It's 2019 and I came here because I had this exact question. Thanks for saving me $800 :)

Apart from the nicer colours from the 1.4, I also noticed significantly better light transmission, it looked at least 1/2 a stop brighter than the 1.8 at all the tested apertures.

Thanks for comparing, sharpness might not be much different on closed aperture but the skin tones on the 1.4 are way more pleasing in your comparison, looks almost like the light would have been way better.

All but one shot comparison, I liked the 1.8 shot over the 1.4. That makes me happy because I just ordered the 1.8g today and saved some serious cash. Thanks, man. You rock for the work you do. :)

Three months ago I was deciding between the Sigma 85 1.4 and the Nikon 85 1.8G, and decided to take the Nikon! It's quite small, and so light you'll barely notice it in your bag, but it's by far one of the sharpest lenses I've ever tested, and bokeh is nicer than you'd expect too. Totally recommend it!

Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference. If you're shooting with Nikon, then you're already a winner :-).

Purchased the 1.4 as it gives a warmer image, more aesthetically pleasing on camera and nice balance in the hand. It is personal choice as both lens do the job.

Compared the 1.8G and 1.4G and both lenses performed equally well. With the 1.8g I did get consistently sharper images and less vignetting, the lens was lighter and focused faster. Tones and hues were exactly the same for both lens using a Nikon 780. Technical reviews indicate less lateral CA with the 1.8g and Versus ranked the 1.8g an 89 and the 1.4g a 78. Some minor difference with bokeh that only a trained eye would notice. I bought the 1.8g.

To my eye, the colors on the 1.4G looked waaaay better, just more pleasing gold tones and looked more contrasty and lively. Also, weirdly the exposure is the same on the background for both lenses but its underexposed on the face for the 1.8G. The thing is, a lens is the only part of the photography gear that can stay for such a long time with you (unlike camera bodies). So if I enjoy this lens much more for the next 20 years, its only like 60 dollars per year. I think its worth it.

I have the nikon 1.4D. Truly an Amazing amazing lens. I did hire both lenses for a day to try them out. Somehow I feel there is a big difference in bokeh and depth of field, even when you shoot 1.8 on the 1.4 and minimum on 1.8. There is a stark difference.

Rented both. (alone with the 105mm 2.8). The Nikon 1.4G is better, but NOT 3 times better. Its like 5-10% better. Matts right, very much the same above f/2. And traveling with lighter gear is always a good thing.

you the best and honesty comparison on youtube.I got me 85mm 1.8Gthanks you Sir.

Thanks a lot, you just solved my confusion, am heading up with 1.8G,

Thank you Matt! It's a great comparison presentation and I'd say I just went with the 1.8G one for the exact same reasons you talked about.

I've got the 1.8g and had it for some time. I'm quite happy with it on my D850. I certainly could buy the 1.4 but both the weight and the price are negatives. I would much rather put the money towards the 300 2.8.

I notice the 1.4 was warmer. I actually like it. I'm looking for a good portrait lens and I think the 1.4 would b worth the money for what I shoot.

It depends on your type of photography. For head shots choose 85mm and for full body shots choose 50mm. The depth of field is shallower with 85mm at similar distances. If you shoot head shots with 50mm then there is a likelihood of distortion which is not the case with 85mm.

The 1.4 pictures look better at every aperture, I'm surprised by the difference.

I have two of them and I can say 1.4 is amazing.

95% against the 1.4G is generous. I'd say more like 80%. The skin tones and blemish capture are worlds apart. I'd use the 1.4G for baby shoots or young children in portraits and the 1.8G with acne teenagers and adults have skin imperfections that need not be clarified in the images plus make it easier in Photoshop to edit them out. The lens on the 1.4G is far superior tech than the 1.8G. Imo, it's well worth the extra money to buy the 1.4G in an 85mm and have a 1.8G 50mm as a general purpose and adult portrait lens in the primes. If you obtained the 18-140mm ED VR as a kit lens, then if your rich in pocket, the 70-200mm ED VR2 is an excellent final edition, all of which will cover most needs. The 85mm 1.4G is a must if you can afford it.

iunno. rented the 1.4g, and it just worked. the beautiful skin tones alone just blew me away. creamy stunning backgrounds were icing on the cake. im too broke to buy one to be sure. and my 105 2.5 ai is normally enough to get by with. but i defs will be renting the 85 1.4 every excuse i can dream up...

