In a world obsessed with accumulation, Chuck Feeney made a quieter, more unsettling choice: he gave it all away.
Not metaphorically. Not eventually. While he was still alive.
Feeney was the co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers, the airport retail empire that helped invent modern global consumerism. He became a billionaire almost by accident, then spent the rest of his life trying to undo the accident as responsibly as possible.
He called his philosophy Giving While Living. It sounds gentle. It was anything but.
The Radical Act of Enough
Chuck Feeney owned no mansion. He flew economy. He lived in rented apartments. He wore simple clothes and carried a cheap watch.
This wasnโt branding. It wasnโt aesthetic minimalism. It wasnโt a TED Talk.
It was conviction.
Feeney believed money was useful only while it was moving. Sitting still, it corrupted both its owner and its purpose. So he moved itโquietly, persistently, without applause.
Over several decades, he gave away more than $8 billion.
Not to build monuments to himself. Not to stamp his name on buildings. Often not even under his own name at all.
Anonymous Generosity in a Loud Age
For years, almost no one knew who he was.
Through his foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, Feeney funded:
Universities and scholarships
Public health systems
Peace and reconciliation work in Northern Ireland
Medical infrastructure in Vietnam and beyond
His anonymity only broke because of legal filingsโnot because he wanted recognition.
In an age where generosity is often performative, Feeneyโs silence was its own kind of protest.
No Legacy Machine
Most billionaires aim for permanence: endowments, foundations, institutions designed to outlive them.
Feeney did the opposite.
He shut his foundation down on purpose.
No eternal board. No immortal brand. No philanthropic dynasty.
By the time Atlantic Philanthropies closed in 2020, Chuck Feeney had intentionally reduced his personal wealth to about $2 millionโenough to live, not enough to dominate.
He didnโt want to be remembered as a benefactor. He wanted the work to be done.
The Uncomfortable Question He Leaves Us With
Chuck Feeney didnโt just give money away. He gave away an excuse.
An excuse to wait. An excuse to hoard. An excuse to believe that impact is something we defer until later.
His life asks an uncomfortable question:
How much is enough โ and what are you doing with the rest?
You donโt need to be a billionaire to feel the weight of that question. It applies to time. Attention. Energy. Skill. Care.
Feeney treated wealth as temporary custody, not ownership. Then he returned it to the world while he could still see what it became.
A Quiet Ending, a Loud Example
Chuck Feeney died in 2023, aged 92.
No spectacle. No empire intact. No fortune left behind.
Just hospitals, universities, peace agreements, and lives improved by someone who refused to confuse money with meaning.
In a culture that celebrates accumulation, Feeney chose release.
And in doing so, he left behind something far rarer than wealth:
A model for how to live lightly โ and give decisively.
Same focal length. Same max aperture. Very different intent.
The 85mm f/1.8GD vs 85mm f/1.8G comparison is way more interesting than people thinkโthis isnโt just โolder vs newer,โ itโs two different philosophies of portrait lenses.
1. Design Philosophy (This Is the Core Difference)
85mm f/1.8D
Designed in the film-era mindset
Optimized for:
Speed
Compactness
High micro-contrast
Assumes the photographer:
Focuses manually with intent
Accepts character over perfection
๐ The D lens does not apologize for optical flaws. It uses them.
85mm f/1.8G
Designed in the digital-era mindset
Optimized for:
Resolution
Smoothness
Consistency across the frame
Assumes:
High-resolution sensors
Autofocus accuracy matters
Images will be scrutinized at 100%
๐ The G lens is corrective and controlled.
2. Optical Performance
Sharpness
Aperture
85mm f/1.8D
85mm f/1.8G
f/1.8
Sharp center, soft edges
Sharper center, cleaner edges
f/2.8
Very sharp
Extremely sharp
f/4โ5.6
Excellent
Clinically excellent
The G is objectively sharper, especially wide open and toward the edges.
The D has biteโcenter sharpness with strong micro-contrast that feels punchy, especially on faces.
๐ On modern high-MP sensors, the G holds together better technically.
Contrast & Rendering
D lens
Higher micro-contrast
Harder transitions
More โsnapโ
Faces look more sculpted, sometimes harsher
G lens
Smoother tonal roll-off
Lower micro-contrast
More forgiving on skin
Easier to grade in post
๐ This is why some people say the D looks โ3Dโ and the G looks โcreamy.โ
3. Bokeh & Out-of-Focus Rendering
85mm f/1.8D
Nervous bokeh in busy backgrounds
Catโs-eye shapes near edges
Double lines in specular highlights
Can feel edgy or distracting
โ ๏ธ Not a โsafeโ bokeh lens.
85mm f/1.8G
Significantly smoother background blur
More rounded aperture blades
Better correction of spherical aberration
Backgrounds dissolve rather than vibrate
๐ For environmental portraits or street portraits, the G is far more predictable.
4. Autofocus & Handling
Autofocus
D: Screw-drive AF
Fast on pro bodies
Noisy
Inaccurate at f/1.8
G: Silent Wave Motor (AF-S)
Quieter
More accurate
Better for modern DSLRs
If youโre shooting moving subjects or candid portraits, the G wins decisively.
