Nikon 85mm lens question

MontecMontec Registered Users Posts: 823 Major grins
edited January 15, 2007 in Cameras
I am looking at getting either the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF or the AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D to use for weddings and portraits with the D80.

I have read much about the very shallow DOF with the f/1.4 that is scares me a bit to think I may mess up the shot.

Which model would you prefer and is it that difficult to get good sharp images with the f/1.4?

Thanks for your input
Cheers,
Monte

Comments

  • asylumxlasylumxl Registered Users Posts: 57 Big grins
    edited January 14, 2007
    the question here is, can you justify paying more for the 1.4 for the better build quality and larger aperture?

    personally, id go for the 85mm f1.8 and save the extra pennies for something else :D.
    "If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on their feet, what happen if you strap toast on the back of a cat and drop it?" (Steven Wright)
    gear.LIST
    Canon EOS 350D, Canon EF-S 18-55mm, Tamron, 55-200mm, Canon EF 50MM MKII
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited January 14, 2007
    I have the 85mm 1.4 so I can only comment on it. It is an extremely fine piece of glass. It has performed very well in low light situations when I used it.

    Almost all the shots in this gallery were with the 85mm 1.4. http://behret.smugmug.com/gallery/1998946
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • S_LeeperS_Leeper Registered Users Posts: 41 Big grins
    edited January 15, 2007
    Yes the dof will be thin at f1.4. But if you are in a dimly lit church which does not allow flashes, then you will want the 85 f1.4. It is sharp at f1.4... I frequently use at f1.4 to f2.0 in low light situations & am pleasantly surprised with the clarity...

    I noticed you're looking to do weddings... get the 85 f1.4... it is a beautiful lens.
    I take lots of pictures--sometimes I make a photograph.

    http://leeper.smugmug.com/
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