An 85mm lens to rule them all: The Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AIS

[@ChrisBrogan]

Here I am 4 years after you published this. How fun are you? You made a great video here!

[@haimtoeg]

The store that told you to turn the focus ring are disrespectful to you and to their product. They should have cleaned and greased the lens for you.

[@guillaumeschirra7699]

I keep coming back regularly to your video. I really like your intro music and your editing right on point with the music (please pardon my poor english which is not my first language). The lighting is very nice too. I just received my 1,4 ais today and i am thrilled about it, can't wait to try it on the Nikon F4, F5, and Fujifilm X-Pro 3. Thanks a lot for your video. Cheers from France !

[@TylerGajewski]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Not everyone loves the music, but I like to keep things moving.

[@namanbriner447]

Enjoyed this! I’ve had this lens in the cupboard for many years, it was well used before I got it but wasn’t too much use for me on the D700, hard to focus. But I never sold it, knowing it was an all time classic Nikkor. Now on the Z6 it’s awesome, with zoomed view and focus peaking. Glad I never got rid of it. Try to get the HN-20 metal hood for it, which I have and I barely use the lens cap. Also have it professionally serviced, they will clean and re-grease. I reckon it’s worth the investment to get the buttery smooth focusing.

[@pedrol.5417]

It is a monster bokeh lens. I have one since 2018, and using it in my Sony A7iii and later on in my A7RV, I am still in love with it. It is a must have.

[@MrArn0ldus]

I was looking for this lens but couldn't find it. But I did find a 135mm f2.0 ais and this one is also very nice. super sharp wide open. but difficult to focus at f2.0

[@fredthegraycatt]

I recently acquired a mint condition Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AI-S. From the moment I mounted it on my Nikkormat FT3 and looked through the viewfinder, it became my favorite lens. The larger barrel size feels better for larger hands. As noted in your video, the focus ring is stiffer, but that not only does not bother me, I prefer that tighter but still smooth operation. The view looking through the finder is tremendous. I am anxious to shoot some film and digital with it. Thanks for your post.

[@roybixby6135]

A great lens - feels so good to use. General stiffness means the lube in your lens is probably drying out. dropped usually means uneven tightness. Because of its beautiful non-electronic simplicity it should be worth a CLA...

[@12macevedo]

If you like this one give the 105mm f1.8 ais a shot, if you can find one.

[@brysimm404]

That’s what I have - it’s a gem 😃

[@khanscombe619]

Awesome Tyler! I have it & loved it. I ended up on a Nikkor 85mm f1.4D on a D3S. My favorite vintage pro glass then the 24mm f1.4D is an amazing close quarters close up and personal wide lens.

[@ChristianAndrew1.4]

CLA it for sure, with 2 sep helicoild groups, F/R they suck in dust that will kill contrast wide open. The rear helicoid is famous for drying up a bit and not only hazing the rear lens nearest the aperture but giving you an unusual stiff focus throw. PS, Roberts are great people to deal with!. Killer Lens , its foreground / subject/ background transitions are about unmatched.

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

One of my all-time favorite lenses! No way I would sell it for five bills!

[@TheGermanCompounder]

You forgot the Nikkor 85mm 1.4d which is build like a tank too and has autofocus! Even the manual focus on it is buttery smooth and its just beautiful to look at (as well as the images it takes) :)

[@maxwelldayton9967]

@Legend Mitchell Definitely, have been watching on Kaldrostream for months myself :D

[@jamalforest1993]

@Legend Mitchell yup, I've been watching on Kaldrostream for since december myself :)

[@jaykhari2092]

@Legend Mitchell Definitely, been watching on kaldroStream for since november myself =)

[@alexzandernathaniel4451]

@Legend Mitchell Yup, I have been using KaldroStream for since december myself :)

[@lucianoevan1157]

@Legend Mitchell Yup, I have been watching on kaldrostream for months myself :D

[@justinrose7911]

your finest work yet sir

[@miketing6971]

Really enjoyed this one Tyler. Keep it up !

[@richardsimms251]

Yes, good video. Fun. RS

[@randallstewart175]

I got over needing the fastest lens long ago. However, I went to some trouble to acquire mint copies of the 85mm 1.4 and the 28mm 2.0 Nikkors. Why, because they are significantly superior to the other lenses of their focal lengths in the Nikkor lineup. I got them because they were the best. That they are also the fastest was incidental. As to the 85mm, this lens was replaced by its autofocus version, which actually tests a little bit better - not so much better as to motivate me to "move up".

