Choice of 85mm lenses?

Having just upgraded my 85 f1.4D to the 1.4G, I think you could not go wrong with either the 85 1.8G or 1.4G.

The 1.4D still has awesome bokeh, legendary, but AF accuracy at 1.4 is an issue, and corners are never sharp. (not in issue in much portraiture)

As for the battle of the new G versions - 1.4G has the bokeh and stopped down past f4 sharpness advantage, f1.8G maybe a tad sharper wide open, with serious advantage in price and size. I prefer the carrying weight of the lighter lens, I prefer the shooting weight of the heavier

Both stunning glass, and a tough choice. I went with the 1.4G because of the slightly softer wide open (for flawed real people!), but stunningly sharp stopped down performance (for landscape). Two shooting styles in one lens.

The 85 1.4G is the best lens I own. (14-24, 24-70, 28 & 50 1.8G etc)

It is also the only lens I own that I can see surviving to serve on with a future 50+ mp camera that will eventually replace my D800E.

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Things I have clicked with: Agfa 110, Minolta X-300, X700, Nikon F3, F4, Hassleblad 500C/M, 4x5", Sony F717, D70, D200, Canon 1Ds, II, D2x, D3, Canon 5D-II, D800E