Nikkor 85mm f/1.4

Technical Details

The current Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.4 S features 12 lens elements in 8 groups, including two ED glasses and Nano Crystal Coat. The focus range extends from 80cm to infinity with a 77mm filter thread. The F-mount variant, AF-S 85mm f/1.4G, operates with a Silent Wave Motor and 9 aperture blades for circular bokeh quality. Both versions achieve a minimum focusing distance of 85cm and offer a reproduction ratio of 1:8.5. The f/1.4 aperture allows for a depth of field of just a few centimeters in portrait shots.

History & Development

Nikon introduced the first Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 in 1964, followed in 1977 by the first f/1.4 model for the F-mount system. The AF version debuted in 1988 as the AF 85mm f/1.4 IF, while the professional AF-S variant was launched in 2010. In 2020, Nikon expanded its range with the Z-mount Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.4 S for mirrorless full-frame cameras. Each generation improved optical performance through more modern glass types and coatings.

Practical Use in Film

Cinematographers primarily use the 85mm f/1.4 for portrait sequences and emotional close-ups, as the focal length delivers natural facial proportions without wide-angle distortion. The extreme aperture allows for shooting in available light without additional illumination. Roger Deakins utilized similar 85mm optics in "Blade Runner 2049" for intimate character moments. The shallow depth of field isolates protagonists from the background and directs focus precisely. At f/1.4, characteristic bokeh circles are created from point light sources, enhancing atmospheric moods.

Comparison & Alternatives

Competing 85mm f/1.4 lenses come from Canon (RF 85mm f/1.2), Sony (FE 85mm f/1.4 GM), and Zeiss (Planar T* 85mm f/1.4). The Nikkor Z-mount model surpasses older F-mount versions in sharpness and autofocus speed. Sigma and Tamron offer more affordable f/1.4 alternatives with similar optical quality. For cinema productions, the Nikkor competes with the Zeiss CP.3 85mm T2.1, which excels with cine-specific features like uniform front diameters and focus gears.