Build & Ergonomics
Aspect
1.8D
1.8G
Size
Smaller
Larger
Weight
Lighter
Heavier
Build
Solid, simple
Modern composite
Focus ring
Better manual feel
Adequate, not special
The D feels mechanical. The G feels engineered.
5. Compatibility & Practical Reality
85mm f/1.8D
โ No AF on entry-level Nikon bodies
โ๏ธ Excellent on D700, D3, D4, Df
โ๏ธ Gorgeous on film bodies
โ๏ธ Very cheap on the used market
85mm f/1.8G
โ๏ธ Full AF on all Nikon DSLRs
โ๏ธ Designed for high-resolution sensors
โ๏ธ Better resale value
โ Less character
6. Character vs Control (The Honest Take)
Choose the 85mm f/1.8D if:
You value rendering over perfection
You shoot:
Street portraits
Gritty documentary
Black & white
You like lenses that argue back
You enjoy working around flaws
๐ This lens has teeth.
Choose the 85mm f/1.8G if:
You need:
Reliable AF
Smooth skin tones
Predictable results
You shoot:
Editorial portraits
Commercial work
Color-heavy projects
You want files that are easy to finish in post
๐ This lens is quietly competent.
7. One-Line Verdict (Brutally Honest)
85mm f/1.8D: A portrait lens with attitude and consequences.
85mm f/1.8G: A portrait lens that stays out of the way.
Pictures freeze moments that would otherwise vanishโpeople, places, feelings.
Memory is fragile; a photo is a tangible anchor to the past.
Example: A childโs laugh, a fleeting glance, a city street at duskโmoments we canโt relive, but can revisit through images.
2. To See
Photography forces us to look closer, notice patterns, details, light, and life we might miss.
A picture is a lens on perception, a way to explore the world and our own vision.
It can reveal beauty in ordinary or overlooked things.
3. To Express
Pictures are a language of feeling. Sometimes words fail, and a photo speaks what we cannot say.
Through composition, light, and subject, we express ideas, moods, or truths about ourselves or society.
4. To Communicate
Images can share stories instantly across cultures and time.
They can inspire empathy, provoke thought, or spark action.
Think of iconic images that changed the worldโthey communicate far beyond what text can.
5. To Explore Meaning
Making pictures is a way to ask questions about life, existence, and humanity.
Each image can be a meditation: on love, loss, identity, or beauty.
Photography lets us experiment with symbolism, narrative, and emotion, seeking understanding in visual form.
6. To Feel
Taking a picture is often an act of joy, curiosity, or intimacy.
We make pictures not just to show others, but to connect with ourselvesโto process emotion, experience wonder, or make sense of chaos.
๐ก In short: We make pictures to remember, feel, see, understand, and communicate. They are mirrors of our inner world projected into the outer world.
If youโre starting photography, focus first on mastering your cameraโs basic settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and composition techniques like the rule of thirds. Begin with natural light, practice often, and donโt worry about expensive gearโskill matters more than equipment.
Learning your camera and reading its manual is one of the most underrated but powerful steps in photography. Hereโs how to approach it so it feels less like homework and more like unlocking a secret language:
๐ How to Learn Your Camera (Manual Included)
Treat the Manual as a Map
Donโt read it cover to coverโskim it like a guidebook.
Flag sections on exposure modes, focus systems, and custom settings.
Keep it nearby when practicing; itโs a reference, not a novel.
Break Down Features One at a Time
Day 1: Aperture controls โ practice depth of field.
Day 2: Shutter speed โ freeze vs blur motion.
Day 3: ISO โ noise vs brightness.
Day 4: Autofocus modes โ single, continuous, manual.
Day 5: Metering modes โ spot, center-weighted, evaluative.
Use the Manual to Decode Symbols
Those cryptic icons (sun, mountain, flower) suddenly make sense when explained.
Learn what each button doesโno more guessing mid-shoot.
Practice With Purpose
Pick one feature from the manual, then shoot only with that in mind.
Example: After reading about exposure compensation, spend an hour adjusting ยฑEV in different light.
Build Muscle Memory
Reading tells you what the button does.
Practice tells you where it is without looking.
The goal: operate your camera like an extension of your hand.
Keep Notes
Jot down quirks: โMy camera underexposes in backlightโcompensate +1 EV.โ
Over time, youโll build your own personal manual thatโs more useful than the factory one.
๐งญ Philosophy
Would you like me to design a stepโbyโstep โmanual study planโ (like a 7โday routine) so you can systematically learn your camera without overwhelm?
Buying expensive gear too earlyโskills matter more than equipment.
Would you like me to create a step-by-step 30โday beginner photography challenge so you can practice these skills systematically?
๐ธ 30-Day Beginner Photography Challenge Week 1: Getting Comfortable with Your Camera
Day 1: Take 10 photos of everyday objects in auto mode.
Day 2: Experiment with apertureโshoot the same subject at f/2.8, f/5.6, and f/11.
Day 3: Practice shutter speedโcapture a moving subject at 1/30s, 1/250s, and 1/1000s.
Day 4: Adjust ISOโshoot indoors at ISO 100, 800, and 1600.
Day 5: Learn the rule of thirdsโphotograph a subject off-center.
Day 6: Try symmetryโfind reflections or balanced patterns.
