Unboxing and Review of Nikon 85mm f2 AI Lens
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI Lens
- The Design and Build of the Lens
- Weight and Compactness
- The Focus Throw and Manual Focus Experience
- Pricing and Availability
- Comparison with Other 85mm Lenses in the Market
- Sharpness and Image Quality
- Bokeh Performance
- Sunstars and Special Effects
- Color Rendition and Detail Capture
- Pros and Cons of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI Lens
- Conclusion
The Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI Lens: A Vintage Classic Worth Considering
If You're in the market for a versatile and compact lens, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI Lens might just be the one for you. In this review, we'll take a closer look at this vintage classic and explore its features, performance, and value for money.
Introduction
The Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is a vintage lens produced around 1980, making it a forty-year-old gem in the photography world. With approximately 90,000 copies made, all in Japan, this lens has gained a mixed bag of reviews over the years. However, in this review, we aim to shed some light on its true capabilities and help you make an informed decision.
Overview of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI Lens
The Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is part of the renowned Nikkor vintage lens lineup known for their exceptional build quality and optical performance. Made entirely of metal and Glass, this lens exudes a Sense of craftsmanship that is missing in modern lenses.
The Design and Build of the Lens
One of the standout features of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is its solid build and vintage aesthetics. The all-metal construction gives it a robust feel and adds to its durability, making it a reliable companion for years to come. The lens features a manual aperture ring, which adds to its vintage Charm and allows for precise control over the depth of field.
Weight and Compactness
Weighing in at just around 300 grams, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is incredibly light and compact. This makes it the lightest 85mm lens from Nikon, making it a popular choice among photographers who value portability and ease of use. In comparison, the one-point-four equivalent of this lens weighs double, making the f/2 version a preferred option for those seeking a lighter setup.
The Focus Throw and Manual Focus Experience
One of the standout features of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is its long focus throw of 255 degrees, providing a silky smooth manual focusing experience. If you enjoy the art of manual focus photography and are lucky enough to have a good copy of this lens, you won't be disappointed with its focus accuracy and handling.
Pricing and Availability
Being a vintage lens, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens can only be purchased used. On platforms like eBay, the average price for an okay copy of this lens is around $200 US dollars. However, it's important to consider import taxes and shipping costs, which may vary depending on your location. While the price is attractive, it's crucial to research the condition of the lens thoroughly before making a purchase.
Comparison with Other 85mm Lenses in the Market
The 85mm focal length is highly sought after among photographers, and the competition in this space is fierce. Even within Nikon's own lineup, the 85mm f/1.4 is a strong contender in terms of weight and price. However, if you're willing to sacrifice the extra focal range and autofocus capabilities, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens presents itself as an attractive option.
Sharpness and Image Quality
When it comes to sharpness, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens truly shines. In controlled environments, the lens demonstrates remarkable sharpness and contrast, particularly at smaller apertures like f/8. Even the center sharpness at wider apertures like f/2 is impressive, making it suitable for portrait photography.
Bokeh Performance
Bokeh, the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, is an important factor for many photographers, especially when it comes to portrait lenses. While the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens produces pleasing bokeh when fully open at f/2, with a smooth and creamy background blur, it does suffer from the appearance of squared bokeh when stopped down due to its non-rounded aperture blades.
Sunstars and Special Effects
If you're a fan of sunstars, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens doesn't disappoint. When stopped down to f/8, it produces beautiful sunstars that add a unique touch to your images. The sharpness and Clarity of these sunstars are impressive and comparable to what you would expect from a Nikon lens.
Color Rendition and Detail Capture
One of the standout features of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is its exceptional color rendition. The lens captures colors with extraordinary accuracy and vibrancy, making images come alive. The level of detail captured by this lens is equally impressive, allowing you to see even the tiniest grains of sand or minute details in your subjects.
Pros and Cons of the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI Lens
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality
- Light and compact
- Silky smooth manual focus experience
- Affordable price point
- Outstanding sharpness and contrast
- Pleasing bokeh at wider apertures
- Beautiful sunstars
Cons:
- Non-rounded aperture blades leading to squared bokeh when stopped down
- Limited availability as a used vintage lens
- Lack of modern features like autofocus
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is a vintage classic that offers a unique shooting experience for those seeking a portable and affordable lens. With its exceptional sharpness, vibrant color rendition, and compact size, it proves to be a valuable addition to any photographer's gear. While it may not have the modern features and autofocus capabilities of its counterparts, it compensates with its outstanding build quality and optical performance. If you're willing to embrace the charm of manual focus photography, this lens should definitely be on your shortlist.
Flickr Album: [Link](insert link)
Highlights:
- Vintage classic lens with exceptional build quality
- Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel
- Silky smooth manual focus experience with a long focus throw
- Affordable price point for a lens of this caliber
- Impressive sharpness and contrast even at wider apertures
- Pleasing bokeh when fully open, although squared bokeh when stopped down
- Beautiful sunstars at smaller apertures like f/8
- Outstanding color rendition and detail capture
FAQ
Q: Is the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens suitable for portrait photography?
A: Yes, the lens is well-suited for portrait photography, thanks to its excellent sharpness and pleasing bokeh. However, it should be noted that manual focus may require some practice and skill.
Q: Can I use the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens on modern Nikon DSLR cameras?
A: Yes, the lens can be used on modern Nikon DSLR cameras with an F-mount. However, as it is a manual focus lens, you will need to set your camera to manual focus mode and use manual aperture control.
Q: Are there any notable drawbacks to using the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens?
A: One potential drawback is the appearance of squared bokeh when the lens is stopped down due to its non-rounded aperture blades. Additionally, the lens lacks modern features such as autofocus.
Q: How does the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens compare to other 85mm lenses in terms of weight and price?
A: The Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens is significantly lighter and more affordable compared to its faster counterparts, such as the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 lens. However, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a lens.
Q: Can you provide examples of the image quality produced by the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI lens?
A: Yes, please refer to the Flickr album linked in the article to see sample images taken with this lens. The images showcase the lens's color rendition, sharpness, and detail capture capabilities.
