Long time D70 user, first time poster.

Finally stepped up my photography game last month and snagged a great deal on a used D700 on . Best decision EVER!

I already had the 50mm f1.8D, which was a steal for the price. I'm not particularly comfortable shooting at 50mm, so I've mostly enjoyed playing with the shallow DOF.

Then I snagged a 28mm f2.8D. Started off not too keen on the lens, then it grew on me once I was able to experiment. I've found it to be a blast to shoot with in some situations, and love playing with it.

Last week I spotted an 85mm f1.4D on eBay in like new condition for a steal, and snagged it with a Buy It Now. Yesterday, it arrived. Now THIS is a lens! The sharpness feels like a 100% improvement over my 50mm, which I previously thought was exceptionally sharp.

Together, with the D700, this lens/camera team have made my photographic endeavors almost euphoric. I haven't shot more than 500 pictures with the lens yet, but its been more fun that I can remember having behind a viewfinder!

I suppose the only point to this post are both to share my feelings with some like-minded people, and ask:

What lenses have given you that same "wow" moment?

(Here's a picture that's lightly color adjusted. That's Jasmine, my main subject)

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

>Best decision EVER!

Yes it is! Congratulations, and great shot!


>I suppose the only point to this post are both to share my
>feelings with some like-minded people, and ask:
>
>What lenses have given you that same "wow" moment?

Oh boy, your wallet is not going to like the answer: Nikon 200/2, Zeiss 100/2, Zeiss 35/2, Nikon 70-200 VRII. I'll stop here because we're past $10k...

Tom
Bay Area Nikonian

http://www.tkphoto.me/

>Oh boy, your wallet is not going to like the answer: Nikon
>200/2, Zeiss 100/2, Zeiss 35/2, Nikon 70-200 VRII. I'll stop
>here because we're past $10k...

Ahh man....you should have stopped much sooner.. lol

I already know the Zeiss 100MP is my next lens, but I have been on the fence over trading my 70-200VRI for the VRII. D700 shooter.

I would love for you to check out www.j-strophotography.com

What a great face! Like you, my favorite subject is canine--Abbey, our chocolate lab.

As for lenses--
Yes, the 85 f/1.4 is a joy. I'm also very fond of my newest, 24-120 f/4, and the 105 macro.

The 24-120 for me is the most practical; the 105, a specialized addition; but the 85 bring out the biggest WOW.

Dennis

For me the 85mm 1.8 is my favorite (not tried the 1.4) and I love my 16-35vr, crazy sharp for a ultra wide.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.
Visit my web site.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

If your wallet is looking for some less expensive "wow" moments, and you don't mind manual focus lenses, you can get some really good Nikon primes very reasonably priced. My 105 f/2.5 quickly became one of my favorites and it cost less than $125. I enjoy using manual focus lenses and this one is super sharp on my D300. Next week it will be one of the first lenses I try on the D700 that is being shipped as I type.

Nice photo, too. We have two boxers and getting good shots of them is a joy.

Garrett

stuff: D300, AF-S 17-35 f/2.8, AF 35-70 f/2.8, AF-S 80-200 f/2.8, Ai 28 f/2, Ai-S 50 f/1.8, AF 85 f/1.8 D, Nikkor-K 105 f/2.5 Ai'd

and: D70, AF-S DX 18-70 f/3.5-4.5, AF 70-300 ED f/4-5.6

This is my Nikonians gallery.

Congrats, and very nice shot! I also have the D700 and the 85mm f/1.4D and couldn't be happier with that combination. If you're into portraiture, I also like the 135mm f/2.0 "D" DC (Defocus Control). I find it pretty sharp, and once you get the hang of the lens you can beautifully blur the background (or foreground). The lens is every bit as solidly constructed as your 85 1.4, a very nice piece of iron!

Please visit my Nikonians gallery

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

@TomCurious: I laughed out loud when you mentioned the 200mm F2. That thing is a BEAST, but I'd say my budget is about done at this point. Not sure I have another $4k just laying around for a lens like that. The 70-200mm f2.8 VRII is definitely on my radar. While I don't need it yet, I will need it (or the VR1) for some of the things I'd like to shoot eventually.

I've also been very curious about the 105mm macro, but I opted for the 85mm over that. While VR/macro is nice, so is 1.4!

@Pouncer: I honestly haven't even acknowledged the 105 f/2.5 until you mentioned it. I'm definitely a fan of the old school lenses, and manual focus has its place. Thanks for the tip!

----------------------------------------
Nikon D700
Nikon 85mm f1.4D
Nikon 50mm f1.8D
Nikon 28mm f2.8D

Hello!

Congratulations on the great acquisition! What a combination!

I have the 50mm f/1.8D and the 85mm f/1.8D and really enjoy both lenses for the quality and relative size. The 85mm f/1.4 must be incredible!

Very nice!!!

Ralph.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

I got to use the new 85 the other day with my D700 and I can not agree more it is a fantastic combo! Congrats and enjoy.

Jim

Share, Learn and Inspire
www.nikonians.org



I will use film until the last roll and last lab are gone. Go Navy

Hi Michael,

Congratulations on the new kit!
When NAS hits, it hits hard.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

As you can tell I have been on here since 2002 and you would think I would know better than to cruise the forums around this time of year. I have been in a photography shooting lull for the past year or so, but the NAS has begun to show its symptoms again. I currently have the D300, but after the first of the year after the Christmas rush I will get the D700.
However, I did give in to the NAS and purchased the the 85mm/1.4. I have a grandson that I have been wanting to photograph. Now that he is walking and getting that personality I thought it would be a great time for a fast low light lens for candid shots. Now, it is being patient until 2011 for the D700.
NAS does not have a cure, it just goes into remission


GARY
The Arkansas Nikonian

Gary Marshall Photography

My Gallery

Which version of the 85mm are we referring to? I understand that the following versions exist:

AF 85mm f/1.4D
AF 85mm f/1.4D (cheaper version retails around $380)
AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

^ If you are asking me, I ordered the 85mm/1.4D IF AF lens. $1199.95 from B&H.

GARY
The Arkansas Nikonian

Gary Marshall Photography

My Gallery

>^ If you are asking me, I ordered the 85mm/1.4D IF AF lens.
>$1199.95 from B&H.

Correction as of this morning 12/4/10 I found a 85mm/1.4G at Bergen County Cameras in NJ and bought it. The 1.4D will be sent back to B&H when it arrives. Sure, it cost a little more, but I am so used to the AF-S now that it made since to make the move, though I am sure the 1.4D would have been just fine.
>
>GARY
>The Arkansas Nikonian
>

>Which version of the 85mm are we referring to? I understand
>that the following versions exist:
>
>AF 85mm f/1.4D
>AF 85mm f/1.4D (cheaper version retails around $380)
>AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
>
>

The 85mm f/1.8 USA version retails for slightly more than $400. The import version is about $380. But it's a 1.8, not 1.4.

Wm.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/84151-USA/Nikon_1931_AF_Nikkor_85mm_f_1_8D.html/BI/4775/KBID/5289/