Love it

Wow! 85mm f/1.4 takes photography to the next level.

Easy to use

There is no way of avoiding the fact that, at £1,500, this is a very expensive lens. Readers with smaller budgets may prefer to consider the £900 previous-generation (non-G) f/1.4 alternative, or even the sub-£400 f/1.8 version. However, if you have the money then this is a really stunning lens.

Solid MTF figures

Hefty price

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is one of the company's premiere lenses, part of its series of f/1.4G prime optics, and a strong performer. It draws subjects sharply, with a shallow depth of field at wide apertures, and while it casts a strong vignette, that aspect of rendering can be compensated...

Very sharp; Minimal distortion; Bright aperture; Classic portrait focal length; Relatively lightweight

Pricier than third-party options; Omits optical stabilization; Strong vignette at f/1.4 and f/2

I had the 1.8G but after getting a 105mm F2 DC I wasn't using it. So I decided to upgrade to the 85mm 1.4G. The main benefit has been shooting at 1.4 and 1.6 for family/candids which the 1.8 can't do. The 1.8G is sharp but it seemed clinically sharp instead of flatteringly sharp.

Bokeh Sharpness

Price

So this is a tough one. There is a lot to like in the new Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.4G. The addition of nano-crystal coating will help to contend with flare issues that were something of an issue with the previous 'D' version of the lens.

Serious portrait photographers often reach for an 85mm lens to capture images with some pop. Pros using the Nikon system are likely to use the company's marquee 85mm, the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G ($1,599.95), which is able to seriously blur out backgrounds and capture incredibly crisp photos, free of distortion but with a natural vignette. It's a strong performer, and the right choice for Nikon shooters who want an 85mm f/1.4 that's relatively light in weight. If you're willing to work with a heavier lens, our Editors' Choice Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art delivers excellent image quality for a few hundred dollars less, and there are also f/1.8 alternatives out there for photographers on a stricter budget. Design The Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G ($1,796.95 at Amazon) measures 3.3 by 3.4 inches (HD), weighs 1.3 pounds, and supports 77mm front filters. It ships with front and rear caps, a reversible hood, and a soft carrying pouch. Compare this with the bulkier Sigma 85mm F1.4, which comes in at 5...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is the go-to lens for shooting portraits with a shallow depth of field, but is more expensive than third-party alternatives.

Very sharp; Minimal distortion; Bright aperture; Classic portrait focal length; Relatively lightweight

Pricier than third-party options; Omits optical stabilization; Strong vignette at f/1.4 and f/2