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. Ever since those days with the debut of the AI (Automatic Indexing) version, many photographers have started to notice what can this little marvel from Nikon deliver optically. Along the way, the 85mm focal length was given a boost in lens speed with a large aperture lens in 85mm f1.4 later (The first telephoto lens to employ Nikon's Close-Range Correction System - also known as rear focusing system). While Canon has challenged the Nikkor with a 85mm f1.2L that was introduced along with the Canon New F-1 in the early '80 in a move that trying to neutralize the fame Nikkor within this focal length and generally considered trying to recreating a fresh image on the FD mount lenses. Why ? Because lenses around this focal length and in particular, the Nikkor 85mm f1.4 and f2.0 were a clear favourite among many photo-journalist and news photographers.

I used to owned a 85mm f2.0 AI-S, it was not particularly a favourite of mine - much due to the fact I used the 105mm f2.5 more frequently and somehow there is a duplication around this focal length. Eventually I disposed the lens off. But I have never doubt about what the quality of the lens can produced. Most of the times, this lens will be at its best to take half-length portraits and taking isolating subject where the 50mm or the 55mm micro might to too short while on the other hand, working in too close might not yield too pleasantly of a result for a portraiture photographer.

Although it might not suit my personal photography, but recently, as one user mailed me and quoted the 80mm f2.0 Nikkor as "Easily one of the best kept secret of the Nikkor" - that speaks for what all those enthuasists has their own rating towards this Nikkor lens featured here.

Both the 85mm illustrated here are the AI (Automatic Indexing) versions, while the one at the top is the AI-S version. How to differeciate the AI and the AI-S ? Simple and quickest way is to refer to the minimum aperture value, usually it is painted in Orange colour at its smallest aperture value at the aperture ring.

The F3AF only TC 16S

In 1983 when Nikon introduced their first autofocus camera using their famed Nikon F3 as the platform, the F3 AF introduced that time has also brought us two AF dedicated lenses in 80mm f2.8 and a 200 f3.5 AF lens. The 80mm has archived an impressive 0.6 sec focusing speed from closest distance to infinity and came with it also has a dedicated 1.6x AF teleconverter in AF TC 16S (Only workable with the two AF lenses designed specially for the F3AF). Both the lenses (Another one being a AF 200 f3.5) has been highly rated optically by reviewers, but they have some compatibility issue with many Nikon autofocus SLR bodies).

Lens construction: 6 elements in 6 groups; Closest focusing: 0.85m/3 ft. Filter attachment size: 62mm Hood: HN-23; noted the traditional 52mm doesn't fit anymore, due to higher lens speed use in its design. Thus, basically, the 85mm Nikkors in the AF was a new breed of Nikkors all together. The lens speeds is higher, optical design are also differed with the older manual focus version. Will Nikon introduces the AF-S's silent wave technology in this focal length ? Only God and Nikon knows.. Buy now ? Don't ask me. Lately, Nikon did provide some good surprises as far as the AF Nikkors are concerned, where newer optics with more practical focal lengths have been introduced. If you are happy or in a rush for some quick assignments, go for it, if you still have the time to wait, then wait...

And in 1986, introduced together with some early batches of AF Nikkors, the 80mm has a little boost for its lens speed from the traditional aperture used in 80-85mm of f2.0 to a slightly brighter f1.8. But the AF Nikkor 85mm f1.4 is still retaining aperture of the bright f1.4. Both lenses incorporating the rear focusing method for smoother drive in focusing, since rear lens groups are smaller than front lens groups and could handle the task easier. The f1.4 version has been provided with a larger and more comfortable manual focusing ring, much to the joy of some people who has been all these while long been criticizing new exterior apperance and human engineering issue in the AF Nikkors design. But more importantly, the AF version lens is an IF (Internal focusing) design and employing Nikon's famed Close-Range-Correction (CRC) system to improved close focusing performance. Further, its diaphragm design has incorporatingwith extra blades, enabling the diaphragm shape to be a near-perfect circle and a more natural image in areas of highlights in the out-of-focus portion of an image. Lens construction: 9 elements in 8 groups; Closest focusing: 0.85m/3 ft. Filter attachment size: 77mm; weighing 19.6oz; Hood: HN-31; Compared with the manual verson: 7 elements in 5 groups; Closest focusing: 0.85m; weighing 620g; Filter attachment size: 72mm Hood: HN-20.

So after all these years, ventually, I bought another 85mm. This time around, I bought it as it was aattractive deal together with a old Nikon F2S body (shown at left). Just like any other ichy oldman, I am quite eager to take a few shots with it, the first 'victim' here is my 6 years old daughter, Esther - reluctantly dressed and went to the balcony and posed for me (Because I promised her to print some birthday cards for her birthday part, hehe..). I took a series of shots, she was happy and this was the cover for the birthday card, so did I - I got a good lens in the 85mm f1.4. After all, everyone's objective is different, yah ? My Little Ugly Duckling, 1998 (17k)

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