[@powerlurker]

very nicely made video ，you deserve at least 50k sub

[@melvinchiew4331]

the more i watch the more i wanna get myself manual lens which i dont use hahahahah

[@protestagain]

I have the Nikkor 85mm F1.4 AIS. Fabulous lens at F2.8, but wide open, then I use the Mitakon 85mm F1.2. It's much better wide open than the Nikkor, but at F2.8, then the Nikkor shines, and that's reason why I have both of them.

[@efreutel]

addendum: Stiff helicoid indicates vapor deposition of lubricant onto interior lens elements. Caused by heat. In extreme circumstances you will see oil condensate on aperture blades. Check the lens clarity before/after a proper overhaul. You will be astonished by what you thought was an optically clear lens. 😊

[@8II0000II8]

Does this lens have the same mount as the nikon f2

[@TylerGajewski]

Yes

[@8II0000II8]

@@TylerGajewski sweet looks like I can pull the trigger on that f2as

[@terryallen9546]

Wow! A normal sounding/looking person, with great photo quality video.

[@werewolf164]

Hi! What would a "fair price" for this lens be?

[@TXGRunner]

These are excellent reviews.

[@Stewz66]

"If you dont like it, you can Shove It". #subscribed

[@reyjes]

I just got this lens recently and it is an awesome lens. There's something about it that keeps me going back to it, an unidentifiable magic.

[@efreutel]

Allow me a shameless plug for APS (Authorized Photo Service) in Morton Grove, IL: I purchased an otherwise mint Nikkor 85mm f2 Ais from Japan. Stiff focus helicoid, just like yours. This problem generally caused by lens being exposed to high heat, such as a car interior. The glass appeared very clean. Anyways I sent it to APS for a complete overhaul. They are an authorized Nikon repair center. The lens came back looking factory new, no repair tracks, I was astonished at the glass- it was gleaming. The lens focuses with just a fingertip now- a subline experience. Highly recommend APS and their cleaning, relubing, overhauling- very reasonable price, money you won’t regret investing into your lens.

[@Moses_Kanneh]

i need this in my life

[@ModernVintageFilm]

Nikon is great man. Sharp.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I had used the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 lens for decades in a 35/85/180mm kit. In 2016, I replaced the f/1.8 with the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 D AF for less than $800. Both are great lenses.

[@namsomirak8972]

Your content really helpful and very very good ! I hope you'll do this more often. 👍🏻

[@sgredsch]

all old AI lenses need to be regreased, but then they'll be the best thing you ever manually focused. send it to nikon or authorized repair shop - regreasing will cost around $60-100, depending on lens complexity - but if its nice glass, its worth it. alternatively, try heating the lens very carefully, but as soon as the grease gets cold again it will return to the unsmooth state.

[@Project_2501]

Vignetting is actually very useful shooting outside, because it is like an integrated gradient filter which helps not blowing the highlights in skies and clouds. Also a nice vignette looks very pleasing in my opinion and when stopping down I always add vignetting in post. I think images without it even look pretty boring.

[@MickBenjamins]

That iMac G4 though 🔥

[@enmunfi]

nice video!

[@marksphotoperry356]

Nice Video as general introduction to F1.4 Nikon.However please shoot some head and shoulder portraits with it wide open F1.4 with proper fill flash or using reflector to make a point to why people really buy that lens.

[@melvinch]

What's with that intrusive music ?

[@btrdangerdan2010]

This is good content I'm sure you will get more subscriptions.

[@Warbeaver]

The "Toneh" is real here.

[@redsphoto6708]

I received mine a few days ago (ebay order) and at first I was really regretting having spent so much $$$$ on it, but once I held it in my hand, god it felt good. It is just so satisfying to use. The clicks of the aperture ring are to die for. Sorry about your focus ring, if anyone else is wondering, my copy's focus ring feels so nice and smooth. Hopefully with some use yours ends up like that too (or a bit of servicing)

[@curtisgrindahl446]

I think of turning the focusing ring on a Nikon manual focus lens as a religious experience. I'd shot with the Canon EF 85 f/1.2, the Nikon 85 f/1.4 D before buying the Nikon 85 f/1.4 AI-s. I loved the first two, so when I began my manual focus adventure after buying a D700, I had to buy the AI-s. It is a brilliant lens.

[@MrK67017]

What? You too!

