Nikon 85mm f2 AI lens review

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Excellent review!!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you kindly! 🙏🏻

[@benroberts2960]

Excellent review thanks for making this video, superb photographs too, love the hot air balloon pic!

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Ben - glad you noticed the hot air balloon picture! All the best!

[@shy-guy5544]

Nice review. I originally bought it for my Nikon F, but have been using it with my Fuji XT3 with an adapter with wonderful results.

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

[@masud184]

I have been using this Lena since 85 and will never give away at any kost, your Video make me happy, thanks so much

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Masud, and thank you for sharing!

[@77oregano77]

Wonderful review. Informative and captivating.

[@frederikboving]

🙏🏻

[@joseerazevedo]

Hi, thanks for the review! Just for the record, Herb Ritts shot Madonna's True Blue cover and Sinead O'Connor's portrait - among many other shots - with this lens on an F3. I'd love to have one but they're hard to find here in Brazil

[@frederikboving]

Ha-ha! Thank you for sharing José! No, I was not aware of this, but it goes to prove that many of the pictures we admire today are shot on cameras and lenses that we today would think little of. Goes to show that the difference is more the photographer than the gear. Oh F3... Have a F100 on the shelf that I soon need to start using!

[@joseerazevedo]

@@frederikboving that's exactly the point. Gear is not all :) My best!

[@richardsimms251]

Great review. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@frederikboving]

🤗🙏🏻

[@rdog77]

Great review thank you for putting it together. I’m actually a huge fan of the 85mm focal length. I’m looking to use this on a film camera, so I’m not looking to shoot wide-open often. Especially since my camera only goes to 1/2000s of a second. I sometimes adapt them to my digital cameras. Thanks again for putting up with you together. Watching this on 12/12 2022

[@frederikboving]

Than you Ruben. Perhaps this video could also be of interest to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHTCp4SbaNZjmqc - All the best!

[@ChristianAndrew1.4]

Not only is it sharp but its has incredible subject/subjects isolation with the ability to capture " air" between elements in the photo.

[@frederikboving]

👍

[@Snikkelbek]

Just a great lens in a very compact package. I don't understand this lens doesn't always get the praise it deserves.

[@frederikboving]

Agreed!

[@33antonius]

Great review Frederick. Looks like the 28-105 mm has to go. I recommend a 28mm e series to carry along if you need a wide angle perspective. It is better and lighter than the 28 mm ais f3.5 that I also possess. The combination of sharpness and contrast is not offered by modern lenses anymore but you need to know how to use them (which you surely do).

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Je Bo - I have the 28mm af 2.8 and it is small and compact as you say. I'm very happy with the results it gives me. Please don't toss the 28-105, it is so versatile. Although maybe not the best optical quality, the lens is so versatile and has given me many good pictures. I have had too many good experiences with that lens to let it go 🤩

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

Another great review. What I particularly like about your review was that you actually tested the lens (on a D700 which I have and cherish), and compare with other lenses you have and show images that you have taken. Very refreshing. Not like one big, tattooed fellow who rants and rages about "the best lens nobody knows about" and doesn't really back it up. Well done.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your kind words Jacob! And thank you for noticing! I try to back my conclusions with evidence so that the viewer can form their own option / see my approach to the test. I must admit that as I get more experienced it becomes more and more tempting to just present conclusions without the observations - just like our tattooed friend. But so far I have managed to be disciplined :-D

[@terrygoyan]

That guy always seems so angry!

[@dandruff9244]

super sharp lens with beautiful output

[@frederikboving]

It really is!

[@ShaideeShoots]

Excellent review Frederik i was wondering are you working on producing more tutorials about Nikon D700.

[@frederikboving]

Hi Peshawar, yes I am. This video however was a commitment I made some time back and I had to get it done. The menu system on the d700 is up next.

[@ShaideeShoots]

@@frederikboving my D700 started acting dumb like if i am in the shutter priority or Aperture the shutter speed sounds like 15s and i even reset the camera and i have no idea what i am doing wrong i checked the ISO exposure compensation it wont shoot on a faster speed ..please help.

[@frederikboving]

Peshawar To America That does not sound good! Have you checked that the drive mode (dial top left) is in single mode (s)? Have you tried to go to manual mode and set the shutter speed to say 1/10th of a second and see if it does so? Try to take the battery out and wait a few minutes before re-inserting. Try mounting a different lens if you got one and re-mount. And think about what you did just before the problem occurred- any hint there? Hope this helps. All the best!