Day 7: Review your weekโs shots and note what you liked most.
Week 2: Exploring Light
Day 8: Shoot during golden hour (sunrise or sunset).
Day 9: Capture shadows at midday.
Day 10: Use window light for a portrait.
Day 11: Experiment with backlightingโsubject in front of the sun or lamp.
Day 12: Try night photographyโstreetlights, neon signs, or stars.
Day 13: Use artificial light (lamp, flashlight) creatively.
Day 14: Compare natural vs artificial lighting in similar shots.
Week 3: Composition & Creativity
Day 15: Use leading lines (roads, fences, paths).
Day 16: Frame your subject (shoot through doors, arches, foliage).
Day 17: Capture patterns or textures.
Day 18: Shoot from a low angle.
Day 19: Shoot from a high angle.
Day 20: Try minimalismโone subject against a clean background.
Day 21: Capture candid street photography (respect privacy).
Week 4: Storytelling & Editing
Day 22: Take a series of 3 photos that tell a story.
Day 23: Capture emotion in a portrait.
Day 24: Photograph movement (sports, dancing, traffic).
Day 25: Try black-and-white photography.
Day 26: Edit your photos using free apps (Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile).
Day 27: Re-shoot one of your earlier challenges with improved technique.
Day 28: Create a photo essay of 5 images on a theme (e.g., โMorning Routineโ).
Day 29: Share your best photo with friends or online for feedback.
Day 30: Reflectโcompare Day 1 vs Day 30 shots and note your progress.
๐ By the end of this challenge, youโll have practiced technical skills, creative composition, and storytellingโthe three pillars of photography.
๐ฏ Photography Technical Drills (One Setting at a Time) Aperture (Depth of Field)
Drill 1: Place a subject (like a coffee mug) on a table.
Shoot at f/2.8 โ background blurry.
Shoot at f/8 โ background sharper.
Shoot at f/16 โ everything sharp.
Goal: Notice how aperture changes background separation and focus.
Shutter Speed (Motion Control)
Drill 2: Photograph moving water (fountain, sink, or river).
Shoot at 1/1000s โ water frozen.
Shoot at 1/60s โ slight blur.
Shoot at 1/5s โ silky smooth trails.
Goal: See how shutter speed controls motion blur.
ISO (Light Sensitivity)
Drill 3: Shoot indoors with steady lighting.
ISO 100 โ clean, dark image.
ISO 800 โ brighter, slight grain.
ISO 3200 โ very bright, noticeable noise.
Goal: Understand trade-off between brightness and image quality.
Focus Modes
Drill 4: Switch between manual focus and auto focus.
Photograph a subject with cluttered background.
Try locking focus on the subject manually, then let auto focus decide.
Goal: Learn when to trust auto focus vs. manual control.
White Balance
Drill 5: Shoot the same subject under warm indoor light.
Use Auto WB โ camera guesses.
Use Tungsten WB โ cooler correction.
Use Daylight WB โ warmer tones.
Goal: See how WB changes color temperature.
Exposure Compensation
Drill 6: In aperture priority mode, photograph a bright scene.
Set -1 EV โ darker image.
Set 0 EV โ normal exposure.
Set +1 EV โ brighter image.
Goal: Learn how to quickly adjust exposure without full manual mode.
๐ Each drill should be repeated with the same subject and lighting so you can isolate the effect of that one setting.
Photography Technical Drills (One Setting at a Time) Aperture (Depth of Field)
Drill 1: Place a subject (like a coffee mug) on a table.
Shoot at f/2.8 โ background blurry.
Shoot at f/8 โ background sharper.
Shoot at f/16 โ everything sharp.
Goal: Notice how aperture changes background separation and focus.
Shutter Speed (Motion Control)
Drill 2: Photograph moving water (fountain, sink, or river).
Shoot at 1/1000s โ water frozen.
Shoot at 1/60s โ slight blur.
Shoot at 1/5s โ silky smooth trails.
Goal: See how shutter speed controls motion blur.
ISO (Light Sensitivity)
Drill 3: Shoot indoors with steady lighting.
ISO 100 โ clean, dark image.
ISO 800 โ brighter, slight grain.
ISO 3200 โ very bright, noticeable noise.
Goal: Understand trade-off between brightness and image quality.
Focus Modes
Drill 4: Switch between manual focus and auto focus.
Photograph a subject with cluttered background.
Try locking focus on the subject manually, then let auto focus decide.
Goal: Learn when to trust auto focus vs. manual control.
White Balance
Drill 5: Shoot the same subject under warm indoor light.
Use Auto WB โ camera guesses.
Use Tungsten WB โ cooler correction.
Use Daylight WB โ warmer tones.
Goal: See how WB changes color temperature.
Exposure Compensation
Drill 6: In aperture priority mode, photograph a bright scene.
Set -1 EV โ darker image.
Set 0 EV โ normal exposure.
Set +1 EV โ brighter image.
Goal: Learn how to quickly adjust exposure without full manual mode.
๐ Each drill should be repeated with the same subject and lighting so you can isolate the effect of that one setting.
Photographers donโt just โlookโโthey see differently. Their vision is trained to notice light, shapes, and stories in everyday scenes. Hereโs how they develop that way of seeing:
๐๏ธ How Photographers See the World
Light First
They notice how light falls on a subjectโsoft vs harsh, warm vs cool.
