Please Note: This lens model will not autofocus on some Nikon cameras. See List Of Cameras

Nikon AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 Autofocus Lens {62}

Model #246587
  • $214.00

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Nikon's 85mm f/1.8 F-mount portrait workhorse

The AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 sits in a focal length that portrait photographers have trusted for decades. At 85mm on a full-frame body, subject compression works in your favor and background separation happens naturally at f/1.8 without forcing you to fight the lens. The autofocus motor keeps up with the kind of relaxed-to-moderate subject movement you encounter in studio sessions, editorial shoots, and street portraiture.

The 62mm filter thread is a practical size, common enough that a solid circular polarizer or ND filter won't break your kit budget. F/1.8 gives you enough light-gathering headway to work in dim reception halls or late-afternoon window light without immediately reaching for flash. This is a lens built around a single, purpose, and it executes that purpose with the consistency that made the F-mount ecosystem a professional standard for film and digital shooters alike.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting on Nikon F-mount bodies will find 85mm at f/1.8 hits the focal length and aperture combination that flatters faces without distortion. Event photographers working in low-light venues get a meaningful light advantage at f/1.8 without hauling heavy glass. Travel shooters who want a compact, single-focal-length solution for candid portraits and street work will appreciate how unobtrusive this lens reads in the field. Film photographers using Nikon SLR bodies gain full AF compatibility on a lens that covers their format natively.

Key Features

  • 85mm focal length optimized for portrait compression and isolation
  • f/1.8 maximum aperture for subject separation without forced shallow depth of field
  • Nikon F-mount compatibility with all autofocus-capable DSLR bodies
  • 62mm filter thread for affordable circular polarizers and ND filters
  • Internal autofocus motor for responsive subject tracking

FAQ

Is the AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 suitable for portrait work?
Yes. The 85mm focal length provides natural subject compression and background separation at f/1.8 without requiring you to work at maximum aperture for isolation. This makes it the standard choice for studio, editorial, and street portraiture.
What autofocus performance can I expect?
The internal autofocus motor handles relaxed-to-moderate subject movement typical of portrait sessions. It's not built for fast action tracking, but it's responsive enough for studio work and handheld shooting in controlled conditions.
Will this lens work with my Nikon digital body?
Yes, as long as your camera has an F-mount. The AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 is compatible with all Nikon F-mount DSLRs and will autofocus on bodies with an autofocus motor in the camera body (most professional and consumer models).
What filter size do I need for this lens?
The filter thread is 62mm. This is a common size with a wide range of affordable polarizers, ND filters, and protective filters available.
How much background blur does f/1.8 deliver?
At f/1.8 on a full-frame body, you get substantial subject-to-background separation without needing to shoot wide open. Stop it down and you retain good bokeh quality with creamy out-of-focus rendering.
Is this lens fast enough for low-light work?
F/1.8 provides solid light-gathering capability for dim interiors and golden hour shooting. You can work handheld in reception halls and late-afternoon window light without defaulting to flash.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length85mm
Max Aperturef/1.8
MountNikon F
Filter Thread62 mm

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Nikon
Filter Size 62mm
Focus Type Autofocus (camera motor)
Lens Mount Nikon F Mount AF (pre-D)
Lens Type Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 85mm
Min Focal Length 85mm

Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .

Exceptions


New
New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Like New
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
As Is
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.

Like New Minus

Like New Minus
Like New Minus

Like New Minus

Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Excellent Plus

Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus

Excellent Plus

Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Excellent

Excellent
Excellent

Excellent

Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Bargain

Bargain
Bargain

Bargain

Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Ugly

Ugly
Ugly

Ugly

Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.

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