See the thing is, I don't think they are as close as you make out. The 1.4's colour is soooo much nicer, softer, and the breadth of tones seems to be much higher. The 1.8g is colder and less dynamic, from what I can see. I will of course buy the 1.8g instead, but only because buying the 1.4g would mean sacrificing my testes to a furious wife....

i liked the 1.8 skin tones better it has more blue in the Pictures the 1.4 has that Brown or red cast in the image i dont like it but whats better than the other it Depends what you like or prefere

I have done the exact same thing, sold my 5100 to d600 and only have the 85 1.8 great combo. I can see why some only use prime lens, its great for just about everything.

This video is nearly a decade old but it still helped me make a decision. Thanks!

if the problem is about warm, why not use a warm filter? I love the letters on the front glass ring on the 1.8 like old ones, instead 1.4 looks like a new plastic generation.

In my opinion, these videos from 'thatnikonguy' are the best, and most informative videos on KZfaq. No bull, just plain talking. Thanks for uploading these great resources.

Today I bought f/1.8 and I am really Happy with it. Matt is right, photos from f/1.4 looks better but the price diference is for some too much. You can always use the money for other gear instead if that one is not crucial for you.

well, if you don't nail focus in your test shots it's quite easy to make the 1.4 look bad...

Nikon 85 f/1.4 renders skin tones more naturally than Nikon 85 f/1.8. As Granger says, 1.4 is "warmer." Shooting 1.4 at f/2.0 the image is sharp and background is beautiful, soft blur. Nikon 85 f/1.4 has best image. Nikon 85 f/1.8 has best value.

I own the nikon 85 f 1.8 and it does take wonderful pictures ...

I have the 1.8G lens. I am very happy with the lens and the results that it can produce.

I had the old 1.8 (non-D) for a long time, and enjoyed using it, mostly for landscapes at apertures smaller than f/4. Wide open it was a dog. Replaced it with this 1.8G lens when it came out, and now I can use it all the way to wide open. I never really felt the need for f/1.4, so I'm happy with the 1.8G, it's very good bang for the buck. By the way, your model looked happier when photographed by the 1.8G ;-)

It’s 2020 and I came here because I had this exact question. I’ll be using this on my recent purchase of Nikon D800 which only cost $800 used! Thanks for saving me tons of $$$.

Thanks for the honest opinion Matt and enjoy the trip !!

There are quite a few versions of the Nikkor 85mm and the best to me is the 85mm 1.8 G. It is a joy to carry around all day on my D600.

Yeah I got all of the comparisons. Would love a 1.4.

thanks for this video. i want the 1.4 now. seeing your video. the 1.4 makes the 1.8 look like a kit lens. if your pro. get the 1.4. i guessed every one in your video side by side. the sharpness and the exposure was the dead give away. mostly exposure then you showed the side by side and that was great. i will try and swing the 1.4. thanks again. been watching you for years. now i will sub from this particular video. in low light situations that 1.4 will pay off if you shoot in low light. and you will.......go nikon! and happy shooting to all no matter what you shoot.

I've been shooting portraits and weddings with the 85mm 1.4 for years now and I have to say that it is my absolute favorite lens for portraits. I also own the Nikon 50mm 1.4 and the Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 which I could also use for portraits, but the 85mm easily out performs them... it's just a beast of a lens. With that said, I'm waiting on delivery of the Nikon 20mm 1.8 which I've purchased for landscape and astro photography work, the reviews of that lens are outstanding overall and I can't wait to take it out on the field. But going back to the 85mm... it definitely IS an investment, but if you can manage to get a hold of one, it will surely not disappoint.

I've shot with both a fair bit, and decided to buy the 1.8 a few months ago. While the 1.4 is an amazing lens, I found myself stopping it down to 1.8 or 2 (or more) in order to improve the contrast. With speedlights or strobes, I don't find myself missing the extra 'speed' of the 1.4 either.

