prime35mmdiscontinued
Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-1998
The middle child of the Nikkor 85mm family. Sharper wide open than the f/1.4, faster than the f/2. A practical choice that offers good performance without the f/1.4's bulk or price.
Known for
- Portraits
- Events
- Available light
- General telephoto
Considerations
- 62mm filter size breaks compatibility
- 7-blade aperture
- Less character than f/1.4
Optical Characteristics
Sharpness (wide)4/5
Sharpness (stopped)5/5
Contrast4/5
Flare Resistance4/5
CA Control4/5
Vignetting Control3/5
Distortion Control5/5
Bokeh: Pleasant, slightly nervous
Rendering: Sharp, good contrast
Color: Neutral
Common Issues
- Focus ring wear
- Aperture blade oil
Buying Guide
A sensible middle ground. Check focus smoothness. The 62mm filter size is unusual - most Nikon MF glass uses 52mm.
Specifications
MountNikon F
Focal Length85mm
Max Aperturef/1.8
Min Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades7
Min Focus0.85m
Filter Size62mm
Weight380g
Optical Design
FormulaDouble Gauss
Elements6
Groups5
CoatingNIC (Nikon)
Pricing
£200 - £350
Typical used price
Mint: ~£450
Less common, moderate prices
Adapts To
Sony EFujifilm XCanon RFNikon Z
Compatible Cameras
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Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error