Old or New 85mm 1.4 with D3?

[Hamid salman]

Hi All

I am looking to invent in 85mm 1.4 for a long time but now deceided to order one, I was just about to order it and found out that that have a new one just came out now, there is a significant difference in price so I was wondering if it is really worth it or not?

It will be going on D3.

I always wanted to acheive a bokeh like in the photo below but never managed to do so with my 24-70 2.8.



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http://www.salmanh.com/

 

[Maines]

I think a little less bokeh on the cleavage would have improved the image.

 

[dr_cc]

In my experience bokeh is very similar in both lenses. The older 1.4D has a better building quality perception (metal barrel, finishing, etc) but the 1.4G seems to have overall better optical performance. If you are on (kind of) a budget you could try and find a used 1.4D instead of investing in a new one, meaning that if you decide to buy it new, well, I would better go for the G.

 

[Hamid salman]

IN that case I would go for older and will try to find a used one, I cannot justify spening that much extra for little but more image quality!

In my experience bokeh is very similar in both lenses. The older 1.4D has a better building quality perception (metal barrel, finishing, etc) but the 1.4G seems to have overall better optical performance. If you are on (kind of) a budget you could try and find a used 1.4D instead of investing in a new one, meaning that if you decide to buy it new, well, I would better go for the G.

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http://www.salmanh.com/blog

 

[lac111]

IN that case I would go for older and will try to find a used one, I cannot justify spening that much extra for little but more image quality!

I don't know if you are open to third party lenses, but the Sigma 85 f1.4 is getting rave reviews, almost equivalent to the new Nikon at less than the price of a new Nikon 84 f1.4D.
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Lora

I've been on Dpreview since June 2006. Unfortunately, some posting history has been lost along the way...

 

[Ian64893]

?Maybe the new lens is full frame.

Often Nikon will introduce new glass to there lenses ie 105mm f2.8 Macro had new optics that reduced internal flare

 

[mrpevets]

IN that case I would go for older and will try to find a used one, I cannot justify spening that much extra for little but more image quality!

I don't know if you are open to third party lenses, but the Sigma 85 f1.4 is getting rave reviews, almost equivalent to the new Nikon at less than the price of a new Nikon 84 f1.4D.

I am open to 3rd party lenses & have thought about the new Sigma 1.4 but can not see any samples of the quality of the lens

Can anyone with the new Sigma please post a few pictures with specs

Thanx in advance

Stephen

 

[1vwGTIdriver]

the sigma 85 mm 1.4 is better than the nikon 84mm 1.4D as to focus accuracy especially when tracking . i have more keepers at 1.4 with the sigma . it has more contrast and warmer imo.
bokeh is also really good but bokeh i give a slight edge to the legend .

the nikon D its more used for portrait as its corners are soft , the sigma can be isused for portrait and for other uses as it sharp center and corners.

i owned both , im very happy with the switch to sigma .

 

[nikon1983]

i bought the sigma 85 because of the review in lenstip, not the lower price. it's said that the sigma is actually better in a few aspects than the 85g. as i never have used the g i don't know. but i'm 100% happy with the sigma. have a look at the pics below:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=37643200

 

[Porto]

i owned both , im very happy with the switch to sigma .

Hi 1vwGTIdriver,

Do you still have the Nikon? If yes and if it is not too much trouble for you, could you please post a side by side comparison pics taken wide open between Nikon 85 f/1.4D and Sigma 85 f/1.4?

I've read that Sigma 85 f/1.4 is a better performer than even Nikon's new 85 f/1.4G when shooting between f/1.4 - f/2.0. I already have the D, but while the AF is fine for static subject, it is a bit hit or miss for tracking moving subject. I do not intend to spend $1000 to upgrade to the G for just a slight improvement in IQ (you can see a side by side comparison in another thread here), but I am willing to swap it for the Sigma if the AF tracking is better and the bokeh is just as nice.

TIA!

 

[nikon1983]

don't have the d, but have the ais since new. recently got the sigma as well. have comparative shots extensively, with a representative pair here (handheld, but quite sure vibration not a significant factor).

 

[nikon1983]

note also the sigma image below the ais one is smaller. it's said that the sigma actual fl is shorter.

 

[ffnikclif]

Why do you hijack the OP's thread? Just start your own. THis was about the Nikon 85 mm 1.4 D & G lenses. Not off brand 3rd party lenses. Concentrate. Then reply to the question as ask.

FC

 

[Brault]

I have the old (D) version that I bought to use with my D90 last year, and although I love the results I'm finding the AF is just too much for the D90 motor to handle consistently. I'm simply missing too many shots and am probably going to sell the lens. I have no idea what it's worth on the market now that the new one is getting rave reviews...
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Brault...

 

[Porto]

Why do you hijack the OP's thread? Just start your own. THis was about the Nikon 85 mm 1.4 D & G lenses. Not off brand 3rd party lenses. Concentrate. Then reply to the question as ask.

Are you ABSOLUTELY sure that the OP will not consider 3rd party lenses? The OP stated that he would not want to "spend that much more for a little bit extra IQ". If someone can show a comparison shot between Nikon 85 f/1.4D and Sigma 85 f/1.4, wouldn't that be useful for the OP too? The Sigma is about the same price as Nikon 85 f/1.4D, but according to lenstip review, it actually outperforms the twice as expensive Nikon 85 f/1.4G between f/1.4 - f/2.0.

I would not be surprised if the OP will also be interested in seeing a comparison shot between the 1.4D and the comparably priced Sigma 85.

 

[nikon1983]

i see nothing wrong with the suggestion of lac111 as i was in a similar situation couple of weeks ago. i laid my money on the sigma b/c of lenstip's review, and not for cost-saving. i turned out a believer and cannot be happier though i haven't yet compare it with the g. there is enough optical improvement over the ais esp wide open, though the old lens remain an exceptional portraiture lens on its own. optical imperfections can be used to its advantage.

 

[Hamid salman]

I think you guys have manged to convinence me that sigma is a better option!

However I have just found out that nikon also makes 24mm 1.4 LOL which seems to be a better option for me, I actually wanted 1.4 with wide angle didnt knew about 24mm before.

Ok let me explain in simple non technical language, I am looking for wide angel with completly blurry background do you think 24mm 1.4 is a good option?

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http://www.salmanh.com/

 

[nikon1983]

i also want a nikon 24/1.4, but it costs almost 3x as much as the sigma 85/1.4 in hk. still thinking if that's justifiable for a hobbyist.

 

[Hamid salman]

I do professional wedding photography was looking for a killer wide angle lens for long with complately blurry background images!

http://www.salmanh.com

i also want a nikon 24/1.4, but it costs almost 3x as much as the sigma 85/1.4 in hk. still thinking if that's justifiable for a hobbyist.

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http://www.salmanh.com

 

[nikon1983]

no question about the quality/performance of that lens (unlike the 35/1.4), so if you're a pro and it earns for you, go for it.
happy shooting!