Actually the 1.8 is considered to be a bit sharper then the 1.4. Other then being slightly brighter it’s a waste of money…just get the 1.8 unless you like burning money 😯

It was easy to pick which was which. I got them all right. I'll continue using my 24-120 mm, f4, as it looks like it's sharper with better resolution than the 85mm f1.8. If I ever stsrt doing low light portraits, I'll buy the 1.4. Occasionally I'll use my 14-24 f2.8 @ 24mm. as it's sharper with more clarity and less distortion than the 24-120. I seldom shoot portraits with a lens shorter than 50 mm. Finally, the f. 1.4 can be bought used at significant savings.

Good one Matt. I first took note of the f1.8 in a review by Darren Miles. It's great to hear my favourite reviewers agree on the most important points and make the same overall conclusions very clearly. I was struggling to pick the difference in the comparison images you share in this review. I will add that those hair splitting differences will be eclipsed by the skill and artfulness of the person taking the shots. The 1.8 would be more vulnerable to damage, if that's a consideration. But in careful hands, there's no reason why it shouldn't outlive it's owner. I'm getting the 1.8 for use on an D300 and an F100. 85mm is a great focal length. I use a 90mm f2 Summicron on Leica M cameras, and mostly wide open. I don't suffer anything from it not being faster. Thanks again for this review.

Something's odd about the 1.8 exposures. I think they're a bit dark. Maybe bump iso then compare. The backgrounds are exposed the same but the face seems not just colder but darker.

Great review. There is an obvious third alternative that I opted: buy the f/1.4 second hand. No regrets!

I shoot with a D4 and a D800. I love my 85mm F1.4 for all my portrait work. It is second choice after the 70-200mm F2.8 VRII. I had a good friend back in Oz who's daughter was going into Fashion Photography and I had a brand new D700, 85mm F1.8, battery chamber, extra batteries and a book on the D700 in the Field. Gave them ALL away to her to get her started. She remarked how sharp the F1.8 was and what a great lens it was coupled with the D700. Seems both 85's get the same endorsement as you, from two different photographers. I shoot dancers in action and portfolios of them for auditions.

The skin colors do look nicer on the Nikon 85mm f/1.4.

Thanks for this review Matt! Eventho you say that the 1.8G is 95% as good as the 1.4, I am definitely gonna be saving up for the 1.4 in the next couple of months, because as I portrait shooter I see way too huge difference between the image quality in this direct comparison. Colors can be corrected yes, but the resolved detail and contrast on the skin cannot be added in post for sure. I also hate the grey halo that the 1.8G produces, and now I can kinda see it on all sample pictures online. This is one of the best review for sure.

Matt I normally after checking you and others reviews I normally go with what you say as gold. But after purchasing 85.1.4 and I only had a Nikon d90 and a a D300s i can't agree with you on this one. That 85 1.4 is something Nikon had help from Heaven, that lens is unbelievable so much so it cause me to buy a new Nikon 800e and if it gets any better than that of my D90 i will truly be a believer of Nikon. But thanks for sharing but I think you miss the boat on this one my 85 1.4 is the BOMB with a capital B. I LOVE IT! Expensive but worth every penny.

I've got the 85mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.8. The 85 is beautiful, probably my favorite lens. The 50 works well too, but I have my doubts once in awhile of how it stacks up to the 1.4. Tempted to swap.

Exactly! Im just a beginner and got all the questions right, lol, BUT the 1.8 considering price, is amazing!

Hola...tengo hace unos años el ZEISS Planar T* 85mm f/1.4, es una maravilla de objetivo, la nitidez y detalles de este Zeiss son impresionantes. (ojo no tiene enfoque automático). Decidí comprar el Nikon f.1.8 G, hace dos meses, mas que todo por que necesitaba un 85 mm con enfoque automático, Estoy super feliz con los resultados de nitidez y detalle de este objetivo, la verdad me anime a comprarlo cuando revise este video, gracias por eso...Casi me gasto unos dólares de más, porque pensaba comprar el 1.4 G.

I won both the 1.8 and 1.4, we use the 1.8 on a D7100 and the 1.4 on a D810, For travel, you can't beat the 1.8 and an 81B filter will warm things a bit if you like. The 1.4 is better but sometimes its just not worth all the weight & space it takes up. If all you had was the 1.8 you'd never miss the 1.4.