Shadows, highlights, and reflections become part of the composition.
A photographer might walk into a room and immediately think: โThat window light is perfect for a portrait.โ
Composition Everywhere
They frame scenes instinctivelyโusing the rule of thirds, leading lines, or symmetry.
Even without a camera, they imagine how a moment would look cropped in a rectangle.
Everyday objects (a coffee cup, a street sign) become potential subjects.
Details Others Miss
Textures, patterns, and contrasts stand out.
They notice how colors interactโlike a red umbrella against a grey sky.
Small gestures or fleeting expressions become the heart of an image.
Storytelling Mindset
Photographers see beyond objectsโthey look for meaning.
A single image can suggest mood, emotion, or narrative.
Example: A childโs shoes by the door might tell a story of play, rest, or anticipation.
Constant Awareness
Theyโre always scanningโanticipating moments before they happen.
Street photographers, for instance, watch body language and predict interactions.
Nature photographers notice subtle changes in clouds, wind, or animal behavior.
๐ง Training Yourself to See Like a Photographer
Slow down: Pause before snappingโask, โWhatโs the light doing here?โ
Frame with your eyes: Pretend your hands are a viewfinder and crop the world.
Practice mindfulness: Notice colors, shadows, and shapes in daily life.
Shoot intentionally: Donโt just captureโdecide why youโre taking the photo.
๐ In short: photographers see light, composition, and story where others just see objects.
For street photographyโespecially when photographing peopleโyou want settings that balance speed, flexibility, and discretion. Hereโs a streetโready setup most photographers rely on:
๐ถ Street-Ready Camera Settings for People
Mode
Aperture Priority (A/Av): Lets you control depth of field while the camera adjusts shutter speed.
Manual Mode: If youโre confident, set both aperture and shutter speed for consistency.
Aperture
f/5.6 โ f/8: Keeps subjects sharp while allowing some background context.
Wide apertures (f/2.8) isolate subjects, but risk missing focus in fast-moving scenes.
Shutter Speed
1/250s or faster: Freezes walking motion.
1/500s+: Essential for cyclists, runners, or quick gestures.
ISO
Auto ISO with a cap (e.g., 3200): Keeps exposure balanced as light changes quickly on the street.
Lens Choice: 35mm or 50mm prime lenses are classicsโnatural perspective, fast aperture, compact size.
โก Quick Street Setup (Daylight)
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/250s (minimum)
ISO: Auto (cap at 1600โ3200)
Focus: AF-C, zone focus
WB: Auto
๐ This setup gives you sharp subjects, contextual backgrounds, and flexibility for unpredictable street moments.
Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of the outโofโfocus areas in a photo, usually seen as soft, creamy background blur that makes the subject stand out. It comes from the Japanese word โboke,โ meaning โblur,โ and depends on lens design, aperture, and distance.
๐ What Bokeh Really Is
Definition: Bokeh refers to how the lens renders outโofโfocus points of light, not just blur itself.
Origin: From Japanese โbokeโ (ใใฑ), meaning โblurโ or โhaze.โ
Appearance: Often seen as round or hexagonal highlights in the background, especially when shooting wide open.
Focal Length: Longer lenses (85mm, 135mm) produce more pronounced bokeh.
โจ Good vs. Bad Bokeh
Good Bokeh: Smooth, creamy, pleasing blur that isolates the subject.
Bad Bokeh: Harsh, distracting shapes or nervous edges that compete with the subject.
Example: A portrait with soft circular highlights behind the subject = good bokeh. Jagged or polygonal highlights = less pleasing.
๐ท How to Achieve Bokeh
Use a fast lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4).
Shoot wide open (lowest fโstop).
Get close to your subject while keeping the background far away.
Include point light sources (fairy lights, street lamps) for visible bokeh balls.
๐จ Creative Uses
Portraits: Isolate faces against dreamy backgrounds.
Street Photography: Neon signs and traffic lights become artistic bokeh.
Nature: Flowers or leaves blurred into soft color washes.
โ ๏ธ Things to Watch Out For
Overdoing bokeh can make images look gimmicky.
Cheap lenses may produce โbusyโ or distracting bokeh.
Not all situations benefitโsometimes context in the background is important.
๐ In short: bokeh is about the quality of blur, not just the amount. Itโs a creative tool to direct attention and add atmosphere.
Exposure mistakes are some of the most common frustrations for beginnersโand the good news is, your camera tells you when youโve made them if you know how to read the signs. Letโs break it down:
โ Common Exposure Mistakes (and How to Read Them)
Overexposure (Too Bright)
Symptoms in the photo: Washedโout highlights, white skies with no detail, pale skin tones.
Histogram clue: Graph bunched up on the right side.
Fix: Lower ISO, use faster shutter speed, or stop down aperture (higher fโnumber).
Underexposure (Too Dark)
Symptoms in the photo: Loss of shadow detail, muddy blacks, subjects hard to see.
Histogram clue: Graph bunched up on the left side.
Fix: Raise ISO, slow down shutter speed, or open aperture (lower fโnumber).
Blown Highlights
Symptoms: Bright areas (like clouds or reflections) turn pure white with no texture.
