85mm · f/1.4
The Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D is a classic portrait lens designed for ideal rendering rather than ultimate sharpness. It offers excellent center sharpness wide open, though some find it soft at the edges. Its nine-blade rounded aperture produces smooth, creamy bokeh. Build quality is sturdy with metal construction and a smooth focus ring, but the screw-drive AF is noisy and slow. It suits portrait photographers who prioritize character and bokeh over clinical sharpness, especially on full-frame cameras.