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According provided by Nikon AF-S lens Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G SWM IF SWM many thanks Sergey Svirida и Dmitry Glotte.

Review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

In total, Nikon has 6 such lenses:

• Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF NikkorDecember 1987
• Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF NikkorMarch 1994, Japan or Thailand
• Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S IF SWM NikkorJanuary 2012
• Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4D AF NikkorNovember 1995
• Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor SWM IF Nano Crystal CoatAugust 2010
• Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 S Nikkor Z, July 2019, for mirrorless cameras

It is believed that the lenses of this series are well suited for some types of portrait shooting - they have rather weak distortion, and a similar combination of focal length and aperture makes it easy to control the depth of field. In 2012, the Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G replaced the very popular Nikon 85mm F / 1.8D.

There is another 85-aperture light from a third-party manufacturer - Sigma EX 85mm 1: 1.4 DG HSM.

Example photo on Nikon 85mm F1.8G

Main technical characteristics of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM:

Review Instance Name	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM 265565 (inscription near the front lens - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1.8G)
Basic properties	FX (for Nikon FX) - lens designed for Nikon FX full-frame cameras AF S (built in Auto Focus motor) - built-in focusing motor G (Gelded) - no aperture control ring, focus distance transmission to the camera SWM (Silent wave motor) - silent wave (ultrasonic) focusing motor IF (Internal focusing) - internal focusing M / A (autofocus with manual override) - auto focus with manual control priority DIH (Nikon Super Integrated Coating) - special integrated enlightenment of optics Rubber basket (Rubber lens mount seal) - dustproof and waterproof mount seal
Front Filter Diameter	67 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length	85 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 127.5 mm
Zoom ratio	1 X (this is a fixed lens without the ability to change the focal length)
Designed by	for digital cameras Nikon FX
Number of aperture blades	7 rounded petals
Tags	focusing distance in meters and feet, depth of field scale for F / 16, bayonet mount mark, hood mount mark
Diaphragm	from f / 1.8 to f / 16. The lens does not have an aperture ring (G - lens type)
MDF (minimum focusing distance)	0.8 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 8.1
The weight	350 g
Optical design	9 elements in 9 groups. The lens does not use special optical elements.
Lens hood	HB-62
Period	from January 2012 to our time
Manufacturer country	Made in China
Instructions	See
Price	Look at E-Catalog On the Power outlet Look at Magazilla On the M Video View on Nadavi On the Connected

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1.8G IF SWM was introduced in early 2012 and became a replacement for the popular Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor. I was immediately surprised by the size of the Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G, compared to 85mm f / 1.8D the new lens is noticeably 'thicker' and only slightly lighter.

The figure below shows all three generations of Nikon Nikkor 85 / 1.8 class autofocus lenses:

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8 и Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8D and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

Bad news - the new Nikon 85mm f / 1.8G now focuses slower than its big brother. I just can't understand why it was necessary to upgrade 85mm f / 1.8D to the AF-S SWM version and, at the same time, get a lens that focuses more slowly at the output? The same situation with 85mm F / 1.4GNwhich focuses much slower non-motorized old version 85mm f / 1.4D... What is Nikon doing? It's too bad that new motorized lenses focus more slowly than their predecessors. I also want to note that Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G is very much behind in focusing speed and its analog from Canon - Canon EF 85mm F / 1.8 USM. It turns out that the old Canon EF 85mm F / 1.8 USM wins in focus speed on all 85-current Nikon.

Example on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G is made only in China. The lens has a plastic case, to the touch is no different from the new Nikon fix lenses: Nikon 50mm F / 1.8G, Nikon DX 35mm F / 1.8G. Unlike 85mm f / 1.8DThe G-version lost the metal thread for the light filter, and the 9-blade aperture, but retained the metal mount and acquired the mode M / AM. Old 85mm f / 1.8D still made better than the new G-version.

This is what the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM looks like from different angles, on the Nikon AF camera N8008S, with a Nikon HB-62 blend and compared to Nikon ED AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1: 2.8D (MKII):

The Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G comes with an HB-62 bayonet hood that can be mounted backwards and taken with you anywhere. The hood is not screwed into the light filter, but is put on using special slots on the lens. If you put the hood in transport mode, you completely lose access to the focusing ring. Front filter diameter - 67mm. The lens is nice, looks good on the camera.

The good news - Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G has high optical performance. The lens is very sharp, sharper 85mm f / 1.8D, and with very good bokeh.

