Nikon Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm vs Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Try to avoid shooting at f/22 (2,870 lines) and f/32 (1,817 lines). When tested with the same D810, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary shows similar sharpness (3,073 lines) and edge softness at 150mm, but at 200mm is a stronger performer than the Nikkor. The Sigma scores 3,803 lines at 200mm f/5.3, with strong performance from edge to edge

We'll have to wait for formal lab testing to see how evenly sharp it is, but 85mm designs are typically pretty even in clarity from the center to the periphery.

The lens did take awesome photos, but with very limited lighting and focal constraints. You will likely be happy with this lens as long as you have a more modern and powerful camera body to attach it to. The VR system works great in reducing the tremors that come with holding a 5.6 pound lens attached to your camera

8 macro, RF 35mm 1.8, RF 50mm 1.8, RF 85mm 2.0, RF 24-240mm, and other lenses in this range, from a budget perspective

I was using my 300mm f/4D AF-S plus Nikon 1.4TCII, which got me to 420mm at f/5.6. This combo works really well due to sharpness, light weight, smaller size and good reach

8 IS is simply so much better, and the price difference isn't as big as with the EF equivalents, that I'll always just recommend the 35mm. And if you already have the 35mm and don't particularly use it, well, the 50mm f/1.8 isn't going to do much for you, either.

The autofocus is very fast and VR gives you ~4 extra stops extra performance in lower light situations and hand holding. The lens hood is huge and I was able to narrow down to an Ape Case lens case to fit both the lens and reversed lens hood. Many other cases just fit the lens but not with the hood. I permanently store this lens in the lens case along with the Nikon lens bag

My number one complaint is how this was packaged. The lens was in its Sony box and that box was just put into a paper bubble mailer, not enough cushion. My lens arrived without damage, but I worry about if someone orders and there is careless delivery drivers. The Autofocus is a bit slow, but I can manage

If for no other reason to get the weight off your neck. Oh and the reason I finally pulled the trigger on buying it now was the free filter, these are BIG filters and starting around $125 so that was a great discount. Thanks Amason.

That's one reason why I opted for this 85 mm f/1.8 prime, since the f/1.4 GM version is quite heavy in comparison.

So this review is using the Nikon D7100; a good camera in it’s own right. First, I hadn’t anticipated the length and the heft of this beast. Mercy, it adds some weight. I went through the steps of calibrating the lens to my body which took a bit longer than I thought it might and found it to be a “+9”

Review below Pros & Cons. Pros - Decent price point Near silent focusing Solid build (feels sturdy/solid) Great image quality, great for portrait work with it's depth of field abilities. Sharp, fast focus Awesome low light performance + shadow recovery Cons - Lens is pretty big. It does look more "professional"(than 28-70mm), but might be a little bulky for walking around all day with