Nikon AF-S 105mm F/1.4E ED + HB-79 (Sonnenblende)

A superb lens. The reviews led me to believe it would be big and unbalanced on my Nikon D850 body. Not so, it was perfect and the image is superb.

This has nearly replaced my 80-200 as my main lens on most of my photoshoots. I love the length and bokeh. Really shines in corporate work and in candid industrial settings. Obviously, VERY shallow depth of field, so be careful of focus... hard to hold focus between subject's two eyes at 1.4, but this is why I like it.

I have purchased this lens twice. The first time I found the lens severely front-focused at close distances (+20 AF Fine Tune did not fully correct the issue). With my second copy I realized the physics of the lens requires you to step back a bit from MFD, and after I started becoming aware of this, I was getting consistently good results shooting wide open at F1.4. Stopped down to F2.5 or lower yields very sharp results up to about F11 when diffraction becomes visible. Since there is no VR with the lens you need to watch your shutter speeds, though I have not had many problems shooting at 1/100 in good light. Its an expensive lens, and it has its own quirks, but if you are patient and work through the issues this lens will yield remarkably good results.

If you want a lens for bokeh (real bokeh) then this is the lens. Sharp, clear and well balanced contrast. Visions Photographic Workshops students say this lens is Amazing. it truly helps with my journey of creative exploration...

Clearly my go-to lens to achieve the true Pinnacle of Portraiture! Sharpness and beauty unsurpassed. Rugged yet easy handling. Perfectly balanced on a Nikon D850. Wish I would have had it long ago! Highly Recommend!