Histogram clue: Spike at the far right edge.
Fix: Use exposure compensation (-EV), or meter for the highlights.
Crushed Shadows
Symptoms: Dark areas lose detail, becoming solid black.
Histogram clue: Spike at the far left edge.
Fix: Increase exposure slightly (+EV), or use fill light/reflectors.
Mixed Lighting Confusion
Symptoms: Correct exposure in one part, but another part is too bright/dark.
Histogram clue: Spread across both ends, with gaps in the middle.
Fix: Spot meter on your subject, or bracket exposures.
Relying Only on the LCD
Mistake: Judging exposure by how the photo looks on the screen (which can be misleading in bright sunlight).
Better: Always check the histogramโitโs the most reliable exposure reading.
๐ Quick Reading Drill
Take a photo in bright daylight โ check histogram (likely rightโheavy).
Take a photo indoors with no flash โ check histogram (likely leftโheavy).
Adjust one setting at a time until the histogram is balanced (spread across the middle without clipping at edges).
๐ Exposure isnโt about โperfect brightnessโโitโs about controlling detail in highlights and shadows. Once you learn to read the histogram, youโll stop guessing and start shooting with confidence.
Exposure mistakes happen when one part of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) is set without balancing the othersโor when the cameraโs meter is misled by tricky lighting. Letโs break down the most common errors and why they occur:
๐งช Exposure Mistakes and Why They Happen
Overexposure (Too Bright)
Why it happens:
Aperture too wide (f/1.8 in bright daylight).
Shutter speed too slow (1/30s outdoors).
ISO too high (ISO 1600 in sunlight).
Meter fooled by dark subjects (camera brightens too much).
Result: Washedโout highlights, white skies, pale skin tones.
Underexposure (Too Dark)
Why it happens:
Aperture too narrow (f/16 indoors).
Shutter speed too fast (1/1000s at night).
ISO too low (ISO 100 in dim light).
Meter fooled by bright subjects (camera darkens too much).
Result: Muddy shadows, loss of detail, subjects hard to see.
Blown Highlights
Why it happens:
Bright areas (clouds, reflections, neon lights) exceed sensorโs dynamic range.
Camera exposes for shadows, sacrificing highlight detail.
Result: Pure white patches with no texture.
Crushed Shadows
Why it happens:
Dark areas fall below sensorโs dynamic range.
Camera exposes for highlights, sacrificing shadow detail.
Result: Solid black areas with no recoverable detail.
Mixed Lighting Errors
Why it happens:
Scene has extreme contrast (bright window + dark room).
Meter averages exposure, leaving both highlights and shadows compromised.
Result: One part of the image looks fine, the other is unusable.
Trusting the LCD Instead of the Histogram
Why it happens:
LCD brightness varies depending on environment.
In sunlight, photos look darker than they are; indoors, brighter.
Result: Misjudged exposure decisions.
๐ How to Read Exposure Mistakes
Histogram:
Bunched left = underexposed.
Bunched right = overexposed.
Spikes at edges = clipping (lost detail).
Light Meter:
Needle left = too dark.
Needle right = too bright.
Centered = balanced exposure (though not always โperfectโ artistically).
๐ In short: exposure mistakes happen when light, subject, and settings arenโt balanced. The histogram is your best truthโtellerโit shows whether youโre losing detail in highlights or shadows.
The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G paired with a Nikon D810 is one of the most satisfying lens-body combos you can put together ๐๐ท. Itโs a classic setup that delivers gorgeous images with relative simplicity and a very pleasing shooting experience.
๐ธ Nikon 85 mm f/1.8G on the Nikon D810 โ A Perfect Portrait Pairing
When you mount the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G on a Nikon D810, youโre combining two things:
An outstanding portrait lens with beautiful rendering
One of Nikonโs highest-resolution full-frame bodies
Together, they create images with exceptional clarity, smooth tonality, and a classic portrait aesthetic โ without breaking the bank.
๐ง Why This Combo Is So Good
๐ 1. Image Quality That Punches Above the Price
The 85mm f/1.8G is often called one of Nikonโs best value lenses because:
Very sharp from wide open
Elegant separation between subject and background
Clean, flattering skin tones
Minimal optical flaws
On the D810โs 36 MP sensor, the results are rich and detailed โ capturing texture and nuance that feel โmedium-format light.โ
๐ 2. Beautiful Background Separation (Bokeh)
At f/1.8, the lens excels at isolating subjects:
โจ Creamy, smooth bokeh โจ Rounded highlights โจ Subject pop without being cartoonish
This is exactly why 85 mm is a portrait standard โ it flatters faces while keeping distractions soft and unobtrusive.
๐ง 3. Focal Length That Just Works
On full-frame, 85 mm sits at a sweet spot for portraits โ not too wide, not too telephoto.
Itโs far enough from your subject to compress features gently, but close enough to maintain connection.
Great for: โ๏ธ Headshots โ Upper-body portraits โ Street portraits โ Isolated detail shots
โก 4. Fast, Reliable AF on the D810
The D810โs Multi-CAM 3500FX AF system pairs beautifully with the 85 mm f/1.8G:
Accurate focus even at wide aperture
Solid performance in low light
Predictable tracking across frames
This means less missed focus and fewer โsoftโ portraits at shallow depth of field.
