Pashalis, I have a 85mm f1.8. It is an old non-AI that I had AI'd. I use
the lens on a FM2n. I went through the same question regarding 105 v. 85.
About this time last year I was looking for a lens around the 105mm's focal
length. My daughter was getting older and I wanted a lens to do some
portraits of her and the family. The problem I was having was the 105's
were much more expensive then the 85mm. One day while I was looking for a
used 105, Michael at APT Camera, in Albuquerque New Mexico, recommended the
85 f1.8. He said the lens was sharp as the 105. The price was right, so I
trusted his judgement. I have not done any comparisons between the two lens
so this is a bit of a subjective opinion. However, he was not joking the
85mm f1.8 is sharp. In fact, it is generally the only lens I use aside from
my 24mm f2.8. I have been happy with the pictures I have taken with my
85mm. Therefore, I must agree with the Nikon System Handbook 4th ed. On
page 75 Moose says "[it] is an extremely sharp lens with excellent
edge-to-edge quality." So if the price is not to high I would recommend the
85. This is not to detract from the 105, but I do not think you can go
wrong with this lens.
Vince
P.S. Sorry if this is a repost.
Paschalis Ligdas wrote:
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 1999 14:20:12 -0500 (EST)
From: Paschalis Ligdas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: 85mm revisited [v04.n319/21]
Message: 21
Hello again,
A week ago I asked for input regarding the 105/2.5 AIS
and the 85mm/1.8 AF and I got lots of replies. I had decided
to go with the 105/2.5 (mostly because I am using an FM2)
when I came across a used 85mm/1.8 MF.
In the past I've heard good things about this hard to find
lens (unlike the 85mm/2 AI that followed when the 85mm/1.8
was discontinued). Since it costs more than a new 105/2.5
I thought I'd get ask the list for some comments about it.
The extra 1stop is really tempting but I wonder how the
quality of this lens is. Also, is it difficult to get a shade
for it?
Thanks again,
Pascal
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Vincent Martinez
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