, however, outweigh the negatives for this lens (in my opinion). It is sharp enough wide open for very usable shots (even blown up, even with the demanding D800E sensor) when you land the razor-thin focus on your intended subject. In fact, it feels as sharp at f/1.4 as some zoom lenses get at their very best aperture. Stopped down, from f/2.8 to f/8 or so, this lens is extremely sharp, fully capable of delivering on every little bit of resolution that the D800E can provide. Color rendition is good (very Nikon). The Nano coatings provide great flare resistance and high levels of saturation and contrast. The bokeh (out of focus highlights) is - as expected and demanded for a fast 85mm 'portrait' lens - very good, even excellent. I would love the build quality to be a bit better, but it is a gold-ringed 'pro' lens from Nikon with everything a modern pro lens from Nikon gets (solid plastic composite body, some weather sealing, etc) - so if you are okay with other pro Nikon lenses, or used to Nikon's consumer lenses, this one will make you happy. You might be a little disappointed if you only use Zeiss ZF glass... Aside from making this lens APO, the main thing that would improve this lens in my mind would be if Nikon could fit the VRIII technology from the 70-200mm f/4 into this lens' relatively compact body. 85mm can be reaching the tricky point to hand-hold at lower shutter speeds, and that advanced VR would make this lens even more versatile. Overall, if you can afford it and you want the pro build, Nano coatings, and f/1.4 max aperture, this is a fantastic lens. The 85mm f/1.8G is surely worth a go instead of this one if you want so save some money and don't need the aforementioned aspects of this lens.
This has easily become my favorite lens! The performance and clarity is amazing! My images have true depth of field and the transition from one lens to the next is very simple and easy. I will definitely make this a permanent part of my lens family soon.
I have owned a 85/1.8G for at least two years. I also own several lenses from the 1.4G series. Knowing how well the 1.4G series performs I decided to purchase the 85/1.4G to see how it works in real-life shooting situations compared to my 85/1.8G. (My comparison is limited to apertures from f1.4 to f2.8.) At f1.8, the 85/1.4G has about the same center sharpness as the 85/1.8G. The 1.4G is a tad soft at f1.4 but still great! The major difference in terms of sharpness is that the 1.8G has quite a large area of sharpness, whereas the 1.4G has more of a spot of sharpness. This definitely is a strong point for portrait photography! IMO, the 85/1.8G is too sharp for portraiture at f1.8 already, while the 1.4G produces attractive softness around what I want to see sharp ... MoreI have owned a 85/1.8G for at least two years. I also own several lenses from the 1.4G series. Knowing how well the 1.4G series performs I decided to purchase the 85/1.4G to see how it works in real-life shooting situations compared to my 85/1.8G. (My comparison is limited to apertures from f1.4 to f2.8.) At f1.8, the 85/1.4G has about the same center sharpness as the 85/1.8G. The 1.4G is a tad soft at f1.4 but still great! The major difference in terms of sharpness is that the 1.8G has quite a large area of sharpness, whereas the 1.4G has more of a spot of sharpness. This definitely is a strong point for portrait photography! IMO, the 85/1.8G is too sharp for portraiture at f1.8 already, while the 1.4G produces attractive softness around what I want to see sharp (the eyes). Overall, the 1.4G appears sharper compared to the 1.8G, because it produces a marginal, albeit noticeable edge of contrast and color detail. In that regard the 1.4G beats the 1.8G anytime. The 1.4G clearly wins in terms of bokeh. The background just melts away. I had some situations, with strong horizontal contrast features far behind my subject, where the 1.8G actually seemed to produce some strong artifacts in the bokeh - not pretty, but rarely happening, as it depends very much on the shooting and lighting situation. Summing up the above, the 1.4G is clearly better for situations, were one wants the best color and contrast, and subject isolation. The 1.8G is clearly better for situation where one needs the best possible sharpness. My greatest complaint about the 85/1.4G is about focusing reliability. Both, my 1.4G and the 1.8G calibrated at -4 on my D3s and D700. In real-life shooting however, the 85/1.4G's focusing and its focus shift are very unreliable. It's hit and miss. It also highly dependents on subject distance. With my 1.8G I get 90% of shots focused where I want them to focus. With the 1.4G I am lucky if I get my focus 2 out of 10 times where I want it. Ouchy, Ouchy, Ouchy!
| General | |
| Length | 8.4 cm |
| Diameter | 8.6 cm |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Lens System |