๐ท Sample Situations Where It Shines
๐ฉ Portrait Sessions
Natural light or studio โ this lens renders skin with smooth tonal transitions and minimal post-processing needed.
๐ Street Portraiture
You can maintain respectful distance and still get head-and-shoulders frames that feel intimate.
๐ Events & Candids
Fast aperture lets you shoot in ambient light without flash โ great for weddings or indoor environments.
๐ง Practical Tips For Best Results
๐ 1. Use f/1.8โf/2.8 for Portaits
f/1.8 โ most beautiful background blur
f/2.2โf/2.8 โ slightly more depth for group or moving shots
๐ 2. Watch your focus point
At f/1.8 on 36 MP, focus placement matters a lot: โ๏ธ Aim for the nearest eye โ๏ธ Lock focus, then recompose if needed
๐ 3. Consider Distance
85 mm is long-ish โ ensure you have enough space
Too close and you compress facial features slightly (often flattering!)
Too far and the background may become a bit too compressed
๐ Comparison with Similar Lenses
Lens
Strengths
When to Choose
Nikon 85 mm f/1.8G
Sharp, smooth bokeh, affordable
Best all-around portrait lens
Nikon 85 mm f/1.4G
Creamier bokeh, more control
Studio portraits / creamy stylized look
Nikon 105 mm f/1.4E
Ultra-isolated blur
Fine-art / editorial portraits
If you want more extreme bokeh and are OK with size/weight, the f/1.4 options push the aesthetic even further โ but the f/1.8G is the sweet spot for value and performance.
๐ฏ Final Verdict
โ Image sharpness: Outstanding โ Background separation: Gorgeous โ Low-light ability: Excellent โ Ease of use: Very good โ Value: Exceptional
On the Nikon D810, this combo produces images that look rich, dimensional, and expressive โ no filters required.
Pairing the Nikon D700 with the right lens is one of the reasons this body still shines.
๐ธ Itโs a full-frame (FX) camera with great low-light ability and rugged handling, so certain lenses really unlock its potential for street, portrait, travel, and everyday shooting.
Hereโs a practical guide to the best lenses you can use with a D700 โ ranked by use case and value, including price/quality balance.
๐ฏ 1. Street & Everyday โ All-Around Winners
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S
๐ Best overall everyday lens
Field of view: Classic documentary/street framing
Fast in low light, great subject isolation
Compact and quiet AF
๐ก Why it works 35mm on full-frame gives context with subject focus, perfect for street scenes and daily shooting.
๐ Great for:
Street photography
Urban context + people
Travel
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
๐ Best all-purpose normal lens
Natural perspective (very โfilmicโ)
Sharp for portraits and general use
Affordable pro-quality option
๐ก Why itโs great If you want one lens that does portraits and everyday shoots, this is a classic. On the D700 it feels perfect.
๐ก Why youโll love it Rich, creamy bokeh and excellent sharpness make this a staple for portraits and even street portraiture from a modest distance.
๐ Great for:
Portraits
Street portraits
Events
๐ 3. Wide Angles โ Environment & Context
Nikon 24mm f/1.8G AF-S
๐ Best wide angle prime
Great for environmental street and documentary work
Very usable in low light
Minimal distortion compared to zooms
๐ก Why choose 24mm You get immersive perspective without serious barrel distortion. Great indoors or on crowded streets.
๐ Great for:
Architecture + documentary
Wider street scenes
Travel landscapes
๐ท 4. Zoom Lenses โ Flexibility Without Sacrifice
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S
๐ Verified pro zoom workhorse
Excellent range for all-around shooting
Strong low-light capability
Classic pro build
๐ก Consider this if you want one lens to rule many situations โ from wide stories to portraits.
๐ Great for:
Events
Run-and-gun photojournalism
Travel where you canโt change lenses often
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
๐ Best telephoto zoom for portraits/sports/isolated subjects
Tight framing without cropping in
Beautiful compression
Fast and tack-sharp
๐ก A D700 + 70-200 f/2.8 is a workhorse combo if you shoot concerts, sports, or candid portraits.
๐ Great for:
Tight portraits
Sports or action
Wildlife at moderate distance
๐ธ 5. Best Budget (& Used) Options That Punch Above Their Price
If you want great glass without spending a fortune:
๐น Nikon 50mm f/1.8D โ older normal lens; excellent sharpness and cheap ๐น Nikon 85mm f/1.8D โ gorgeous portrait lens at used prices ๐น Nikon 24mm f/2.8D โ a little slower but very sharp and compact ๐น Tokina 17-35mm f/4 AT-X โ great wide option on a budget
TIP: D-series lenses can still autofocus on the D700 and are often dramatically cheaper used.
๐ง How to Choose Based on What You Shoot
๐ธ Street + Walkaround
35mm f/1.8G
50mm f/1.8G
๐ชฉ Low-Light & Night
35mm f/1.8G
50mm f/1.8G
85mm f/1.8G
๐ค Portraiture
85mm f/1.8G
๐ Travel & Landscapes
24mm f/1.8G
24-70mm f/2.8G
๐ Sports/Action
70-200mm f/2.8G
๐ง Why These Lenses Still Rock With the D700
โ FX (full-frame) coverage โ they use the sensorโs best area โ Fast apertures โ perfect for the D700โs excellent low-light strength โ Sharp optics that match the sensorโs output โ Built for durability โ like the D700 itself
Older is not dated when the glass is this good.
