* This lens loves to shot at f/1.4. If you aren't going to shoot at f/1.4, then you are wasting your time reading this.
* Excellent contrast and colour at f/1.4.
* Terrific build quality. Quite small and light for this type of lens, especially compared to Canon's EF 85mm f/1.2L.
* Accurate autofocus, which is extremly important for shooting at f/1.4.
* Contrary to other's opinion's, the lens's front element (with a Hoya filter attached) is quite resistent to flare, as I initially tested against bright 'Chinatown' lights, shot a f/1.4.

"You've got to be kidding right?!"

I've been lusting after this lens for a long time. I finally had the guts to trade in my Nikor AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8D lens (which I loved- except for the size) for this lens. This lens's ability to isolate subjects at almost any distance is beyond explanation. I now use this lens with my AF-S 17-35mm f2.8D for all my photography, and don't miss the zoom and 36mm-84mm range I am missing. I've never tried the Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.8D, but I would say that from what I have heard, it is probably better value. But if you want to use available light as much as possible, and will use this range frequently, this lens will perform, even satisfying the pickiest of people, such as myself. "This lens will stay with me forever".

Customer Service

Not required. Quite a high price, but all is forgotton once you mastre this lens's ability.

Similar Products Used:

* Nikon 50mm f/1.8
* Nikon AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8D
* Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8D EX

*Sharp wide open
*Good viewing in low light
*Beautiful out-of-focus areas

*Slow, noisy autofocus
*Price

This is a good lens that deserves some of the accolades given it in previous reviews. However, the price Nikon asks for it does not reflect its value.

For the price range, this should be an AF-S lens. I bought it to use in portraits, but even with my subject sitting still, I found the lens's autofocus to be slow, searching, and noisy -- not the kind of thing that inspires confidence in you as a photographer. I can't imagine it having any usefulness in sports photography for this reason.

I would recommend the purchase of an AF-S telephoto instead so you won't regret the investment or wait until Nikon offers an upgrade of this lens.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

*Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S
*Nikon 35-70 f/2.8 AF

Solid contruction compared to 85mm/1.8.
Very Sharp even at f1.4.
Contrasty
Beauiful background blurr due to rounded diaphragm blades.

Price.

This is a great lens. When you buy a bright lens (f1.4 mm) like this one you expect it to produce sharp photos at it maximum aperature. This lens most definitely does. Some reviewer have comented that the autofoucs on this lens is slow, I use this lens on a Nikon F-100 and find the autofocus speed to be quick. If I could only have one Nikon lens this would be the one for me. If you have the money, invest it on this lens, you will be glad you did.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

None