Opteka 85mm f/1.4 Lens

f/1.4 lenses aren't used for their optical perfection, but because they are f/1.4.

The Opteka 85mm f/1.4 Manual Focus Lens is an ultra-bright lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. Although you can only use this lens in manual focus mode, it is fully compatible with the automated features available with digital SLR cameras. It is compact and lightweight, and offers the ideal focal length and bright aperture for use as a portrait lens.

85mm is a terrific focal length for basic portraits, and it's moderate telephoto on most cropped DSLR cameras

If you can manage with f/1.8 or f/2, I much prefer the present Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-D which sells for just a few more dollars than this Opteka 85mm, has autofocus and a higher mechanical quality. For manual focus, I have a preference for Nikon's classic manual focus 85mm f/2 AI-S, still the smallest 85mm Nikon and sells used for less than this Opteka lens.

• Creates outstanding sharp defined images with high contrast at the maximum f1.4 aperture

• Superior peripheral brightness by using hybrid aspherical glass, perfectly correcting chomatic aberration

• Super multi layered coating reduces flare and ghosting

• Highly refractive and dispersed optical elements (9 elements, 7 groups)

• Maintains a compact size with a inner focus design

Lens Construction: 9 Elements in 7 Groups

Angle of View: 28.3 degrees (18.8 degrees in APS-C)

Aperture Range: F1.4 ~ 22

Minimum Focusing Distance: 3.3 ft / 1.0m

Filter Size: 72mm

Length: 72.2mm / 2.84 in.

Maximum Diameter: 78mm / 3.07 in.

Weight: 1.1 lb (510g)

• Opteka 85mm f/1.4 Portrait Lens,

• T-Mount Adapter,

• Front & Rear Lens Caps,

• Lens Pouch,

• 1 Year Opteka Warranty

Opteka/Rokinon/Vivitar/Samyang/etc., June 21, 2009

By Cottage Photography (NJ)

I have the Rokinon version of this lens (same lens, same manufacturer, different distributor). It is great! I use it on a Nikon D700 and have compared it with the Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4 (which I had rented for a weekend to test) and I much prefer this lens to the Nikon.

When I used the Nikon AF version, I found myself having to manually focus to Best Prices for the plane of focus just where I wanted it and so decided I really didn't need to pay extra (almost a $1k more) for the AF feature. So the only thing that would make sense for paying more was if the Nikon's Image Quality was significantly better... it wasn't. In fact, at f/1.4 (which is where you will be shooting this lens 99% of the time, else why buy an f/1.4 lens) I found the Rokinon/Opteka to be sharper and have more contrast than the Nikon.

There are a lot of reviews to be found on the inter-net for this lens. Some express concern for obtaining a good "copy". I am sure this lens is not as consistent in its build quality as Nikon is, but I got lucky right out of the chute with my first one. It is amazingly sharp, mechanically sound, and the IQ is just what I needed it to be (bokeh is wonderful).

For the price, you really can't go wrong.