Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF vs Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4 is 590 g lighter. Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 5 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Nikon F mount: the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF 
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF better than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- 590 g lighter (550 g vs 1140 g)
- 66 mm shorter (72.5 mm vs 138 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (77 mm vs 86 mm)
Why is the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better than the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF?
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.8 m vs 0.85 m)
- Newer design (2014 vs 1995)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF has the edge: it is 590 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF | Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 550 g (19.40 oz) ◆ | 1140 g (2.51 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 80 x 72.5 mm | 101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.85 m (33.46 inches) | 0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.12x |
| Image stabilization | — | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | — | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 8 groups | 11 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 6 anomalous partial dispersion elements) |
| Filter size | 77 mm ◆ | 86 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 1995 | 2014 |
04
Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Zeiss
- 72.5 × 80 mm
- 138 × 101 mm
The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is 65 mm longer and 590 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF.
05
Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF weighs 550 g, 590 g less than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 (1140 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 0.85 m for the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.4D IF has the edge: it is 590 g lighter to carry.
08
Other comparisons
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Sigma A 85 mm f/1.4 DG HSM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 EF vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen CF 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Canon EF 85 mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4