Super cheap 85mm 1.4 (Nikon/Canon mount)...

[Evin Grant]

If your really pinching you pennies but still lust for a fast tele this might just be your huckleberry...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/600853-REG/Vivitar_85MMN_85mm_f_1_4_Series_1.html
$350!

Review here...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=31403989

Seems sharp enough, don't expect miracles but at that price it kinda already is.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

But why not buy a used Nikon f1.4 AIS 85mm???? That's one of the all-time great still lenses. . . and for what? Maybe $100 more?

Stephen

 

[Michael Thornton]

Evin Grant,

Do they make other focal length as well in 1.4?

Tek

 

[Evin Grant]

Not that I can tell.

 

[MikeHedge]

thanks Evan looks neat!

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Thanks Evin!

Great!

 

[Martin Weiss]

But why not buy a used Nikon f1.4 AIS 85mm???? That's one of the all-time great still lenses. . . and for what? Maybe $100 more?

Or get a used Contax Zeiss 85/1.4 with a beautiful focus throw, manual everything and ability to adapt to Canon Used for about $450

 

[Shane Betts]

Or get a used Contax Zeiss 85/1.4 with a beautiful focus throw, manual everything and ability to adapt to Canon Used for about $450

If you can find one. Can't believe I sold all my old Contax lenses years ago - including the 85mm f1.4. Lovely lens and wrapping the focus ring in a Red Rock Micro gear might stop it binding Hey, just remembered, my Avatar was shot on one!

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Or get a used Contax Zeiss 85/1.4 with a beautiful focus throw, manual everything and ability to adapt to Canon Used for about $450

In Vienna Contax/Y 85mm f/1.4 used costs Euro 670...

 

[Martin Weiss]

If you can find one.

There are plenty on eBay (http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_dm...at=0&_trksid=m270&_odkw=contax+85mm&_osacat=0 ), and a quick check at my favourite lens dealer reveals he also has one in shop.

With everyone wanting auto-this and auto-that, the Contax Zeiss are a steal to get. Take a tour to some local photo dealers, and you just might be lucky!

(now if only we could get the IMS approved for the R1, then I could also start using Red Primes )

 

[Roberto B]

(now if only we could get the IMS approved for the R1, then I could also start using Red Primes )

:dita:

:cheers2:
:violent:

 

[Shawn Nelson]

The Canon 85mm f1.8 for the same price is something I've been very pleased with for DSLR work

 

[Zack Birlew]

Well, the price is killer and, I must admit, I'm tempted!

However, what I thought made the Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS so special was its characteristics (ie. bokeh and whatnot) rather than its performance, though strong it may be.