๐ก Final Thoughts
If you want one lens that defines the D700 experience: ๐ 35mm f/1.8G
If you want one thatโs the most versatile and satisfying overall: ๐ 50mm f/1.8G
If you want beautiful subject isolation: ๐ 85mm f/1.8G
And if you want one lens that does everything: ๐ 24-70mm f/2.8G
The Nikon D700 came out in 2008. By tech standards, thatโs ancient. By photography standards? Itโs still very much alive.
And there are solid reasons for that.
๐ง 1. Image Quality Plateaued (a Long Time Ago)
This is the dirty secret of camera marketing:
For most real-world photography, image quality stopped dramatically improving around 2012โ2014.
The D700โs:
12.1MP full-frame sensor
Legendary low-light performance
Gorgeous tonal roll-off
โฆalready exceed what:
Social media
Editorial print
Street photography
Photo books
actually require. More megapixels โ better photos.
๐ 2. CCD-Like โLookโ (Even Though Itโs CMOS)
The D700 shares DNA with the D3, and it shows.
People keep using it because of:
Natural contrast
Smooth highlights
Film-like shadow transitions
Skin tones that donโt need fixing
It renders scenes, not files.
Modern sensors are technically better โ but often clinically flat until processed.
๐งฑ 3. Built Like a Weapon (In a Good Way)
The D700 is:
Magnesium alloy
Weather-sealed
Rated for heavy professional use
You can:
Shoot in rain
Bang it on concrete
Freeze your fingers off
โฆand it just keeps going.
Street photographers love tools they donโt have to baby.
๐ฏ 4. Autofocus That Still Slaps
The Multi-CAM 3500FX AF system is still:
Fast
Predictable
Excellent in low light
No face-detect. No eye-AF. No nonsense.
Just reliable center-point focus you can trust.
For street, that matters more than AI tricks.
๐ฐ๏ธ 5. Forces Better Shooting Habits
Limitations can be freeing.
With the D700:
Youโre not chimping constantly
Youโre not spraying 20fps
Youโre not rescuing sloppy exposure later
You:
Pre-focus
Anticipate
Compose deliberately
Thatโs street photography DNA.
๐ธ 6. Ridiculously Affordable Now
Hereโs the killer argument:
Camera
Real-world value
Nikon D700
~$350โ500
New full-frame body
$2,000โ4,000
For the price of a kit zoom on a mirrorless body, you get:
Pro build
Full-frame look
Files editors still accept
Itโs one of the best cost-to-image-quality ratios ever made.
๐งฌ 7. F-Mount Glass Is a Goldmine
F-mount gives you:
Decades of legendary primes
Cheap used prices
Mechanical reliability
And the D700 drives them beautifully.
๐ง The Quiet Truth
People who keep shooting the D700 arenโt behind.
Theyโre done chasing.
Theyโve realized:
Cameras donโt make photos
Familiarity beats features
Confidence beats resolution
The D700 disappears in your hands โ and thatโs the highest compliment a camera can get.
๐ Who the D700 Is Still Perfect For
โ Street photographers โ Documentary shooters โ Low-light natural light work โ Black & white photography โ Photographers who value feel over specs
๐งญ Final Thought
Old cameras become timeless when they stop getting in the way.
The Nikon D700 didnโt age poorly. It aged honestly.
Man Killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis
Ian Miller
9 hours ago
3 min read
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was a registered intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. He was known by family, friends, and colleagues as kind-hearted, compassionate, and devoted to helping people โ especially his patients and the broader community.
Pretti worked in critical care, including caring for veterans and others with severe medical needs.
He was also described as an avid outdoorsman, mountain biker, and dog lover, with a warm personality that friends say touched many lives.
๐ What Happened on January 24, 2026
On January 24, 2026, during ongoing protests and tensions surrounding a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Pretti was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent โ part of federal law enforcement now active in the city as part of an expanded immigration crackdown.
The incident occurred in a public area where protests against federal enforcement were taking place, not long after another shooting of a Minneapolis resident by an ICE agent had already sparked demonstrations and outrage.
๐ธ Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
The exact circumstances of the shooting remain contested and have become a focal point of controversy:
Federal Law Enforcement Narrative:
Federal officials, including the Department of Homeland Security, have stated that Pretti approached Border Patrol officers while armed with a handgun, prompting the agent to fire in what they called self-defence.
Eyewitness and Video Accounts:
Video footage shared publicly and verified by some news outlets shows Pretti filming agents with his phoneย and appearing to assist another person before the confrontation escalated.
Some community observers and local officials say he appeared unarmed in the videoย and was not posing an immediate threat when the shots were fired โ though authorities dispute that characterisation.
At least one image of a firearm released by federal officials was said to show the weapon in Prettiโs possession, but it has not fully quelled disputes about the sequence of events or the context.
๐ Background & Identity
Hereโs a bit more context about Prettiโs life and situation leading up to the shooting:
He was a U.S. citizenย with no meaningful criminal record beyond minor traffic citations.