Differences autofocus 85-current Nikon. Nevertheless, version 85 1,8G received the most points from me.

Focusing

Nikon 85mm f / 1.8G focuses very quietly thanks to 'SWM'to the motor (Silent Wbird Motor - quiet wave / ultrasonic motor) and refers to the lens'AF S'type (with built-in motor focusing), and therefore it will automatically focus on any Nikon digital SLR camera. On cameras Nikon D80, D700, D750 и Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro I had no complaints about the accuracy and tenacity of auto focus. Only the focusing speed left an unpleasant residue.

During focusing, the front and rear lenses remain stationary, as the lens uses internal focusthat is indicated on the case by the letters'IF'-'Iinternal Focus' - 'Inner Focus'.

On the lens housing you can find focus switch 'M / A - M'. In the 'M / A' position, auto focus works with constant manual focus priority. The 'M / A' mode is very convenient and useful - for manual focusing or focus correction, you do not need to additionally switch the lens to the 'M' mode.

In manual focus mode, the ring rotates 120 degrees, when it reaches the extreme positions it does not rest, but continues to slide, without affecting the focus. Focusing by hand is nice and easy. During auto focus, the focus ring remains stationary.

The minimum focusing distance is 80 cm, while you can get a maximum magnification of 1: 8. The lens has a window with a scale of distances in meters and feet, as well as a depth of field scale for the F / 16 value and a mark for working in the infrared spectrum.

Example photo on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

Information on choosing a portrait lens can be found in the 'Portrait Fixed Lenses for FX Cameras', the optical schemes of all 85-ok can be found in the section'Nikon Fix Lens Schemes'. What do the designations in the lens name (AF-S, SWM, IF, G) mean in the article 'Types of Nikon Lenses'. How to achieve maximum blurring of the background with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G SWM IF is described in section 'Blurred background'. On Nikon DX cameras EGF lens will fit 127,5mm due to crop factor.

Example on Nikon 85 1.8G

Sample photos on Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G

The lens is sharp. Like many fast lenses, the Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G suffers from chromatic aberration, and the fringing is especially pronounced (the color of the blur zone is purple and green). Distortion is minimal, vignetting on FX cameras disappears at F / 2.8. I was very pleased that the lens practically does not respond to side and backlight, it is very difficult to catch glare. The bokeh of the lens deserves special attention. Many sites write that the Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G produces super-bokeh, yes, the bokeh is really good, but still 85mm F / 1.4GN does not reach.

You can download RAW source files at this link (60 files in .'NEF 'format, 330 MB). All photos were shot using protective filter Hoya HMC 67mm UV (0).

Supplement: You can see more examples of photos on cropped cameras of the Nikon DX series in the reviews Nikon D40x, Nikon D50 и Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro.

Example photo on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

Differences between Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8D (1.8D) and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM (1.8G)

1. Version 1.8D older than 1.8G. Version 1.8D was introduced in March 1994, and 1.8G in January 2012. Thus, the difference in technology is 18 years.
2. Version 1.8D It does not have a built-in focusing motor, and therefore it will be difficult to work with on younger Nikon cameras. In turn, 1.8G is equipped with a SWM motor and will work well on any Nikon digital SLR cameras.
3. Because the 1.8D uses a camera motor (a so-called “screwdriver”), the lens makes a lot of noise during focusing. The 1.8G version works almost silently.
4. Version 1.8D focuses faster.
5. Version 1.8D does not have a focus mode switch. 1.8G has a wonderful switch M / AM.
6. During auto focus, the focus ring 1.8D rotates and cannot be touched. During auto focus on 1.8G, the focus ring does not rotate.
7. Version 1.8D Uses an internal focusing type Rear Focusing System (RFS), a rear focusing system that moves the rear elements to focus. In turn, the 1.8G uses fully internal focusing, during which neither the front nor the rear elements move.
8. Version 1.8G has a longer stroke of the focus ring (120 degrees, versus 90 degrees for 1.8D).
9. Version 1.8D has a hard stop for instantly focusing on infinity (hard infinity-focus stop). In the case of 1.8G, accurate aiming at infinity is carried out using automatic focusing (all due to temperature limitations of the material).
10. Version 1.8D It has an aperture control ring, which can be very useful for working on some film cameras, as well as while working on cameras of other systems. For example, some photographers buy 1.8D to shoot video using Canon or Sony cameras, where the iris can be controlled using the iris ring. Version 1.8G lacks such a ring, and aperture control is possible only with the help of camera controls.
11. Version 1.8D a little harder.
12. The 1.8G has a rubber seal near the lens mount to protect the lens and camera from dust and moisture.
13. Version 1.8D smaller in size, in particular, it uses filters of a smaller diameter.
14. Version 1.8D uses metal thread for light filters, and 1.8G uses plastic thread.
15. Version 1.8D It has 9 aperture blades, versus 7 1.8L blades.
16. Version 1.8D uses a metal hood that is screwed into the thread of the front filter and cannot be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. Version 1.8G uses a plastic bayonet hood with the ability to install the reverse side.
17. У 1.8D the minimum focusing distance is 85 cm, versus 80 cm for the 1.8G (less is better).
18. Part of the lenses 1.8D made in Japan, and part in Thailand. All 1.8G lenses are made in China.
19. У 1.8D There is a label for working in the infrared spectrum.
20. У 1.8D there are two marks of the depth of field scale - for F / 11 and F / 16. The 1.8G has a notch for F / 16 only.
21. Touch version 1.8D assembled much more reliable than 1.8G.
22. Optically 1.8G is better than 1.8D, First of all, the difference is noticeable during operation on the f / 1.8 aperture.

