Optical Review Blog No. 48 – Nikon AI-S Nikkor 85mm 1:2

Regarding historically significant lenses, exact lens models like the Nikkor 85mm f/2 are abnormal. Usually, these historic lenses are designs like the Tessar, Petzval, and Planar. But in this case, this lens put Nikon on the map. Nippon Kogaku released the first 85mm f/2 as part of their original five-lens setup for the Nikon I. Although they also had versions in the LTM or M39 Mount. While Nikkor enjoyed popularity within Japan, they had yet to produce a camera that could be exported. But the lenses helped Nippon break out of the domestic market. The story goes that a chance meeting of two LIFE photographers, David Douglas Duncan (American) and Jun Miki (Japanese), saw Nikkor lenses get coverage in the USA. Miki had taken a snapshot of Duncan using the Nikkor P·C 1:2 f=8,5cm; while Duncan initially showed no interest in the lens, that soon changed. Upon seeing an enlarged version of the image, he demanded to be taken to Nippon Kogaku immediately. Duncan would use Nikkor lenses on his Leica during his coverage of the Korean War. The original construction of the lens consisted of five elements in three groups; by the time Nippon released the Ai-S version, the construction was up to five elements in five groups. This lens is considered among the best portrait-length lenses produced by the iconic Japanese firm. Many photographers will go for the faster f/1.8 or f/1.4 versions of the lens; the f/2 version is a h idden gem and works beautifully on any Nikon camera.

Lens Specifications
Make: Nippon Kōgaku K.K.
Model: AI-S Nikkor 85mm 1:2
Focal Length: 85mm
Focal Range: ∞ – 0.85m
Aperture: f/2 – f/22, 7 Blades
Structure: 5 Elements in 5 Groups

Build Quality
There is no doubt about the build quality of this lens; the 85/2 is a solid all-metal lens that carries forward the classic Nikon look from the era. With a main metal body, a wide checked focusing ring that is smooth and can focus end-to-end quickly without needing to readjust your grip. Despite the construction, the lens is not that heavy and doesn’t add too much weight to the front of the camera. It has an excellent low profile and doesn’t unbalance the camera either. Plus, despite its small size, it looks as much at home on the D750 as on the FE2. The best feature of the lens is that large front element; even for an f/2 lens, that front element is beautiful and should be protected with at least a UV filter, and thankfully, like most lenses of the era takes a 52mm filter, which helps keep the number of accessories down. The one thing that is a bit off on the lens is that the aperture ring doesn’t click with the stops, but that could be my copy. Now you will notice on this copy that it is missing the claw to couple with earlier model cameras; thankfully, the screws are still there, so I hope to find an appropriate spare piece to use this lens on my older non-AI bodies.

Image Quality
There is nothing wrong with the image quality coming out of this lens. In some aspects, this lens produces a better image than the newer autofocus 85mm f/1.8D lens. I see no distortion in my photos; the straight lines are straight. If you got in closer, you would see some distortion, but further back, there is nothing. When shooting wide open, there is no vignetting or fall-off in the corners. Even at f/2, the lens is sharp, with the area in focus razor-sharp. And this carries through all the other apertures, producing a wonderfully clean image. Unlike the newer versions, the f/2 version stops down to f/22, which is a bonus so that you can get your subject and background in focus in environmental portraiture. The out-of-focus elements are beautiful, with a lovely bloom that fades into soft edges, and even at f/22, you can isolate your foreground elements from the background when focused in close enough. I don’t use the term ‘perfect lens’ often, but the image quality out of the 85/2 is close to that perfect title.

Applications
The main application for this lens is portraiture; the classic 85mm is an excellent lens for general portraits of individuals and small groups. It also would make a great street photography lens; with the small profile, it’s easy to blend into the crowd if that’s your style of street work. And the best part is because of the small size; it can be taken along without adding too much to the weight of a camera bag. Perfect for travel and photojournalism work and great for any lighting conditions because of the fast f/2 aperture. I would bring this lens for weddings, events, travel, and photo walks. Being an AI-S lens makes it incredibly compatible across Nikon cameras. You can use it on any manual focus camera that supports AI and AI-S, and once I replace the claw, even pre-ai cameras can mount, use and meter with the lens. It also works with many digital SLRs; I have this one set up for use with my D750, and the images it produces are excellent. It also does a great job for video work when you need easy manual focus adjustments and head-and-shoulder composition.

The Low Down
Like any lens, you don’t need this, but you have to want it. However, if you do a lot of portrait work, an excellent portrait-length lens like the 85mm is a nice thing to need. It fills in that gap between your 50mm and 105mm lenses. As I mentioned at the start of this review, more people will go for the faster lens options, the f/1.8 and f/1.4 (both available in AI-S), but often will carry a much higher price tag. The 85mm f/2 is a lovely lens that is often underrated but loved by those who use it; plus, it’s a classic lens within the Nikon catalogue. Surprisingly, this lens is more expensive than the autofocus version on the used market, but you can find deals on this lens. It depends on how you search for the lens; using the term Nikkor 85mm f/2, you’ll find well-priced lenses, with most running between 140-190 dollars. If you search Nikon 85/2, you’ll find lenses that are over 300 dollars; you don’t need to spend that much to get a good copy. This lens is the perfect addition to any Nikon manual focus kit and one I’m happy to have.

Further Reading
Don’t just take my view on the Nikkor 85/2, check out these other reviews.
Ken Rockwell – Nikon 85mm f/2 Review