Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR Lens
The Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR is a 85mm f/3.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $303.78 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
Key Features — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
85mm Prime Focal Length: Fixed 85mm focal length on APS-C delivers a 127.5mm equivalent field of view, providing comfortable working distance between the lens and subject during macro shooting.
1:1 Macro Reproduction: Achieves true 1:1 life-size magnification, rendering subjects at their actual size on the sensor for detailed close-up photography.
Vibration Reduction (VR): Built-in optical stabilization compensates for camera shake, which is especially valuable during handheld macro work where movement is greatly amplified.
ED Glass Element: Extra-low Dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration for sharper, more color-accurate results across the focus range.
AF-S Silent Wave Motor: Internal Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus that is well-suited for both stills and video capture without drawing attention to focus noise.
APS-C DX Format Design: Optimized for Nikon's DX-format sensors, making it a dedicated and compact macro solution for crop-sensor DSLR shooters.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Product, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | APS-C |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Manual, Auto |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
The Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR is a prime macro lens built on the Nikon F mount, tailored specifically for APS-C format DSLR cameras. Its fixed 85mm focal length positions it as a dedicated close-up tool, while a maximum aperture of f/3.5 provides adequate light gathering for typical macro and general photography scenarios. Built-in optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake, a real advantage when shooting handheld at close focusing distances.
The lens offers both autofocus and manual focus modes, catering to photographers who want the speed of AF or the precision of manual control. A 52mm filter thread keeps the front element compact and accessory-friendly. Weighing in at just 355 grams, this lens is easy to carry on location or during extended shooting sessions.
It fits any camera body equipped with a Nikon F mount, making it a practical choice for photographers working within the Nikon DX DSLR ecosystem.
Pros — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld macro shooting
- ✓Lightweight at just 355g, making it comfortable for extended use
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus for flexible shooting control
Cons — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 is relatively modest compared to faster prime lenses in a similar focal length range
- ✗APS-C-only design limits use to DX-format bodies; not optimized for full-frame Nikon F cameras
- ✗No weather sealing information available in specifications
Reviews — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
- Nikon 85mm f/3.5G ED VR DX AF-S Micro Nikkor Review
Imaging Resource - Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Lens Review
ePHOTOzine - Nikon AF-S DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G VR review
Digital Camera World - MUST OWN DX Nikkor lens 😘 The ONE used Nikkor DX Nikon owners should buy
Theoria Apophasis - Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED lens review with samples
Christopher Frost
Videos — Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G ED DX VR
5 Nikon 85mm Portrait Lenses: $300 to $2,200 (Review) — Tony & Chelsea Northrup







