Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC Usd - Nikon Lens
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that’s often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows us to include our VC (Vibration Compensation) system—without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What’s more, our SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that’s often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows us to include our VC (Vibration Compensation) system—without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What’s more, our SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that’s often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows us to include our VC (Vibration Compensation) system—without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What’s more, our SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that’s often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows us to include our VC (Vibration Compensation) system—without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What’s more, our SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
in 4 offers
The lowest price for Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC Usd - Nikon Lens right now is $699.00 at Everyday Rewards, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $600.00 on 21 Mar 2026 — today's price is 17% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 27 June 2026.
Last updated at 27/06/2026 21:16:03
2ND HAND - Tamron AF 85mm f1.8 Nikon
Delivery between Wed – Sat $10
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Lens (Nikon)
Free delivery between 30 June – 7 July
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 NIKON** DI VC USD Ø67mm
Delivery $10
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Nikon
Free delivery
originally posted on adorama.com
I tried the larger 2.8 canon zooms (70 to 200) and the 85mm 1.8 and to me, this is the best compromise for good image quality at a reasonable weight. The canon 1.8 to me produces lifeless colors and mediocre portraits. This produces really sharp images with a lot of pop, especially at 2.8 and higher. It's usable at 1.8 but there is a big jump once you get to F2.8. The stabilization is not nearly as good as what you find with a 70 - 200 zoom. I get about 1 to 2 stops, but that is still a lit better than not having it. Autofocus is pretty fast and very accurate. It is not quite as fast as the 85mm 1.8, but it's more reliable. If you want the best portraits, get the 70 200 F2.8 II IS; if you want a lens to carry around that makes people look really good, get this. At ... MoreI tried the larger 2.8 canon zooms (70 to 200) and the 85mm 1.8 and to me, this is the best compromise for good image quality at a reasonable weight. The canon 1.8 to me produces lifeless colors and mediocre portraits. This produces really sharp images with a lot of pop, especially at 2.8 and higher. It's usable at 1.8 but there is a big jump once you get to F2.8. The stabilization is not nearly as good as what you find with a 70 - 200 zoom. I get about 1 to 2 stops, but that is still a lit better than not having it. Autofocus is pretty fast and very accurate. It is not quite as fast as the 85mm 1.8, but it's more reliable. If you want the best portraits, get the 70 200 F2.8 II IS; if you want a lens to carry around that makes people look really good, get this. At F2.8, you will get sharp images with a lot of pop.
originally posted on ebay.com
A tremendous lens. You give up 60% of 1 stop of light fro what a 1.4 give you. That's really not much to complain about. The lens is excellent in all ways I have tested it. It focuses well, the Bokeh is nice, it's super sharp and the VR works reasonably well. These are a completely viable alternative to the pricey 1.4 offerings. I have no qualms about recommending it and I've owned a lot of nice 85 1.4 and even the Canon 85 1.2.
originally posted on adorama.com
Tamron's SP 35mm, 45mm, and 85mm lenses compete head-to-head with Nikon's, no doubt. They are fantastic lenses and well built. Fast and sharp. But only the 45mm is priced as it should be - I'm just not willing to pay the hefty premium over the Nikon's just to get VR. Tamron is usually the "go to" for value, but in the case of this 85mm f/1.8 (and less so with the 35mm), the Nikon f/1.8 is the better value (this Tamron is almost double).Hopefully with the intro of Tamron's f/1.4 line primes (35mm first, hopefully 85mm coming soon), the f/1.8 models will drop in price.
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Lens construction | 13 elements in 9 groups |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.8m (31.5 in.) |
2ND HAND - Tamron AF 85mm f1.8 Nikon
Delivery between Wed – Sat $10
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Lens (Nikon)
Free delivery between 30 June – 7 July
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 NIKON** DI VC USD Ø67mm
Delivery $10
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Nikon
Free delivery
I tried the larger 2.8 canon zooms (70 to 200) and the 85mm 1.8 and to me, this is the best compromise for good image quality at a reasonable weight. The canon 1.8 to me produces lifeless colors and mediocre portraits. This produces really sharp images with a lot of pop, especially at 2.8 and higher. It's usable at 1.8 but there is a big jump once you get to F2.8. The stabilization is not nearly as good as what you find with a 70 - 200 zoom. I get about 1 to 2 stops, but that is still a lit better than not having it. Autofocus is pretty fast and very accurate. It is not quite as fast as the 85mm 1.8, but it's more reliable. If you want the best portraits, get the 70 200 F2.8 II IS; if you want a lens to carry around that makes people look really good, get this. At ... MoreI tried the larger 2.8 canon zooms (70 to 200) and the 85mm 1.8 and to me, this is the best compromise for good image quality at a reasonable weight. The canon 1.8 to me produces lifeless colors and mediocre portraits. This produces really sharp images with a lot of pop, especially at 2.8 and higher. It's usable at 1.8 but there is a big jump once you get to F2.8. The stabilization is not nearly as good as what you find with a 70 - 200 zoom. I get about 1 to 2 stops, but that is still a lit better than not having it. Autofocus is pretty fast and very accurate. It is not quite as fast as the 85mm 1.8, but it's more reliable. If you want the best portraits, get the 70 200 F2.8 II IS; if you want a lens to carry around that makes people look really good, get this. At F2.8, you will get sharp images with a lot of pop.
