Nikon portrait lens shoot out - 85mm 1.4G vs 70-200 VRII (NEW)

[mattgranger]

@SLRist Thanks. No, I don't own the 105.

How did I justify it? Well I didn't have either, and I was able to get it from the HK distributor direct for under the RRP (at a time it was sold out world wide). For others, it is just if they want the new optics, better lens hood, etc. If you already own the D variant, would be hard to justify the upgrade.

[CarlyWaarly]

Another review of interest, we have just purchased the 70 - 200 based on most of the reviews on
u tube and it has to be added that the different approaches by those placing these videos is of much interest, DigitalRev being another favourite! Pleased to see that a reviewer actually talks to the viewer rather than shout, all the best!

[bodmitri]

Whats up with the video aspect ratio, it's super wide...

[mattgranger]

@Jolinator oh you are shooting from an aircraft, not a boat? That is great!

Good luck with the lens and warranty (make sure you insure it too!), and I hope you will share some shots on the facebook or flickr group.

[mattgranger]

@Barnyrubbleism thanks for taking the time to watch and comment on so many of my videos - and for your concern about my business! (Things are going great btw) Clearly you would prefer I list previous clients on the website, and use models in my reviews instead of objects. Unfortunately, I don't do that. Generally I don't do head to head lens comparisons when it would take up others time as well as my own.

I hope you don't mind I copy the same response onto all of your comments.

[robodobo]

Great review, thanks. I just got the 70-200 VRII today but would love the 85 1.4.

[mattgranger]

@CAJUNNSC without installing a special focus screen, you cannot accurately focus most cameras manually beyond about f2.

[stephanebrouard]

Oops, wrong place, was looking for a review of round lenses, not oval ones...moving on.

[thecageyone]

All your old vids are ballsed up Matt! 

[panavision]

thank you, mr granger. your advice was most useful. will shoot my second office party this weekend.

[mattgranger]

@Barnyrubbleism Welcome back! For someone who doesn't like my videos, you sure have watched a lot. I think you have made your point, I will leave your comments up so that people can take your warning about following my advice, or not. But that is enough negativity now, I am blocking your account.

[MohanJan]

At 2:03 : 85mm f/1.4 is sharper! Of course, how can a zoom lens at f/2.8 compete with a prime at f/1.4. It is a choice between portraits and versatility. You must know what kind of photography you are doing. If it is mainly portraits go for the 85mm f/1.4.

[frkm]

Hey Matt. Ever use the 105mm 2.8 Micro for portraiture? If so, what's your opinion?

[villehonkamaki]

I was having the same dilemma some time ago. I have Nikon 70-200VR1 and Sigma 85/1.4 and was always thinking, which lens to use. Eventually I came to the same conclusion that 70-200 is the quick all-arounder, where 85/1.4 is my option for portraits, when I have space and time to move. Portraits with Brenizer method & 85/1.4 at f/1.4 look just stunning.

[Jolinator]

@thatnikonguy cant wait!, just picked up a 70-200 and 1.7 teleconverter today, super tele would be to big to use in the aircraft i think, however my 70-200 vr 2 had no warrenty card in the box so back to to the store we go:(

[quitefranklybb]

Highly considering one of these two lenses. Have you updated your choices since this recording?

[gothamguys]

Thank you for doing this comparison! It was very helpful!!

[iperspolise]

Matt can you give us the link to the those lens that you mentioned please! Thank you.

[CarlyWaarly]

The x 2 Nikon Converter is recommended as well!

[mattgranger]

nikon have released a list of lenses they think are up to the task of the D800 - and not only newest ones - search it.