Enjoying my new 85mm f/1.8

John Desjarlais

Hello all,

Just thought I'd share some images with my brand new Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens (the old threads in this forum were quite helpful). It's really a revelation for me to be able to work with natural light indoors! However, also challenging to work at 1.8 with the super-shallow DOF.

Here's some images of one of my favorite subjects - my 2-yr old daughter. Challenging subject (she thinks it's really funny to run straight at me whenever I point my camera at her), but I take the work very seriously - as a busy dad, I have no other portrait opportunities (and mom is slightly more approving of my habit if I collect some good shots of the kiddos).

Blowing bubbles - I'm finding I like the look of these shots better when I desaturate a bit.


Laying on the bed - window light only! :clap . For this one, I also desaturated slightly, then applied some softness (everywhere but her eyes) using a 30% overlay of a Gaussian-blurred copy (radius = 25).



And on the more abstract side :scratch :



Any comments welcome. BTW, so far I'm really liking the lens, sharp, fast AF, nice bokeh. But frustrating to get an in-focus shot at f/1.8.

Owen

The last one is precious. Well done.

System

Great shots. Amazing clarity and sharpness. I love the way you've used the dof. The reduces saturation gives them an angelic light, very pleasing. Eventually I'll have some "prime" glass to work with.

vangogh

Owen wrote:

The last one is precious. Well done.

I love this one!

frg

Beautifull shots, I like all three, great composition ...
I've got the same lens....one of my favorites...

Ted Szukalski

Both photos are spot on. I'm considering either a 50mm 1.4 or 80mm 1.8 later this year. Good to see some practical application.

James S

The 85mm IMO is a much better lens.

Ted Szukalski wrote:

Both photos are spot on. I'm considering either a 50mm 1.4 or 80mm 1.8 later this year. Good to see some practical application.

Jnichols

Shame on me - I've kept my 85 1.8 in my bag in favor of my 50 1.8. I think you've given me a reason to use my 85mm lens. Beautiful captures - I love the last two. I also agree with the desat.

photofreak

I love love love this one!!!!! I love the focus on the eyelashes. Blow this up and hang it on the wall!!!!!!
Mandi

John Desjarlais

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. As for 85mm vs. 50mm, I'd still like to get a 50mm f/1.8 (price really isn't too bad). For kids, however, I really like the extra working distance of the 85. The less aware they are of me the better shots I get.