[@danielbdbe]

Thanks for your video . Your focus ring is hard to turn because the grease become hard with time . Many lens have this issue . You need to clean the hélicoïdal inside the lens but do not do this yourself because it is tricky on all lenses and disassemble is easy but re assembly is very trick and you can disalign the lens and not be able anymore to focus properly . Better to send it to a good repairer . Daniel from france !

[@KC2Lucky]

I thin k it's just you because no one else in their right mind would drink root beer. O M E G A L U L You Know I'm sticking around for more videos though.

[@efreutel]

A shameless plug: Robert’s Camera 👍👍👍for used camera gear.

[@ThaCmaro]

Man i really hope you get that catfood sponsor

[@harraldschmitt9113]

ah, i see. Bro is a fan of the right side of the saturation slider

[@TylerGajewski]

You would too if you felt the absolute wrath of my mother in law when you share a black and white photo or slightly neutral/desaturated photo. Some people just need a little more juice.

[@dch2896]

I have a next to new still in box 85mm 1.4 ais and mine is stiff as well. Had CLA done on it and yep. Still stiff. I think it's just the way it is.

[@classic.cameras]

This video made me decide to buy this lens. After lots of thinking about it. I went for it. Did a search and then ironically found a copy of this lens in my original hometown and honestly? Best $400 USD ever spent! Its amazing. Not perfect but for $400 good luck doing better! Maybe the Samyang 85mm f1.4? Nah... that is not cool.

[@terrywbreedlove]

That Lens would look sweet on my F3HP.

[@TylerGajewski]

Looks sweet on my F3HP too!

[@andreabattagliaphoto]

I have the nikkor AIS 85mm 1.4, the 50mm 1.2 and the 35mm 1.4 amazing... pure poetry! Cheers!

[@TylerGajewski]

Great minds think alike or great eyes appreciate similar focal lengths/depth of field. I dont know.

[@andreabattagliaphoto]

@@TylerGajewski They are pieces of history, built and made to last and of great value and character, now in digital bodies they can still be revived. Cheers from Paris.

[@-denterion6524]

you are amazing!!

[@creepyoldhouseexplorersclub]

Ive got a mint one from Japan- what a Beauty indeed!!

[@creepyoldhouseexplorersclub]

Adapted to Sony A7rii with Novoflex adapter on A-Stat - im in heaven 😊

[@Kristinreuter]

Hey Tyler. I heard real photographers don’t shoot with stock camera straps. What ya think?

[@TylerGajewski]

I generally don't shoot with stock camera straps. Not because of brand affinity or anything like that. It's because they're too hard to put on. I like the BlackRapid Sport strap though.

[@Kristinreuter]

Tyler Gajewski good to know.

[@edwardslizewski3296]

I don’t care what strap I use. I don’t care what lens cap is on my lens. I have a Nikon camera with Canon strap. I have a Canon lens with a Yashica lens cap.Whatever does the job.

[@ashkananisi5181]

You deserve more subscriber ;) love your videos

[@twinkie1773]

I've been looking at this lens for a while now. I'm trying to find an adapter for I can mount it on the Sony a6300. Plus I dnt mind a heavy lens. I have a Canon fd 135mm F2.8 prime lens and a Canon fd 28-80mm 3.5 zoom lens man they're some heavy beasts. That doesn't since I have smallrig cage on my camera. Vintage lens are the best, especially for those nostalgic shots.

[@MrDennisTeeth]

I use mine with a Sony (AR7II) with a Novoflex adapter. It's sublime.

[@alexmutovin9760]

can you make a comparison of 50 1.4 ais and 50 1.2 ais? is there a real difference at f1.4 of f2.0?

[@TylerGajewski]

alex mutovin unfortunately, I don’t own a 50mm 1.4 AIS to compare. The Angry Photographer on KZbin has mentioned that the 1.4 is the better buy since it’s less expensive and has similar performance. He didn’t really back that up with side-by-side photos though.

[@Marshallchandra]

Angry Photographer really bad about showing direct comparison. But I follow his recommendations. There is a video about canon 50mm 1.2 vintage. The guy said 1.2 is not practical

[@TylerGajewski]

Marshall Chandra he also said this 85mm was a bad lens and two years later said it was one of the best lenses... so I don’t know.

[@MrDennisTeeth]

@@TylerGajewski I used to own the 58mm Nikon 1.2 noct, if you can get your hands on one, it beats both this 85 and the 50 1.2's, it's just awesome (pricey though). Sold mine to buy a Cooke Knuckler 380mm f4.5 for my 8x10 camera. Great review, the HN-20 hood is worth getting for the 85mm btw.

