Nikon unveils a new prime lens for full frame cameras, the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G. The 85mm might be a common enough focal length that it won’t bat a few lashes but the f/1.4 is sure to turn some heads.

The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a fast, mid-telephoto prime (fixed focal length) lens that combines a large maximum aperture of f/1.4 with beautiful blur characteristics and superior rendering. This professional grade lens features a Nano Crystal Coat for reduced ghosting and flares.

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Features

• A fast, high-performance mid-telephoto 85 mm fixed focal length lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 that offers superior image quality
  Adoption of a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and rounded diaphragm (9 blades) enables the expression of bright and beautiful blur characteristics. The lens exhibits excellent rendering capability with shooting all distances, from close-up to infinity, making it especially suited to portrait photography. It is also an excellent choice for shooting in relatively dark situations, such as indoors or for capturing night landscapes.
• A new optical design that makes the most of the performance expected of the latest fast fixed focal length NIKKOR lens
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to significantly reduce ghost and flare
• Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing
• Equipped with two focus modes, M/A and M, as well as a new and improved manual focus drive mechanism
  The lens offers two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual). In addition, the new and improved manual focus drive mechanism reduces manual focus time lag for improved manual focus operation in M/A mode.
• Nikon’s internal focusing (IF) system has been adopted with no increase in the length of the lens

Press Release:

Nikon UK today announces a new fast aperture medium-telephoto lens – the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G. This lens supersedes the highly acclaimed AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF with a totally new optical design, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Nano Crystal Coat, making it the essential choice for today’s portrait and fashion photographer. This lens continues the rich legacy of Nikkor 85mm optics and reflects Nikon’s continuing dedication to optical innovation.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The new AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G takes portraiture to another level. Lenses like this encapsulate what the Nikkor brand stands for: amazing contrast and resolution, with unique bokeh qualities.” He added: “We think it will set a new benchmark for stills photographers as well as the growing army of videographers using D-SLRs like the D3S.”

Bokeh Master
The AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is designed to be the ultimate optic for professional portraiture. The fast f/1.4 aperture provides excellent subject-background separation, whilst the rounded nine-blade diaphragm renders stunning bokeh with smooth out of focus areas.

Leading Light
The AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G features a newly-developed optical system with 10 elements in 9 groups and incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, drastically reducing ghosting and flare to deliver rich, high contrast images even under the most testing lighting conditions.

Smooth Operator
The AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G features a dedicated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to ensure quiet and accurate focusing. The gearing mechanism has been refined to offer extremely smooth operation when using Manual focus.

Tough Customer
As you would expect, the lens has the tough Nikkor magnesium body and sealing against moisture and dust to continue working in the toughest of shooting conditions. Weighing in at 595g, it balances well on Nikon’s advanced and professional D-SLRs like the D700 and D3 series cameras.

The lens is supplied with a hood HB-55 and a soft pouch.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G: Specifications

Focal length	85mm
Maximum aperture	f/1.4
Minimum aperture	f/16
Lens construction	10 elements in 9 groups (with Nano Crystal Coat)
Angle of view	28˚30’ (18˚50’ with Nikon DX format)
Closest focus distance	0.85m (2.79ft)
Max reproduction ratio	0.12x
Diaphragm blades	9 (rounded)
Focusing	AF with built in SWM and Manual focus
Filter/attachment size	77mm
Diameter x length	Approx. 86.5 x 84mm / 3.4 x 3.3in
Weight	Approx. 595g / 21.0oz
Available	2nd September 2010