As you can see, at least 1.8G is 18 years newer than the old man 1.8D, but the latter, in some nuances, is better than the newer model. Overview Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8D You can view here.

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8D and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

My use experience

I shot on the Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G at several weddings, the difference between the F / 1.8G version and F / 1.8d quite noticeable, especially in sharpness at f / 1.8. Despite some flaws, the Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G is by far the best price / quality ratio among the rest of the Nikon 85s. because i recommend it as an inexpensive and good fast-fix for shooting portraits both in crop and in full frame. Nikon 85mm F / 1.8G does almost everything the same as Nikon 85mm F / 1.4G, while its price is many times lower :).

Example photo on Nikon 85mm F1.8G

Lens prices

Real prices for Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM lens can be viewed here, or in the price block below:

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Three generations of Nikkor 85 / 1.8 class lenses: Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8 и Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8D and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G IF SWM

All autofocus 85s

Choosing a good 85mm portrait lens is very important for a large number of photographers. I pay a lot of attention to this issue, therefore I have prepared this list of all such autofocus lenses for full frame cameras with F <= 2 and a focal length of about 85 mm.

Nikon (F, Z mounts)

1. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8 AF Nikkor [December 1987]
2. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8D AF Nikkor [March 1994, Thailand/Japan]
3. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor [November 1995]
4. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.4GN AF-S Nikkor SWM IF Nano Crystal Coat [August 2010]
5. Nikon 85mm 1: 1.8G AF-S IF SWM Nikkor [January 2012]
6. Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.8 S [July 2019]
7. Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm 1: 1.2 S [January 2023]

Canon (EF, RF mounts)

1. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1:1.2 L USM [September 1989
2. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1: 1.8 USM [July 1992]
3. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1:1.2 L II USM [March 2006]
4. Canon LENS EF 85mm 1:1.4 L IS USM [November 2017]
5. Canon lens RF 85mm F1.2L USM [May 2019]
6. Canon lens RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS (DEFOCUS SMOOTHING) [October 2019]

Yongnuo/YnLens (different mounts)

1. Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8 (YN85mm F1.8) [9/6, Canon EF, February 2017]
2. Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8 (YN85mm F1.8N) [9/6, Nikon F, May 2019]
3. Ynlens YN85mm F1.8S DF DSM (YN85mm F1.8S) [9/8, Sony E, August 2020]
4. Ynlens YN85mm F1.8R DF DSM (YN85mm F1.8R) [9/8, Canon RF, May 2021]
5. Ynlens YN85mm 1:1.8Z DF DSM (YN85mm F1.8Z) [9/8, Nikon Z, March 2022]
6. Yongnuo 85F1.8S DF DSM [9/8, Sony E, August 2022]

Sony / Sony Zeiss ZA / Minolta (E / FE, A mount)

1. Sony FE 1.4/85 GM (SEL85F18GM) [February 2016]
2. Sony FE 1.8/85 (SEL85F18) [February 2017]
3. Sony SAL85F14Z / Carl Zeiss Planar 1,4 / 85 ZA T* [June 2006]
4. Minolta AF 85mm 1:1.4 (22) (AF lens 85) / Minolta Maxxum / Dynax / G / G+D / G+RS / G+D+LE and other versions of the same lens, A mount [1987]