[@ShaideeShoots]

@@frederikboving hi i am happy to tell you that its fixed now😀 i was so sad that i lost this camera and now i have to buy a new one and i start looking at ebay and tonight was the night i was gonna order and decided to check again so wanted to explain it may help other people. I went to menu and Setup Menu and activated Clean Image Sensor and then "Lock Mirror Up For Cleaning" and left it for like 20 second and turned off the camera and when turned it on there you go its working. Thanks for your help too and i would like you to comment on this what do you think what happend here.

[@frederikboving]

Peshawar To America That is great news! Not sure what has happened- maybe some dust in the camera was removed by the operation with the mirror? But difficult to know.

[@pedrova8058]

This model is a Xenotar derivative (5 el./5grp.), hence the great contrast and sharpness (considering that it is not the top in its line and that it is several decades old). The older version (pre ai) is a planar (6el./4grp.), a little less contrast and sharpness, softer bokeh maybe (?)

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for sharing! I am no pre-AI expert so I am not able to tell 😮

[@tmewborn1]

Thanks again. for an excellent Video of thi lens. I have the modern Nikor 85mm f1.8 I am very happy with. But it is no where as sharp as you have shown in your Vintage lens. I think the Modern Nikor 85mm f1.8 is a very good lens for someone like me who relies on Auto Focus vs Manual focus. I enjoy trying to get proficient with manual focus lenses and believe there is skill in being able to efficiently manual focus lenses. I have read to that gong to infinity then coiming back to area of focus is the proper way to obtain focus without a lot of unnecessary rotating of focus ring?? Thanks for your excellent Video's I enjoy all of them very very mcuh.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your kind words Tom! Yes, manual focus is sometimes the best way forward and surprisingly fast if you get the habit under your skin. Especially if you shoot at a not too shallow DOF so there is a bit of forgiveness there...

[@charlesrankin6768]

Waiting for Len, Thank for info.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Charles, hope you get a good copy! Take care!

[@ilmatanela1816]

Nice video! The bokeh issue is the same with the 50 1.4D. If I want beautiful bokeh I have to shoot in the 1.4 - 1.8 range. These old lenses do not have rounded blades unfortunately. But I agree they are amazing value for money. I also love their colours. I bought a mint copy of the 135 3.5 AIS for 60 euro, and a copy of the E- series 75-150 f3.5 (like new) for 39 euro. I can't recommend them enough.

[@33antonius]

Actually the 75-150 e series is the only good zoomlens that I have used so far from all canon and nikon zoomlenses. That is rather strange because in the film days we did not use this lens so much.Most zoomlenses need a lot of postproduction to add contrast but this lens does not. I have also just purchased a 135 f 3.5 and I am waiting its delivery.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Il Matalena, seems to me you you have made some great 👍 lens deals there, especially the 75-150 is a bargain... 💪

[@frederikboving]

Hi Je Bo, Please share your thoughts on the 135 when you have had a chance to try it out. 🙏🏻

[@ilmatanela1816]

@@33antonius 75 to 150 mm is a very useful focal range for portraiture and landscape. The lens is travel friendly, very compact and lightweight. Specially if we consider the constant f3.5 aperture. I was lucky to find one mint, doesn't creep, too. Beautiful colours and bokeh. I am sure you will love the 135, too. It's even more compact and better built. Manual focusing is a breeze. When I want a lightweight backpack I take the 24 2.8D, the 50 1.4D and the 135 3.5 AIS and I'm covered for most of the situations. I have several new lenses but somehow I find the colours of these old objectives special. Not so sharp and analytical, but the colours.. I just love them

[@ilmatanela1816]

@@frederikboving yes it's a little gem. The only drawback is that it's not possible to get the exact focal length in the exif, but I love the images it produces. Keep on the good job you do I follow with interest 🙂

[@alessio71r18]

I've got it. I love it. I'd like to use it more , but sometime I am out of focus. What do think about split focusing screen?

[@frederikboving]

Hi Alessio, I use the focus confirmation dot bottom left in the viewfinder on the Nikon cameras. I do not have much experience with split focus. Do you shoot with a Nikon body?

[@alessio71r18]

@@frederikboving yes , D200 forportraits and D7100 for macro. The green dot distratc me from che subject. So I look at it waitin to see it clear and shoot.

[@52701970]

Wow, I have that lens. I never shot it at f8. I will have to check it. Thanks.

[@frederikboving]

👍

[@randyk1919]

Great review and beautiful photos! I have to point out, though.. from a safety perspective (from one who surfs), it's genuinely dangerous to take photos standing on rocks so close to breaking ocean waves. There's usually no easy escape, and too many examples of unsuspecting tourists climbing down during calmer periods between sets, only to be swept into the water or slammed into rocks by the unexpectedly (to them) large waves that follow. Just sayin, hope you're staying safe.. :-)

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your concern Randy! I agree, standing on rocks close to the water is a bad habit! I actually bricked my Nikon D7500 exactly that way (I dipped it shortly in salt water trying to maintain my balance). That taught me to always wear a camera strap. But or course it could have turned much worse as you rightly say! Stay safe! All the best!

