Nikon 85mm 1.4d vs Sigma 85mm 1.4 ex dg hsm

[myko5]

I am thinking about picking up an 85mm lens. I would like to get a 1.4 model. The nikon 1.4G is out of my budget. These two that I am looking at are both about the same. Is the sigma better then the older nikon version. I realize its usually better to get Nikon glass, but I also realize sigma has some lenses that compare pretty well.

Just looking for some input from others.

 

[Trever1t]

Well from my understanding the Sigma is better in some respects to the Nikon "D" lens. I recently picked up the Sigma and although I have no first hand experience with it's Nikon "G" counterpart I can say it's a good fast lens.

My observations:

Nikon lens coatings are the chit! The Sigma doesn't like any light under the hood and I can't get away with doing things the same as I would with any of my other Nikkor glass as far as shooting towards the sun. I have to take greater care that my front element is shielded. For me this is a big let down as most of my work is backlit. I have to take extra precautions.

The focus is fast, the build is great and I saved over $525...which is less a concern really but at the time allowed the purchase where I wouldn't have been able to afford the Nikkor.

Another observation: F1.4 is a Beeeotch! I shoot good Nikon glass, all f2.8 but dayum if I don't need to think 300% more carefully shooting wide open with this lens. With a DOF measured in millimeters my normal body sway causes many OOF images if I don't change my shooting style. Now that would be the same for either lens, just wanted to point out this length, wide open can be a little frustrating if you don't understand what's going on.

If I had the $ I'd buy the Nikon for it's coatings...are they worth $525? That's what you need to decide.

 

[tirediron]

I have an 85mm 1.4D and I find it hard to imagine that it could be improved upon too much - it's well built, sharp as a tack from f2 up (and even wide open it's barely any less sharp) produces contrasty and nicely saturated images. Being a 'D', the focus isn't quite as fast as a newer AF-S lens, but for the type of work most people do with an 85, it makes no difference. Look for a used one; I found mine on Craig's List for

 

[Trever1t]

I believe the CA is more pronounced on the D than Sigma or G and the coatings on the G also are a real benefit to those that shoot into the sun. That's another thing, the CA is very noticeable at f2.2 and wider.

 

[JaronRH]

I haven't tried the D version but the Sigma 85 has been my main lens for a little over 2 years now. I've used it on both FX and DX and really like it! The bokeh is really nice, it's very sharp (a lot of reviews said it was sharper then the D especially in the center), and the AF is extremely fast (some argue it's faster then the G's even but, again, I cannot confirm/deny this). The downsides I've found is that CA's can be bad in some situations (high-contrast area's around highlights) and the AF isn't always reliable when using a narrow DOF that is focus using an AF-assist from my speedlights (SB-600/700). The build is very good but not weather-sealed and it is also heavier than the D or G. The copy I have didn't require any AF adjustments and so far has been a very good and reliable lens. I would highly recommend it.

 

[myko5]

So-
the out of my budget 1.4G would be best.
The sigma 1.4 is great, sharp and affordable. Quick AF but not in lowlight? downsides of sun flare? Not weather sealed
Nikon 1.4D is sharp, slower AF, higher CA issues of the 3.

Anything I am missing or read wrong from the above comments?

 

[Trever1t]

that's about how I understand it. The G has a slight edge on the Sigma most likely a result of Nikon's proprietary coatings. The D is a fine lens and as stated can be found used $750-$850 in my area but as I bought the Sigma at $875 out the door new...not really a consideration for me.

The issue with the Sigma shooting backlit subjects is a very low contrast, soft image whereas the G lenses I do own handle it much much better. (when the lens isn't shielded properly)

 

[Derrel]

I own the 85/1.4 AF-D. It creates images with lovely bokeh. A very sharp central region, with gracefully softer edges when shot at wider f/stops. It has the nickname "Cream Machine", for the world-class bokeh it creates. The Sigma 85 1.4 on the other hand, when shot at wider apertures, creates images with a circular sort of "swirly bokeh", which looks ugly and jarring. But the Sigma is pretty high in resolving power, and is probably sharper over the entire frame. I would not be surprised if by laboratory testing the Sigma significantly out-resolves the Nikkor, but its images look hashy.

If you're not really,really,really into bokeh and out of focus rendering characteristics, the 85mm 1.8 AF-S G is affordable, and is one of the new Wunder Plastik Nikkors: astoundingly high resolution, across almost the entire frame, and designed to be paired with 24- and 36-MP sensors...good on FX,and good on DX sensors. It is a VERY high-quality lens. The bokeh is nothing to rave about, but it's okay. I bought one. I like it for landscape photos.

 

[Trever1t]

Derrel is right about the bokeh characteristics of the Sigma, less creamy, hashy

 

[myko5]

Im just going to throw this out there, but how about the Rokinon 85 1.4?

 

[Trever1t]

The Rok is a manual lens

 

[Derrel]

The Rok is a manual lens

Yeah...from what I gather, the Samyang is also sold as a Vivitar, as a Bower, and a few other brands. Here's one review of ther Samyang, which is $299 these days. Note that on the Canon lens model, there is NO electronic f/stop control...the user must set the aperture MANUALLY, with an f/stop ring on the lens...and the lens will STAY set to whatever f/stop it's set to--there will NOT be automatic lens diaphragm opening and closing.

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical (full format) - Review / Test Report

 

[ghache]

1.8 G. thats all i have to say.

 

[Patrice]

Here's what I think, since no one asked;

At 85 mm

Portraiture: 85 1.4, either D or AIs - the only ones I'd consider taking out of the bag.

Everything else: 1.8D, 1.8G, 1.4G, Sigma, Samyang --- pick your poison.