Sigma (different mounts)

1. Sigma EX 85mm 1: 1.4 DG HSM (two sub-versions with different body finishes, for Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony A, February 2010)
2. Sigma 85mm 1: 1.4 DG | A [Art] (for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony E, Leica L, September 2016)
3. Sigma 85mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A [Art] (for Sony E, Leica L, August 2020)

Viltrox (different mounts)

1. Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm F1.8 STM (Sony E/FE + Fujifilm X, 2018)
2. Viltrox AF 85/1.8 STM ED IF (Nikon Z, Canon RF, December 2020)
3. Viltrox AF 85/1.8 II STM ED IF (Sony E/FE + Fujifilm X, July 2020, light version XNUMX)

Pentax (K mount)

1. SMC Pentax-FA* 1:1.4 85mm IF AUTO FOCUS PENTAX 85 [1992]
2. HD PENTAX-D FA * 85mm 1: 1.4 ED SDM AW [May 2020]

Samyang / Rokinon (different mounts)

1. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 EF (for Canon EF, scheme 9/7, June 2018)
2. Samyang AF 85/1.4F (for Nikon F, scheme 9/7, April 2019)
3. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 FE (for Sony E, scheme 11/8, March 2019)
4. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 RF  (for Canon RF, scheme 11/8, May 2020)
5. Samyang AF 85 / 1.4 FE II (for Sony E, scheme 11/8, July 2022)

Meike (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Nikon Z, FujiFilm X)

1. MEIKE 85mm AF 1: 1.8 [review] (Canon EF / Canon EF-S, April 2018)
2. MEIKE 85mm AF 1: 1.8 [review] (Nikon F, Aug 2020)
3. MEIKE 85mm 1:1.8 Auto Focus Lens FF STM [review] (for Sony FE/E + Nikon Z, Canon RF, FujiFilm X, June 2022 + March 2023)
4. MEIKE 85mm 1:1.4 Auto Focus Lens FF STM (for Sony FE/E + Nikon Z, September 2023)

Zeiss (various mounts)

1. Zeiss Sonnar 1.8 / 85 T * (Batis 1.8 / 85) [April 2015, built-in stabilizer, Sony E/FE mount, 11/8]
2. Carl Zeiss Planar 1,4/85 ZA T* (Sony SAL85F14Z) ​​[June 2006, Sony A/Minolta A mount, 8/7]
3. Carl Zeiss Planar 1,4 / 85 T * [November 2002, Contax N mount, 10/9]

Tamron (different mounts)

1. Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD Model F016 (for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A [without VC function], March 2016)

Tokina (Sony E / FE mount)

1. Tokina atx-m 85mm F1.8 FE (for Sony E, most likely a complete analog Viltrox PFU RBMH 85mm F1.8 STM, January 2020)

AstrHori (Sony E/FE mount)

1. AstrHori AF 85mm 1:1.8 [December 2022]

Panasonic (L mount)

1. Panasonic LUMIX S 1: 1.8 / 85mm [November 2020]

Separately, you can still highlight non-classic 85s:

1. macro lens Canon Lens RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM [2020, RF]
2. longer LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-SL 1: 2/90 ASPH. (2018, Leica l)
3. less aperture Sony 85 / 2.8 SAM (SAL85f28) [2010, A]
4. shorter SMC PENTAX FA 1:1.8 77mm Limited (1997, K)
5. shorter HD Pentax-FA 1: 1.8 77mm Limited (2021, K)
6. shorter Samyang AF 75 / 1.8 FE (2020, E) + Samyang AF 75/1.8X (2023, X)
7. cropped Samsung Lens 1:1.4 85mm ED SSA i-Function [2011, NX]
8. cropped and longer FUJIFILM FUJINON LENS SUPER EBC XF 90mm 1: 2 R LM WR [2015, X]
9. cropped and shorter Viltrox AF 75/1.2 XF STM ED IF [2022, X, E, Z]
10. cropped, less aperture, macro lens Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 85mm 1: 3.5G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 [2009, F]
11. many 90/2.8 class macro lenses

In addition to this review, I recommend a look at the section on portrait lenses for Nikon.

Results

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1: 1.8G SWM IF - great lensGood for portraiture. I recommend.

Update: there was a review of an inexpensive alternative to this lens in the face YONGNUO 100 / 2.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram