This is my favorite lens on the D800. (I've never tried the 85/1.4G, though) The handling, weight and "feel" to this combination simply makes shooting a pure pleasure, and it provides fantastic IQ! A great-value nobrainer. Love it!

Awesome lens for flattering portraits and great for landscapes too; Sharpness is excellent, clearly better than the old 1.8D-version in the open end; Pleasant bokeh, contrast and colours; Only 350g and a delight to handle

I'd liked it to have 9 blades of course; but 7 rounded is ok

Nikon has announced the Nikon AF-S 85mm F/1.8G FX format Nikkor lens, a more modern redesigned version of the classic Nikon AF 85mm F/1.8 prime lens. Featuring a built-in AF-S motor, the new Nikkor AF-S 85mm F/1.8G provides full auto focus compatibility with Nikon cameras that do not have a focus...

I've always been a huge fan of the older AF-D model, but it was only really usable from f/2.8. What a nice surprise this new AF-S version is! More then adequate sharpness and contrast n the center of the frame at f/1.8 and at smaller apertures it only gets better.

Sharpness; contrast; bokeh; price; silent

None

Traditionally, in 35mm-format (i.e. Nikon FX) photography, along with 105mm, the 85mm focal length is considered to be ideal for portrait photography. Perhaps 105mm is better for "head and shoulder" type images while the 85mm can cover a bit more.

Prime lenses are an invaluable part of a photographer's arsenal. While their fixed focal lengths mean they can seem lacking in flexibility, they more than make up for this with increased optical quality.

Updated and optimized for digital, this fast aperture compact medium telephoto FX-format portrait lens offers crisp and natural image reproduction for stills and HD video.

Consequently, the new model now offers a silent wave AF drive, which makes it compatible with the complete range of current Nikon DSLRs. Even though the largest pressure to update the lens may have come from DX customers, a 85mm prime traditionally is a classic portrait focal length on full frame...

Nikon has produced an excellent update to the long-lived 85mm ƒ/1.8D: while autofocus performance isn't quite as fast in the 85mm ƒ/1.8G, the majority of photographers using this lens probably won't be using it in applications that demand superfast focusing, anyway.

With an f/1.8 portrait lens this sweet, who needs f/1.4?...

This is a small and lightweight lens that can be carried around anywhere easily. However, the size should not be taken for its lack of performance. It can perform in any light condition, which is a stellar feature as far as the price goes.

Lightweight and easy to hold, Renders silky and natural-looking bokeh, Equipped with a super-fast and quiet autofocus, Subject and background mesh together beautifully, At full aperture, the resolution in the middle of the image is brilliant

Lens distortion issues are noticeable, Vignetting can be seen at full aperture, Aperture and vibration ring are not equipped