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

Just looking at one to add to my collection for my film cameras I have a 105 2.5 ais which is one of my favourite I have a 85mm g for my digital look like a cracking lens thanks

[@frederikboving]

Thanks for sharing Jonny!

[@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs]

Update I now own one really looking forward to using it and seeing how it compares with my 105mm going to try on both my analogue and digital cameras

[@frederikboving]

@@JonnyEnglish-gu1cs Thank you for sharing Jonny!

[@lander.96]

Great video. Which other ais lenses you recommend?

[@frederikboving]

Thank you for your kind words! Yes, subject to the focal range you are after, then I would look to the little 24mm lens and also the 180mm. You can find them here in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLPjooVCTLG920cfFIaNGqxEz5nzhRhtA3 - also check the 135mm as an alternative portrait lens. That lens has x-factor! Hope this helps!

[@lander.96]

@@frederikboving Thank you very much! :D

[@frederikboving]

🙏

[@Jeff-zc6rr]

Wish you had the 85 1.4 ais to compare.

[@frederikboving]

Yep - would be an interesting comparison

[@Jeff-zc6rr]

Great idea to shoot a dollar bill. You can really see the difference.

[@frederikboving]

🙏🏻

[@gianflower65]

I got this lens without knowing this, and now ill never leave it lol, it only cost me 50 bucks

[@frederikboving]

Thank you 🙏🏻 for sharing 👍

[@reinhartreuschel5499]

You say focus ring is a pro but manual focus a con; that doesn't make sense. For me manual focus with just a small telephoto lens is a pro. I don't need any assistants to my physical capability to focus with my hands an eyes. I prefer pictorial design by myself and not dedicating to automatisms. But that's a matter of taste, I know. I use the 85mm focal length for portraits and for that purpose I like the 1.8/85mm Nikkor best;-))

[@frederikboving]

Right, maybe a better wording would have been the lack of AF as an option is a con. But as you say, when it comes to AF versus no AF, we are in personal preference territory, and some will argue that the it is a pro NOT to pay for an AF they don't use!

[@reinhartreuschel5499]

@@frederikboving Only for a quarter of a year, I have been working with the AF-Nikkor 1.8/85, but my Nikkor-H since 1971. The AF is flimsily built, the MF a heavy duty device; so are the two versions of the 2/85 - you know the Ai und AiS are different in their body construction

[@lensman5762]

This is a good review but with only one flaw. There is absolutely no merit in having a fast telephoto lens at F2 that is sharp all over the place. This is primarily a portrait lens and at F2 the subject being in the center is well sharp and the sharpness decreases gradually towards the edges giving a beautiful soft effect. Stop down to F5.6 if you want razor sharpness all over the place. Nikon lenses of the late 70s and early 80s are at the top of the lens performance so far as manual film camera lenses are concerned.

[@frederikboving]

Thank you Lensman! Yes, 85mm is the classic portrait lens focal length, and Nikon probably designed it for that purpose, and you are right that it would be most fair to evaluate it as such. However, I also think it is my obligation as reviewer to show you what you get if you invest in this lens. And if you plan to do wide open shooting other than portrait photography, then this could be important information. I shoot a lot in low light (also with this lens) using a Nikon D700 with no VR or the like, so to avoid camera shake I am strongly dependent on pushing both aperture and ISO to the limit. And therefore I cannot stop down to 5.6 as you suggest. But thank you for your comment - I probably should have mentioned that Nikon designed this lens for portrait photography! All the best!

[@lensman5762]

@@frederikboving I perfectly understand where you are coming from but, I also must point out that specific lenses have been designed to do a specific job. The Nikon 85 F2 ( I have one from new since the early 80s ) cost me about £200.00 then and it probably cost about the same for a good example now. I also have a 75mm F2 Apo Summicron M for my Leica M6 which I bought years ago when it first came out. It now retails for just over £3000.00. This lens is almost perfect at F2 and flawless from there on. It is as sharp as a commercially available lens could get but, this is achieved at a price. That is what I really wanted to point out that a little softness in the corners at F2 should not be taken as a weak point of this lens.

[@frederikboving]

@@lensman5762 Right, got it. Thanks!

[@lensman5762]

@@frederikboving You are welcome sir.

[@dandruff9244]

Boo hoo Sold mine fab little lens

[@frederikboving]

😥

[@ikaros4203]

those colors!!!!!!!!!!!

[@frederikboving]

🙂