Fast Nikon Z Mount AF 85mm Option - Cheap Yes, Perfect No - & Why It Doesn't Always Matter, Astrhori

#nikon #newlens #prime
Full Frame, auto focus, f/1.8, 85mm, lots of character, amazing price - What's not to like.
This new lens from Astrhori is their first attempt at a Z Mount full frame Autofocus lens. Could be a great landing point for a first prime, new to mirrorless, new to photography - and more !!!
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00:00 Intro Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF Full Frame
00:28 Other reviews, what have they said?
00:40 Why do we have warranties?
01:23 What does it mean to review pre-production lenses?
02:20 Longest time I have had a pre release product
02:36 What is the point of NDA reviews?
03:03 How many channels might be invited in pre-leases reviews?
03:20 What is the intention of being invited to review?
03:50 Being professional when reviewing
04:40 Use-case and opinions still have a place
05:10 Understand what a product actually is
05:22 What do I think of the Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
06:10 Massage the focus and IBIS ? - More work on firmware required?
07:35 PRICE Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
07:52 How does price impact buying decisions
08:04 Price compared to NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
08:42 Looking close up at images in Capture One from Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
09:29 Flare -More conversation about the intention of the Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
09:50 Potentially a cinematic lens with character?
10:50 Vignetting Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF ?
11:15 How does it compare to F-mount?
12:20 I remember getting my first prime lens !!!
13:10 POP - dimensionality
13:45 Out of focus areas / bokeh Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
14:00 Soft out of focus areas
14:25 Lenses being different, allows for different expression
15:00 Minimum shutter speed Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
15:18 Can an image still be successful when not perfectly sharp?
15:30 Story telling is most important part of your camera
16:22 Flare Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF ?
17:16 Video Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF flare
17:45 Can we tell stories with Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF ?
18:25 In focus / out of focus Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
19:05 Summary of the Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF and why its still might be worthy for you
20:40 Tech Specs Astrhori 85mm f/1.8 AF
21:35 Talking build, buttons, switches
22:15 Talking head, video tracking test
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[@randallbrander8157]

I bought the Tamron 28-75mm G2 version and I had a little problem with getting the focus working properly but used to manual focusing it worked. I went to their website to check for any firmware update and the only one was for the Sony version. So I checked my settings in Non Cpu and I had a 50mm from another lens that was non autofocusing was removed. Also this was after I used the Tamron after I placed it on after the Nikkor 28-75mm to compare relizing that the Z7II was confused with this User Error fellow. Turned off the camera took the lens off and placed it on my Z8 and it worked flawlessly. Placed it back on the Z7II and it worked flawlessly. I have done in the past have set focusing lens to manual setting and forgot to change it back. Things happen! Cheers! 😉

[@jdelarosa89]

I appreciate the perspective that not everyone already has fast glass, rather, this may open the door for many.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

For sure, a new experience

[@rogermanning4353]

Outstanding review philosophy Matt. Manufacturers should be lining up to send off their products to you. Cheers!

[@smkunder1]

Great review, this is a great price point for many of us, that don’t make our living from photography!

[@baconcrusader8382]

Well said Matt. Your POV and professionalism are why I follow your channel.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers

[@ronboe6325]

Optically this lens has a LOT to like. Especially the out of focus areas. And plenty sharp enough for sure. Firmware does need to be updated; so that gives me pause. Owning the Nikon 85mm f1/8 already is probably the nail in the coffin as far as ME buying one.

[@rossxjohnson]

Loved your take on the reviews, trips, peoples responsibility and also being clear on a product vs failing it on something it's not meant to do.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Ross

[@user-rh8fu5vs5l]

Awesome review, and photos! thank you so much 😊

[@BirdPhish]

Matt sir...I have you to thank as the person who inspired me to purchase the Plena. I'm all for value when it come to certain lens, body's and applications of such and like to see reviews on all of the gear you can justly test. keep in mind....I'm astounded with my own video shot mostly with the Plena and Z8 in the Ironwood Forest National Monument, USA...recently posted on my YT channel

[@choiwong3086]

Very professional, Matt. That explains why you are one of the 25.

[@bubbavonbraun]

Spot on, Matt! All technology has a failure curve, and beta or pre-production stages are all about gathering feedback from users for those final tweaks. This applies to lenses, software, and hardware alike. Many people expect perfection right from the start, but it's always a balance between price and performance, plus the creative aspects a manufacturer brings to a lens. That said, a 5% failure rate would indeed be a bit concerning! 🙂 Fast, Cheap, Perfect.. Pick two 🙂

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Well said, and this is Astrhori's first Nikon Z EXIF lens, so for sure they are at the beginning of their Nikon Z firmware writing journey. Things can only improve from here.

[@tdalton854]

What I really like is the time you spent describing what the lens really is and isn't. Not just why it's not sharp all over. Edit: I don't think I expressed myself well. Sounded much more coherent in my head. Bottom line is , Well Done Matt.