I'm ordering the 1.8 today, I'm super excited !

I actually Liked the 1.8 better. But great comparison!

You're not the first photographer I've seen say this. I'm glad I knew this before purchasing an 85 mm.

Hi Matt, you are right about the weight factor. I have some mighty big lenses, so when I get a chance to attach a smaller lens, I appreciate it more.

I got the 1.8 five years ago and have really been in love with it.

Thanks for this guide Matt. I will definitely be getting the 85mm 1.8 when the budget can tolerate it. Very useful information as always.

Hi Adeel - you have a 75mm f/1.4 equivalent there in terms of the DX crop factor. In other words it is there or abouts. Performance wise the 85mm f1.4g is a much superior lens to the 50mm f/1.4t in terms of sharpness, bokeh (9 blade aperture as opposed to 7 in yours), warmer and more Contrasty, nano crystal coating, and better coatings over all. However, you might also want to consider the 60mm f/2.8g micro (if you haven't already got it) for your D90. Yes, the aperture is smaller, but, for portraiture, not that bad (especially in the studio). The 60mm is nano crystal coated, is critically sharp, has an extended aperture range, and is excellent value for money. Further more, with that lens you not only get your self a portrait lens on a DX (90mm equivalent), but also a very capable macro lens (2 lenses in one). Well worth considering. Hope that helps?

I have the 1.8g and absolutely love it, it's my favorite lens and I rarely take it off.

After having the 1.8 for a few years, I decided to get a used 1.4. The difference is very obvious, the 1.4 has better sharpness, colors, skin tones, it shows why it's boss very quickly and the photos take on an almost a 3D effect because they are so beautiful.

Great review -- I like your presentation style as well as your factual presentation.

Does it really matter any more, with the fact that everyone runs every photo through light room

You can see the aperture open and close if you have a camera with a DOF preview button. This will close the aperture down to the setting on the camera.

Superb review! I really like the "can you guess which lens?" section. I found that incredibly useful, especially as someone on a budget who couldn't always see a huge difference. Thanks again!

Nice review! Well covered with photos! Skin tones are the biggest difference for my eyes... 1.4 is silk...

I just ordered the 1.8 I can’t wait until I get it!

I could always tell the 1.4 as the photo is closer to the subject every time. Its a tuff choice but I am going to go with the 1.4G But I have to say both are sharp and nice bokeh. Great review Matt!!

Honestly, I never really found the difference between 1.4 and 1.8 to be all that great to justify 3x or 4x the price in some cases. I think for most people, especially casual shooters or hobbyists/enthusiasts, the 85 1.8 is a much better value. Yes it's not as fast, but you're talking about 2/3 of a stop pretty much..... and to save say $800+, I would definitely give up that 2/3 of a stop to save $800+ because in the end, I probably wouldn't notice it and with cameras the way they are today, an extra 2/3 of a stop (in terms of ISO or even shutter speed with IBIS) is not that big of a deal anymore. I personally can't justify the price different myself for what I would gain....

It really looks like you didn't have the same exposures and white balance settings between the two lenses, am I right? I mean, the pictures taken with the 1,4G looked warmer and more exposed, now that would be easily corrected and the results would be even closer.

I bought the Nikkor 85mm 1.8G when I had my D7000 and loved the IQ. I now use the same lens on my D800e and still love the IQ. :)You'll notice a huge difference when compared to kit lenses. The 85mm turns into a telephoto lens (120-something focal length) which is great for photographing people. Plus it blows the background out so you have great subject isolation.

85 F1.4 delivers superb image quality

Thanks, Matt! This made my decision easier!

I just bought the 1.8. Can't wait to get out and shoot with it.

