I find the internet incredibly fascinating. I really do. Within the past 2-3 days, somewhere in the neighborhood of 60-70 thousand people have visited this blog- most of whom were checking out the new Nikkor 85mm 1.4G lens. I've taken a few minutes to view some of the websites and forums that have been discussing the lens. I feel incredibly lucky to have been loaned this lens from Nikon in order to shoot with it, and I can't thank everyone for the kind words regarding my images.
However, I'd like to set a few things straight. I'm not, nor is any other photographer "sponsored" by Nikon. Yes, they occasionally sponsor some of my seminars, which I'm incredibly grateful for, and once in a while I speak at tradeshows they attend- WPPI, Photoplus... etc- which I LOVE doing. I've paid for each and every piece of gear in my bag, and always have- So have each and every other photographer who used Nikon gear. EVERY ONE! Nikon wants us to use the gear because we choose to, not because we're given things.
Secondly, I am not a tester. I'm not someone with the "technical" knowledge with the proper physics background to comment on all of the incredibly trivial nonsense I've seen discussed on certain forums. It's this simple. I shot the lens, I loved the lens, and I'm going to buy the lens. Could I continue to get by with the Nikkor 85D? Absolutely I could, because it's really a killer lens, and it hasn't left my bag since I purchased it. I was asked to shoot the lens because they knew I'd put it to use in real world situations through the rigors of a wedding day.
Can I pick the lens apart like a Thom Hogan or other experts? Hell no! I also have no desire to. Either I like the lens, or I don't. It either helps me produce better imagery or it doesn't. It's sharper, it's faster, and I like the look it gives me. It's got that unmistakable sharpness that the 14-24, 24-70, and 70-200(which may be the best damn piece of glass I ever used) give me.
I use the 85 in some tough conditions and low light. There are times when the contrast is quite low. Sometimes I'll need a cross sensor point in the camera, but it's dead on sharp. The "D" would not have been as fast, and there were times I got frustrated the the "D" even though I loved it.
This lens will apparently be available in a few weeks from what I've read, so many of you glass experts will decide for yourselves. Nikon doesn't have some evil marketing machine that plants gear in the hands of ass kissers and bullshitters. What credibility would I have if the D3 sucked, or if the 70-200VRII sucked? I said the D3 rocked my world when it came out, and the 70-200VRII has helped me make better pictures.
Some forum fodder will continue forever, those who've mistaken me for a lens expert who should be doing science experiments with equipment should know that I'm making pictures for a living- not reviewing gear. All that said, I'll be buying one, and you'd better get on a list if you want one soon!
Here's another pic from today's engagement session. It's the church where this gentleman proposed to his future bride- shot in Princeton NJ. Thanks Gabby and Mike, I had a great time.
I saw the comments. I really appreciate that you posted about this lens and that you put up some hi-res images for us to view! Beautiful work as always!
Posted by: Alan | August 27, 2010 at 07:31 AM
You are great as your photos. Thanks for sharing your work.
PS: I'm Italian, sorry for my english.
Posted by: Italian Guy | August 27, 2010 at 09:13 AM
That's the type of review I want to read. Good call Cliff!
Any chance of seeing some exif data?
Thanks,
Carl L
Posted by: Carl Licari | August 27, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Thank you for the preview Cliff and the "photographer's" opinion, that means a lot!
Posted by: Stephen | August 27, 2010 at 10:16 AM
I think you are a fantastic photographer, with a gifted eye, regardless of what lens you use. You could probably make images pop with a 27 exposure off-brand disposable. Even just as, if not more important, you sound like a straight up guy and, like Stephen (10:16 AM) says, your photographer's opinion "means a lot."
Posted by: Erica | August 27, 2010 at 11:14 AM
I.m am just a beginner in photography and have not shot a wedding yet but I had to post a comment anyway to say you FREAKING ROCK !!! and that your work is a big inspiration to me hope to be half as good as you some day
Austin
Posted by: Austin Powers | September 15, 2010 at 05:23 PM
Cliff! I was wondering if you had heard anything further on when this will actually be released! I've scoured the internet, everything says September 2010, but haven't seen it "in stock" yet!!!
Posted by: katie | September 19, 2010 at 09:35 PM
Hi Katie
This lens has been released, but it's not the easiest to find in stock. Keep trying. You'll find one.
Posted by: cliff mautner | September 19, 2010 at 09:39 PM
"I'm not, nor is any other photographer "sponsored" by Nikon. Yes, they occasionally sponsor some of my seminars..."
LOL! So they don't sponsor you, except for when they do sponsor you?
Posted by: Mel | September 20, 2010 at 08:00 PM
Lets be clear here. I get nothing for free from them. Many trolls on the web have claimed I receive gear from them and in return I say good things about the gear. This is nonsense, and there is no particular sponsorship program that nikon has. In fact, I'm speaking at Photoplus and WPPI, and they're not sponsoring either programs. You can continue to take things out of context and question my integrity, or you can try the gear yourself and judge for yourself. Buy the gear, or don't buy the gear, but I'm nobody's bitch.
Posted by: cliff mautner | September 20, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Hello, I know you might dont give out free information, but I am from Haiti I use to have a nikon 3000 and a canon d40 well I lost both of them while I was traveling in Haiti for the earthquakes cause I sponsor kids to go to school in Haiti and my side photographer really help collect money to send for them, but now I save about $3500 and I wanted to know what kind of camera would you think I should buy for wedding and portrait my cousin is getting married in Roanoke Virginia in December and he would like for me to be the photographer please help me out before I buy my equipments
Posted by: Renel Philippe | September 24, 2010 at 06:06 AM
amazing pictures!!!!
I have a Nikkor 85mm f1.8 and I been thinking of upgrading to f1.4...should I?
Posted by: Roselle | September 30, 2010 at 01:15 PM
Wow! This is, for lack of a better word, tasty! Of course, even with the finest of glass, one needs a maestro to conduct the orchestra of light subject and camera and you do juuuust fine in that department, Cliff :)
Hmmm....maybe I should switch to Nikon... LOL!
Superlative shot, stunning lens
Mark
Posted by: Mark A. Kathurima | October 11, 2010 at 10:38 AM
I have the Nikkor 85mm 1.4D and it is one of my favorites. Hard to believe they were able to improve upon that lens. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Posted by: James - NYC Wedding photographer | October 24, 2010 at 10:09 PM
The beautiful posts,and cool picture you showed,like it so much,and hope to be better.and tare care,enjoy yourself!
Posted by: jordan retro 5 | November 04, 2010 at 09:37 PM
Wonderful picture & wonderful lens !!! I'm a wedding photographer from Barcelona (Spain) and I love your work. Do you work with the new 70-200 f/2.8 VR II ? I've bought this week and I'll test it the next week in a wedding. Best regards. Manel
Posted by: Manel Tamayo | November 12, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Which digital camera is best within 10k range with good features and clarity?
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great post, I'll be a regular visitor here
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Posted by: Burberry Outlet | August 25, 2011 at 01:56 AM
Since reading your blog and seeing some vids. I am looking at the 85mm Canon Prime lens...
Posted by: Wedding Photography | September 19, 2011 at 08:30 AM