[@hoctopusse]

Thanks a lot for your share. Your photos with the flare were so nicely done. I'll probably get one cause I really like those imperfections :) As I'm used to play with vitage lenses

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

It is a lot of fun, without breaking the bank :)

[@Martin-nu6ym]

I discovered that I rarely use the 85 for portrait photography. I have two 85 primes for character, and they happen to also be very good for infrared photography. I also get to enjoy AF with these two primes thanks to the TechArt AF adapter. The 85 f1.4 AF-D and LensBaby 85 Velvet (F-mount). Both of those lenses cost more than this Astrhori, nice to see low-cost options coming to the Z mount.

[@warrickcoe5576]

The imperfections in people are what makes them interesting, and an imperfect lens can make pictures that are compelling. Great review.

[@fetzie23]

And like, if somebody doesn't like a bit of colour fringing then it's a single button press in Lightroom away from disappearing.

[@Sabbra]

Honest video! The lens is a beauty!

[@jos3zavalar3cillas]

I understand that the minimum comparation is versus 85 mm 1.8 G to know for the price is better or not. Saludos 🇲🇽

[@mikelyon5595]

Thanks again!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Pleasure

[@corykphotography]

I shoot the Viltrox 85 and absolutely love it. I sometimes wonder about trying other brands 85s. I havent had any issues yet with mine. I would LOVE to try the Nikon 85mm S lens or the Meike 85mm f1.4 version. Honestly, i just wish I could shoot a high end 50mm. It is too bad there isn't a cheap affordable nifty fifty for Nikon with AF.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Here is a nifty fifty I reviewed recently, which is a good affordable option kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qTZauKh8yqj80

[@firegoat73]

I kind of feel like the 40 f2 fits in where the old 50 1.8d lens did for the Z mount. I kind of would like to try out some of the cheaper 50's that are out there but I already have the 40z, a 50 1.8g, 50 f2 pre-ai, and a 55 3.5 nikkor-p. I def don't need anything else in that range, lol. A MF 85 would be cool to use with my ZF, but I don't know of any of those.

[@justinbennett486]

How does this rate against an adapted NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G ?? I've found on a Z7ii that is a pristine piece of glass, and is readily available second hand for very good prices.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I’m sorry I don’t own that lens. 😀

[@edmovinon135]

The blue jacket you are wearing...big pockets...what brand???

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

G-Star RAW is the name of the brand. Pretty sure they are global. :)

[@Digmen1]

Sorry Matt. This video left me totally confused. What is the point of reviewing a pre production lens, if one of its main failing is the IBIS. We want to know if the poor IBIS is due to the lens design or the the fact that it pre production. Then you are also confusing us with sharpness and character. Surely you can't have both.

[@jdelarosa89]

It’s moderately sharp but has nice character. The ibis doesn’t work well as of now. Glad I can help.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yes what @jdelarosa89 said (thank you). And I will expand. The IBIS did not fail. But it jitters. I think it still engages, just not at the usual premium levels. Does it help? Yes. Somewhat for stills, and definitely with video, but again not as much as normally. ( But I have observed with other third party lenses video stabilisation is sometimes not at the same standard as Nikon lenses, and as this is a function of the body not the lens, it is something to do with FW or programming in general) when post stabilised it actually looks pretty good. Do I think a firmware tweak will improve it, yes, as all other lenses, including 3rd party don't behave as jittery as this. Thus if I was considering this lens, I would check if there has been new firmware since about April / May this year, as I have flagged a FW update would most likely be helpful for this matter. To reiterate this is the first time Astrhori have created a lens which communicates with the Z mount, I suspect they are still working things out. In April of 2021 I was lucky enough to test what I think was the first Z mount 3rd party lens from Viltrox. It also was an 85mm 1.8, you can see my review here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKLXqGaGd8Roedk. Viltrox have also come a long way since then, and their lenses are very very good now. As for focus it still works, but it is more 'stepping' - 'jittery' So it really depends on what you shoot, as to if this version is for you. You can see in the focus testing I did at the end of the video with the two lenses that the Astrhori is not as smooth as the Nikon. If you are shooting still / perhaps slow objects, this lens will work. I would not, with the FW I tested, use it for sport or wildlife. Again look at use case, then look at if there has been new firmware. As for your specific questions 'We want to know if the poor IBIS is due to the lens design or the the fact that it pre production.' I don't think it is the design of the hardware, I think it is the design of the FW. Will Astrhori improve it, this is why I suggest new firmware is required for certain usecases. Will they do that moving forwards I don't know, but we can only keep asking them. I looked on their site, and as of a few days ago, there appeared to be no more recent update than March this year. A new firmware could land at any moment, and only then can I know for sure what is happening. I am completely comfortable that this lens due to perhaps not being 'fully polished' is not for everybody. Which is why it is great we have other options at other price points. And perhaps circling back to this lens in 6 months we will have an updated FW and story. As for - 'Then you are also confusing us with sharpness and character. Surely you can't have both.' I think this comes down to definition of words. I don't believe the word 'character' means soft. I have never thought that. 'Character' to me is about flare, bokeh, ghosting among other things. and a lens can also be sharp with all of those elements.