[@masterproduction8882]

Good luck 🤞

[@cityklikksa7483]

got my 135mm f3.5 ai from ebay..i really like a manual..now, am looking for this great 85mm f1.4 ai/ais..japan vintage lenses are still the best..

[@jeffromacly3062]

Yeah. They all seem to have stiff focus after a few decades of sitting. Good video.

[@davegball]

The AFD version of the 85 is another great lens.

[@cryptobyt2403]

Dunno i already got milvus 50/1.4

[@mikecilantro8577]

I have this lens and have the same exact issue actually. Took it to my local repair shop and apparently there's a part that needs replacing. Wasn't able to repair it due to lack of parts :\

[@TylerGajewski]

Bummer!

[@gewglesux]

almost didn't recognize you without the Moustache

[@gewglesux]

I'm looking to get myself a Nikon Film Body. Ive had F4,F4S,F5..I have currently 2 Nikon Manual lenses that i cant bear to part with you reckon an F3 might be a good move? Thanks

[@tomislavmiletic_]

I had that lens back in the day and regret selling it, almost every day in recent time. By the way, my copy (ok back in the day) had the focus ring smooth as a butter...

[@redbarradio]

Had to turn this video off after seeing your sample photos at that ugly bog or wherever you went to. Photos look horrible!

[@TylerGajewski]

@@redbarradio thanks, I appreciate your honesty.

[@IAmR1ch]

While there is a nostalgic aura about this lens, I got over it pretty quickly. Sigma 105 1.4. It turn up to 11. There is more to love, more is well.... more. More weight, more glass, more metal, more narrow DOF, more sharpness, more smooth bokeh. When shooting wide open handheld, you have to have AF that is up to the task. Well it is up to the task. Are there any more downsides? Yes, more... money. But hey It is worth it. The only better lens is the Canon RF 85 1.2 but it is a lot more... money and is only for canon. The Sigma 40mm 1.4 is also something special, probably the best lens ever made. I don't like making claims like that because people will argue but I stand by this bold claim.

[@melvinchiew4331]

i think 300+ subs is too low for u.. ur contents are making me wanna buy more manual lens which i dont need LOL!!! just wanna ask how does this compare to nikkor 85mm f1.4 D??

[@TylerGajewski]

Thanks! I haven't tried the 85mm f/1.4 D -- I know The Angry Photographer is a big fan of the D version. He also said the AIS version was inferior to the D... but then several videos later gave a glowing review of the 1.4 AIS. With that said... I think either one will be great. Just depends on availability and if you prefer the look of the AIS's all metal or the D's Batman black enclosure. I'd also recommend looking at Ken Rockwell's review on both lenses.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

You just need to service, clean and re-grease the lens...Period...

[@arrangearrange]

Zeiss planar 1.4 > Nikkor

[@paulgood2218]

My favorite focal length 105 mm and my favorite lens Nikon 105 f2 DC, am I experience most of Nikon's 105 mm are always better than the 85 mm the 105 mm f2.5ais is a neat lens too but nowhere close the 105 f2 DC.

[@vangstr]

Ok lens. Zeiss 85m f1.4 zf.2 is the ultimate.

[@EFM_Max_Production]

Seriously? Soapy crap! Tamron will be better)

[@adamgivon8731]

Why not just serve the lens and fix the focus ring..? $100, tops..

[@spoolindsm127]

Buys a fast lens. Uses it stopped down.

[@johandenhertog6878]

Is’t better than the big metal Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF ED aka The Cream Machine.

[@TylerGajewski]

I haven’t used it so I cannot agree or disagree… but I love your use of “The Cream Machine” - thank you, you’ve made my day.

[@johandenhertog6878]

Use the 85mm with my Nikon AF DC 105mm f/2D and the Nikon AF DC 135mm f/2D. All three are metal tanks and razor sharp. Use them since 1996 on my Nikon F5. And latter on the Nikon D700, Nikon D3, Nikon D4, Nikon D5 and the Nikon D6. On the D5 and D6 they don’t have autofocus anymore. For now I use my lenses on my Nikon D4. Have sell the Nikon D700 and now I sell the Nikon D3. Maybe I sell the Nikon D5 and D6 also. Use only the Nikon F5 and the Nikon D4 with my three prime lenses.

[@watercloset99]

CRUMMY VIDEO

[@TylerGajewski]

Shucks, I'll try harder next time.

[@mjoelnir58]

Would be better without the annoying music.