Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D Tilt-Shift Lens
The Nikon 85mm f/2.8D is a 85mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $750 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D Tilt-Shift Lens
Used Nikon 85mm f/2.8D Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
Key Features — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
85mm Telephoto Prime: A fixed 85mm focal length provides flattering perspective compression well-suited to product, tabletop, and portrait-style shooting distances.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: A relatively wide maximum aperture for a tilt-shift lens, allowing usable light transmission even when movements reduce effective aperture.
Tilt and Shift Movements: Independent tilt and shift axes let photographers control the plane of focus and correct perspective distortion without moving the camera.
1:2 Macro Magnification: The Micro designation indicates close-focusing capability down to 1:2 magnification, making it practical for detailed product and tabletop work.
Electromagnetic Aperture Control: The PC-E designation means aperture is controlled electronically via the camera body, enabling accurate exposure with auto modes on compatible Nikon DSLRs.
Nikon F Mount, Full-Frame: Designed for full-frame Nikon F-mount DSLRs with no crop factor, delivering the full intended angle of view and image circle.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Studio, Documentary, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Tilt-Shift |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
Description — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
The Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D Tilt-Shift Lens is an 85mm prime built exclusively for the Nikon F mount, delivering full-frame sensor coverage with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Sitting in the telephoto focal length range, it offers the working distance and perspective compression that product and tabletop photographers frequently rely on. Focus is entirely manual — no autofocus system is present — which suits the deliberate, controlled shooting style that tilt-shift work demands.
The lens weighs 635g, keeping it manageable for a specialty optic, and accepts 77mm screw-in filters, a widely used size that integrates easily into existing filter systems. No image stabilization is included, so pairing this lens with a tripod or rigid support is advisable, particularly for close-up imaging where camera movement is easily amplified. As a DSLR-system lens on the Nikon F mount, it is designed to work with Nikon's full-frame and crop-sensor DSLR cameras, offering photographers a tilt-shift tool rooted in precision and manual craft.
Pros — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
- ✓Wide f/2.8 maximum aperture for a tilt-shift prime lens
- ✓Full-frame coverage on Nikon F-mount cameras with no crop factor
- ✓85mm telephoto focal length well-suited to product and tabletop distances
Cons — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady support for sharp results
- ✗Limited to Nikon F mount, offering no native mirrorless compatibility
Reviews — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
Videos — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 85mm f/2.8D
Does this lens autofocus?+
No. The PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D is a manual-focus-only lens — the autoFocus specification is explicitly set to false. All focusing must be done by hand, which is typical for tilt-shift work where precise control is prioritized.
What camera mount does this lens use?+
The lens uses the Nikon F mount. It is designed for DSLR camera systems and will not natively mount on Nikon Z-series or other mirrorless bodies without an adapter.
Will this lens cover a full-frame sensor?+
Yes. The lens format is specified as Full Frame, so it provides complete image circle coverage for Nikon's full-frame DSLR bodies with no vignetting from crop. It can also be used on APS-C Nikon F-mount cameras.
What filter size does the lens accept?+
The lens has a 77mm filter thread, which is a common size shared across many professional lenses, making it easy to use filters you may already own.
Does the lens have image stabilization?+
No. The imageStabilization specification is listed as None. Photographers should plan to use a tripod or other stable support, especially when shooting at close distances or slow shutter speeds.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 635g. For a specialty tilt-shift prime, this is a manageable weight and should not cause significant fatigue when used on a stable shooting platform.