Pretti had participated in protestsย following the recent fatal shooting of another Minneapolis resident by a federal ICE officer, showing concern about federal immigration enforcement practices.
His family says he cared deeply about social justice issues, including immigration policy and environmental protection, and that he joined community demonstrations peacefully.
Prettiโs father has said the family was not notified by authorities about his deathย and first learned of it through the media, later confirming his identity at the medical examinerโs office.
๐ฃ๏ธ Reactions & Aftermath
Prettiโs death added fuel to already intense public outrage in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement operations โ coming less than three weeks after the fatal shooting of Renee Good, another civilian, by an ICE agent.
Local leaders, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have criticized federal authorities and demanded transparent investigations, while protests and calls for accountability have continued.
Colleagues and veteran groups have mourned Prettiโs passing, emphasizing his commitment to care and community service.
๐ง Summary
Victim:ย Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital.
Incident:ย Fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent on January 24, 2026.
Disputed Circumstances:ย Federal officials claim he approached with a firearm; eyewitness video suggests he was filming or assisting others.
Public Reaction:ย Outrage and renewed protests over federal immigration enforcement practices in Minneapolis.
Hybrid Viewfinder: Unique among digital cameras, lets you switch between optical and electronic modes โ appealing to rangefinder enthusiasts.
Image Quality: The XโTrans III sensor delivers sharp, filmโlike rendering with excellent color reproduction.
Build Quality: Rugged, weatherโsealed body suitable for street and documentary work.
Controls: Dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation โ tactile and intuitive.
Character: Many photographers describe it as a โcamera with a soul,โ offering a distinctive shooting experience.
โ Weaknesses
Fixed LCD: No tilting or articulating screen, limiting flexibility for low/high angles.
Video Limitations: No 4K recording, only Full HD โ not ideal for hybrid shooters.
AF Performance: Improved over the XโPro1 but still slower compared to newer mirrorless rivals.
Price: At launch, it was expensive relative to competitors with more features.
๐ Comparison Snapshot
Feature
XโPro2
XโPro3 (Successor)
Sensor
24.3MP APSโC XโTrans III
26.1MP APSโC XโTrans IV
Viewfinder
Hybrid OVF/EVF
Hybrid OVF/EVF
LCD
Fixed
Hidden tilt LCD
Video
1080p
4K
Build
Weatherโsealed
Weatherโsealed, titanium option
โจ In Summary
The Fujifilm XโPro2 is best understood as a photographerโs camera: tactile, characterful, and designed for those who value the shooting experience as much as the technical output. It excels in street, documentary, and travel photography, but is less suited for video or fastโpaced sports. Its successor, the XโPro3, refined the concept but introduced its own quirks (like the hidden LCD).
โ Where It Still Excels even in 2026
Street Photography:
Discreet, rangefinderโstyle body with the hybrid OVF/EVF makes it perfect for candid shooting.
Classic Fujifilm film simulations (Acros, Classic Chrome) give images a timeless look straight out of camera.
Born: July 10, 1982, in Paris, to a Moroccan father and French mother.
Raised: Marrakesh, Morocco.
Education: Studied photography at Hofstra University and the CUNY Graduate Center in New York.
๐ธ Artistic Themes
Leila Alaouiโs photography explored migration, displacement, and cultural identity, often highlighting marginalized communities.
Major Projects
โLes Marocainsโ (2010โ2014): A series of largeโscale portraits documenting Moroccoโs diverse cultural groups, inspired by Irving Pennโs ethnographic style.
โNo Pasaraโ (2008): Focused on subโSaharan migrants in Morocco, capturing the human face of migration.
โNatreenโ (2013): Commissioned by the Danish Refugee Council, portraying Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
โCrossingsโ (2013): A video installation about migrants risking their lives to reach Europe.
Commercial & NGO Work: She also worked for magazines and humanitarian organizations, blending documentary and fine art.
๐ผ๏ธ Exhibitions & Legacy
Exhibited internationally in Paris, Marrakesh, Beirut, and New York.
Her works are part of collections such as Qatar Museums.
After her death, the Fondation Leila Alaoui was established to preserve and promote her artistic and humanitarian legacy.
โ ๏ธ Her Death
Date: January 18, 2016.
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Context: Alaoui was on assignment for Amnesty International, photographing womenโs rights projects.
Incident: She was caught in a terrorist attack by AlโQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) at the Cappuccino cafรฉ.
Outcome: Alaoui suffered severe gunshot wounds and died three days later at age 33.
๐ Summary Table
Aspect
Details
Born
1982, Paris
Raised
Marrakesh, Morocco
Focus
Migration, identity, cultural diversity
Key Works
Les Marocains, No Pasara, Natreen, Crossings
Exhibitions
Paris, Marrakesh, Beirut, New York
Death
2016, Ouagadougou terrorist attack
Legacy
Fondation Leila Alaoui
โจ In Summary
Leila Alaoui was a visionary photographer who gave voice to migrants, refugees, and marginalized communities through powerful portraiture and video art. Her life was cut short in a terrorist attack, but her work continues to resonate globally, reminding us of the human dignity at the heart of migration and cultural diversity.
Ian Miller
a world without pictures is like coffee without cream and sugar, bitter 