Real Talk - Nikon 85 1.4 AIS/D vs. Mitakon 85mm 1.2

[Zack Birlew]

Okay, I happened upon a Nikon 35mm 1.4 AIS for a steal and now I nearly have a full high speed Nikon set of lenses and I've been eyeing the Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS or D to finish it off save for the 105mm 1.8 which I just have too many fun 100-105mm Macro options plus the famous Nikon 105mm 2.5 to think about yet. However, I currently already have a Bower 85mm 1.4 and, of course, a Rokinon Cine DS 85mm 1.4 that I used on my first feature.

So, I'm worried that the Nikon 85mm 1.4 may just be roughly the same as what I have, nice though it may be, and I'm wondering if I might be limiting myself and looked at other options and the Mitakon 85mm 1.2 stood out. From what I could see in reviews, it's soft wide open but so are 1.4 lenses in general but I'm looking for the overall image and not just technical specs and sharpness, otherwise I would probably save up to get an APO cine set or Sigma Art set and call it a day.

To the point, has anybody compared the two lenses or had experience with both of them enough to tell whether it's better to go for one or the other? Would I be missing out by not getting the Nikon 85mm 1.4 in particular? One aspect that doesn't get covered too much is how the lenses perform stopped down as I wouldn't film a movie with the lens wide open unless I needed that particular effect so would that help narrow it down?

I know that new lenses are going with different mounts but this would be the last hurrah for Nikon F unless other lenses come out with support for the F mount in the future. I don't mind adapters, I plan on using many of them even on my next feature film which will have some unique stuff going on. So, what do you all think? For 85mm, Nikon or Mitakon?

EDIT: Forgot to mention, my hope for the Mitakon would be that it is just about as good, if not better, than the Nikon/Bower/Rokinon Cine DS around F1.4 but with the added benefit of the F1.2 aperture as an effect feature. If this is too much to hope for, I would love to hear the input and feedback!

 

[Dan Kanes]

Strong words incoming : Nikkor performance will slap the s**t out of a Mitakon at 1.4. But it really depends on what you’re looking for …

Take a look at the zenitar 85 1.4 which has a better build quality.

There’s also a zenitar 50 and 75 1.4

 

[alessandro_vaio]

Or you could also consider a Zeiss 85mm f1.4, in either the ZF or ZF2 version. It's not much more expensive than a Nikon 85mm ais in good conditions but is a very nice lens.

 

[Zack Birlew]

I had thought about doing a Zeiss set, thinking Milvus, but that's a task for another day! I looked at a few other options like the Samyang XP 85mm 1.2 which looked like the best alternative to the Mitakon, however, it's just Canon EF mount and I was hoping for Nikon F or PL and it's digital aperture and not manual but since it sounds like it's optically better than the Mitakon, it's not entirely out of the question. I had heard about the Zenitar's before but for this instance it really is just down to the Nikon 85mm 1.4 AIS or the Mitakon/Samyang XP for the 1.2 factor. If it really is all that much better or magical at 1.4 and beyond then I guess I really should just opt for the Nikon but, again, how much better is it than the Bower and Rokinon Cine DS that I currently have?

Also, a little wrench thrown into the mix, I emailed ZY Optics about this and they don't have a cine version of the 85mm 1.2 coming but they do have a 75mm Cine option coming, possibly T1 like the 50mm T1 Cine!

Returning to the Samyang XP, the only issue besides the Canon EF mount and digital aperture is that the cinema equivalent is the Xeen Meister which is $8,495 so way out of being considered affordable and making that $600-700 for the XP much easier to take.

I think more feedback would be helpful as, for example, there's barely any talk about the Samyang XPs, it's unbelievable how long they've been available and they barely make any sort of discussion, what gives!? There's also the Nikon 85 itself as, if it comes to video in 2022 and nearly 2023, what's the better get, the AIS or the D? So, again, any further help or advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Matt W.]

How does the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 compare with the Nikon AIS? Softer center but sharper corners?

The ZF2 actually looks cheaper in some instances. The 35mm f1.4 ZF2 should trounce the AIS in terms of sharpness and flare and CA control, but that's part of the Nikon's charm.

I still wish I could get my hands on whatever is inside a 35mm K35. The most beautiful and useful lens and focal length in that set and it's not even clear what exactly it is.