Nikon’s new 85mm f/1.8G is now on sale.  The lens is designed for FX (full-frame) bodies, and at around $500 (U.S.), it’s a lot cheaper than my 85mm f/1.4G, which sells for $1700 (if you can even find one for sale).   In spite of the price, the f/1.4G was worth every penny that I paid for it – I had to pick myself up off the floor after using it for the first time, it is such a beautiful lens to use – pin sharp wide open at f/1.4, with beautiful bokeh, fast, accurate focusing even in low light, and perfectly balanced on a full-frame body.

You can find the new 85mm f/1.8G at B&H here.  It’s only a fraction slower than the f/1.4, so if you are a Nikon shooter looking for a fast short-telephoto prime lens on a budget, this may just be what you are looking for.  It will be interesting to read the reviews, and see how it stacks up against the existing 85mm f/1.8D, and the vastly more expensive f/1.4G.