🕰️ Historical Context
- 85mm f/1.8D (1994): A workhorse portrait lens from the film era, designed for Nikon bodies with screw‑drive autofocus.
- 85mm f/1.8G (2012): A modern redesign with AF‑S motor, optimised for digital sensors, offering improved sharpness and coatings.
⚙️ Technical Comparison
| Feature | Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D | Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G |
|---|---|---|
| Year introduced | 1994 | 2012 |
| Autofocus | Screw‑drive (needs motor in body) | AF‑S Silent Wave Motor (works on all Nikon DSLRs) |
| Aperture blades | 7 straight | 9 rounded |
| Bokeh | Slightly harsher, polygonal highlights | Smoother, creamier, round highlights |
| Optical design | 6 elements in 6 groups | 9 elements in 9 groups |
| Coatings | Older NIC coatings | Modern Super Integrated Coating |
| Minimum focus | 85 cm | 80 cm |
| Weight | 380 g | 350 g |
| Aperture ring | Yes (useful for film/manual bodies) | No (G‑type, controlled electronically) |
| Price (used/new) | Lower, often $250–300 used | Higher, ~$450–500 new |
Sources: CameraDecision comparison, DPReview lens specs, CameraLabs group test.
📸 Rendering & Image Quality
- Sharpness: The f/1.8G is sharper wide open, especially in the corners, while the f/1.8D improves when stopped down.
- Bokeh: The f/1.8G’s rounded blades produce smoother background blur, making it more flattering for portraits.
- Colour & contrast: The f/1.8G benefits from modern coatings, giving richer contrast and reduced flare compared to the f/1.8D.
- Character: The f/1.8D has a slightly more “classic” rendering — some photographers appreciate its harsher bokeh and vintage feel.
⚖️ Practical Considerations
- Compatibility: The f/1.8D won’t autofocus on entry‑level Nikon DSLRs (D3xxx, D5xxx series), while the f/1.8G works on all bodies.
- Film shooters: The f/1.8D’s aperture ring makes it more versatile for older Nikon film cameras.
- Digital shooters: The f/1.8G is better suited for modern DSLRs and mirrorless (via FTZ adapter).
- Budget: The f/1.8D is cheaper on the used market, but the f/1.8G offers better overall performance for digital workflows.
✨ Conclusion
- Choose the f/1.8D if you want a budget‑friendly lens with aperture ring compatibility and don’t mind screw‑drive autofocus.
- Choose the f/1.8G if you want modern sharpness, smoother bokeh, and full compatibility with all Nikon DSLRs and mirrorless setups.
Verdict: The f/1.8D carries vintage character and affordability, while the f/1.8G delivers modern performance and versatility.
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