Nikon PC-E 85mm F2.8 D ED Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2008.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Aside from this lens is also classed as a Tilt Shift lens. By being a Tilt Shift lens means that you with this lens can tilt and shift the perspective and control the area in the image you want to be sharp. Read more and see sample images in the article below.

Product description from Nikon

At launch 2008 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon PC-E 85mm F2.8 D ED:

"Medium-telephoto perspective control lens featuring tilt, shift and rotation capability perfect for portrait, nature and commercial photography.

Medium-telephoto, Perspective Control (PC) lens featuring tilt, shift and rotation capability, ideal for a variety of shooting requirements including, portrait, nature and product photography.

Revolving capability of plus or minus 90-degrees, in 30-degree increments for versatile tilt/shift shooting effects.

High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superior color performance and substantially reduced ghosting and flare.

Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements.

Wide shifting range, plus or minus 11.5mm, with a tilting range of plus or minus 8.5 degrees provides exceptional control.

Nikon´s Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity.

Auto-aperture control with electromagnetic diaphragm is possible with Nikon’s D3, D700 and D300 D-SLRs. "


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The possibility of using autofocus (AF) does not exist, since this lens only supports manual focusing.

The lens has a focal length of 85 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-22".

Images of Nikon PC-E 85mm F2.8 D ED

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
  • The lens supports only manual focusing, not autofocus
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon PC-E 85mm F2.8 D ED.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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