I own the 1.8, which I bought a while back, before the "G" designation, predating the digital era in imagery. It's an early "CPU" model, made in Thailand. It fell to the tile floor, destroying the mount. I thought it was a goner, but I took it to Southern Photo Technical Services in North Miami and they brought it back to life. It was in otherwise nearly pristine condition as it saw very little action and looks new. I have been mainly using a 24-70, 2.8 and a 70-200, 2.8 and I have pretty much ignored the 85, not to mention my 50, 1.4 which was purchased about 2 years ago. (I also have some non CPU Nikon lenses which sit in an old camera bag along with a Nikkormat and an FE-2.) My digital experience was limited to point and shoot cameras until I was able to buy a DSLR, namely the D7000 with the kit kens, but later I went for the D800 and picked up the two zooms. When the 85 broke, I considered the 1.4. I am so glad I got it fixed! I don't know how this one would compare to the newer version, but I am really enjoying rediscovering it and wishing I had a few more primes. Great review, btw...

You can tell the white balance is different. Or something to that effect. She looks golden in the 1.4s and a bit blue in the 1.8s

As most probably could, I was able to tell each at each stop. Having said that if I wasn't comparing each side by side I would be waaaaayyyyyy more than happy with the 1.8.

I reached the exact same conclusion! Looking at a price/performance ratio (including the weight factor), it became obvious that the f:1.8G was a better choice for me. I use it mostly on a D800; I bought it a few weeks after its availability; I don't regret my decision. It is very sharp; I suppose I would get smoother bookey with 9 blades but as an "amateur", the price difference was just too significant to justify the f:1.4.

Matt, I could easily say which photos belongs to which lens based on the skin tones. Most people in forums say 1.4 represents truer representation of the skin colors as 1.8 produces more saturated colors (not necessarily a bad thing but comprimises the actual skin tones for portraiture). What is your take on this? Did you notice a discernible difference in this regard and if so which lens provides the true representation in your opinion?

Thanks for the review Matt. Hope you are keeping well! I so love my 1.8. By far the best lens in my bag. I used it primarily, during our workshop. Continued success to you, and safe travels.

I actually Ike the 1.8 over the 1.4. I don't want the background being too blurred. I think the 1.8 has the right amount.

Saved me money! Thank you!! I'm just learning and this will be a much better choice for me.

Thank you, i was debating between both! haha I'll go for the 1.8

I got the 85mm 1.4 AF-D used for less money than the 1.8 AF-S. Here's the thing... If I don't like it enough to warrant the price, I can sell it in a year for the exact price I paid for it (or more). I get a one (or two.. or more) year rental for free! Plus I just upgraded to the D7100 from the D5000, so I want something more substantial feeling, and don't need the AF-S Anyway, great review. If I end up wanting AF-S (don't really use the manual override on my 35) I'll go with the 1.8 due to price and your comments Matt!

Just found this video and I'm so thankful for it. I have been debating on whether or not to get the 1.4 or the 1.8. You helped make up my mind for me, the subtle differences are not that big a deal. It's like Butter Baby!

Used to use the nikon 85mm 1.4d and d700 combo before before hard times came and had to sell them off. Nevertheless, the day I got the lens everything changed. The color pop out, the creamy background, even the contrast. I never looked back. It was the number one portrait lens in the arsenal. I really miss it. Another note you will spend a ton of money on the 1.4 but look at it as a long term investment.

I have Google'd the difference between these 2 lenses so many times, but your video has been the most helpful. Thank you!

That is a fair comment which is supported by the DxO Mark scores too. I would buy the 85mm f/1.8 which is the best according to DxO mark. Thank you.

Hey it's Tina Yong! One of my favorite KZfaqrs! Awesome review as well!

Another timely comparison - I am considering an 85mm Prime over my 70-300mm zoom, because I want to improve the quality of my portraits. The two lenses are so close in quality but the three to one difference in price is making the choice fairly easy.

Thank you very much! Excellent evaluation. I appreciate the fair commentary.

great to hear. thanks

Great review; wish you could have included the Sigma 85mm F1.4 as comparison.

the 1.4 looks like it casts a warmer redish hue on its images while the 1.8 casts a cooler blue grey hue

Thanks Matt. I went and got the 1.8G. Appreciate you taking the time creating this comparative review.

thank you for your good review, in my opinion the main difference between these two is the way they render color. The 1.4 is warmer.

Totally agree. The 1.8G is superb. Great videos!

i think i am decided on the 1.8G! thanks for the review!

I think that the test subject could have been much better, it's harder seeing the differences when the foreground is darker than the background. The test image lack contrast and brightness due to the darker foreground.