Is the Nikon AF-S 85 mm F/1.8G Prime Lens Compatible with the Nikon D3300?

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the compatibility of the Nikon AF-S 85 mm F/1.8G prime lens with the Nikon D3300. This article will explore whether this lens works well with the DX camera and the implications of its focal length. We will also provide useful insights for photographers looking to purchase and use this lens for their portrait photography needs.

Compatibility Overview

The short answer is yes, the Nikon AF-S 85 mm F/1.8G prime lens is compatible with the Nikon D3300. However, it's important to understand how the 1.5x crop factor of the DX camera affects the effective focal length of your lens. This adjustment comes into play when you switch from FX (full-frame) to DX (crop sensor) sensors in Nikon's camera system. The crop factor is a simple multiplication that affects the apparent field of view and focal length of the lens when used on a DX camera.

Understanding the Crop Factor

The Nikon D3300, being a DX model, has a 1.5x crop factor. This means that the physical focal length of a lens, when mounted on a DX camera, appears to be 1.5 times the actual focal length. Therefore, for a 85mm lens, the effective focal length on the D3300 becomes 85mm * 1.5 127.5mm.

Implications for Portrait Photography

While the lens remains perfectly compatible, the 127.5mm equivalent focal length can present challenges for portrait photography, especially when working indoors. A 127mm focal length is generally considered to be a medium telephoto range and can make it more difficult to capture intimate facial details due to the longer working distance. This can be limiting for portrait photographers aiming to create more natural and close-up shots in tight indoor spaces.

General Compatibility Considerations

It's worth noting that Nikon's FX lenses, which are designed for full-frame cameras, can also be used on DX bodies like the D3300. These lenses effectively become longer when used on a DX camera due to the 1.5x crop factor. Thus, a 85mm F/1.8G lens on a D3300 becomes a 127.5mm effective focal length.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In summary, the Nikon AF-S 85 mm F/1.8G prime lens is indeed compatible with the Nikon D3300, but its effective focal length of 127.5mm may not suit all portrait photography needs, particularly indoors. If you are primarily a portrait photographer looking for a long-range lens, you might want to consider additional options like a 105mm or 135mm lens, which can offer a more flattering and natural perspective for portraits.

For those looking to explore the advantages of the AF-S 85 mm F/1.8G prime lens, it’s essential to understand the optics and the field of view it provides. While it may not be the ideal choice for tight indoor portraits, it remains a potent tool for various photography scenarios, including outdoors and low-light environments where 127mm can still offer impressive results.