A tremendous lens. You give up 60% of 1 stop of light fro what a 1.4 give you. That's really not much to complain about. The lens is excellent in all ways I have tested it. It focuses well, the Bokeh is nice, it's super sharp and the VR works reasonably well. These are a completely viable alternative to the pricey 1.4 offerings. I have no qualms about recommending it and I've owned a lot of nice 85 1.4 and even the Canon 85 1.2.
Tamron's SP 35mm, 45mm, and 85mm lenses compete head-to-head with Nikon's, no doubt. They are fantastic lenses and well built. Fast and sharp. But only the 45mm is priced as it should be - I'm just not willing to pay the hefty premium over the Nikon's just to get VR. Tamron is usually the "go to" for value, but in the case of this 85mm f/1.8 (and less so with the 35mm), the Nikon f/1.8 is the better value (this Tamron is almost double).Hopefully with the intro of Tamron's f/1.4 line primes (35mm first, hopefully 85mm coming soon), the f/1.8 models will drop in price.
This lens...OMG!!! Exceptionally sharp! 1st look of image, even through my crappy rear LCD screen stopped me in my tracks! I shoot with a Nikon D800 full frame and LOVE this lens. Was originally drooling over Sigma Art? Just couldn't do it. Very happy with this and my other Tamron lens (45mm...sweet spot between a 35 and 50mm, 24-70mm G2 and 70-200mm G2.). I could not find to rent anywhere, so took a chance and bought it. If YOU do not get great results, then it must be camera or you that is causing you not to. Get it at $!!
The Tamron 85 1.8 is one of the best lenses in this range I've used. I use to shoot with the Canon 85 1.2 L but could never trust it. Too many missed shots and even at f4. I then switched to the Canon 50 1.2L & Canon 135 2L and still was let down many times and never felt safe. I understand 1.2 is shallow but when you take these lenses to f4 and still have misses... I could not believe how SHARP the Tamron lens is. And the hit ratio of sharp photos was fantastic. Oh ya, and that's shooting wide open at 1.8! Beautiful build, fast focus and amazing results. Highly recommended!
This is a stunning lens and the vibration reduction comes in very handy for hand-held work. I am using it with a Nikon DX camera and as such it becomes a longer portrait lens, ideal head and shoulder shots. The lens is incredibly sharp from f/2.2 but a little soft at f/1.8. Bokeh is good and handling is fine. The lens feels solid with a mainly metal feel and it looks good. Auto focus is fast and accurate enough. Overall a good portrait lens. An interesting option have vibration reduction in a reasonably affordable portrait lens (cheap compared to f/1.4 lenses) and would also come in handy at concerts and music venues where you can get reasonably close to the action.
I’ve only had this lens for two weeks and have only taken test shots but from the test photos I’m extremely happy with the lens. The VC function was the biggest selling point for me. I previously had the canon 85 1.8 although a great lens, photos quality and compact but with Image Stabilization you basically need to shoot at shutter speeds over 1/200 to ensure sharp pictures. But with the Tamron you can shoot at shutter speeds of 1/15 or 1/20 of a second and still get useable photos at 1.8. Yes this lens is double the price of the canon 85 1.8 but in my opinion the build quality, The Vibration Compensation, included lens hood and better build quality is worth the price difference. I’m shooting my first photoshoot in 2 weeks with this lens, I’m excited to see how it ... MoreI’ve only had this lens for two weeks and have only taken test shots but from the test photos I’m extremely happy with the lens. The VC function was the biggest selling point for me. I previously had the canon 85 1.8 although a great lens, photos quality and compact but with Image Stabilization you basically need to shoot at shutter speeds over 1/200 to ensure sharp pictures. But with the Tamron you can shoot at shutter speeds of 1/15 or 1/20 of a second and still get useable photos at 1.8. Yes this lens is double the price of the canon 85 1.8 but in my opinion the build quality, The Vibration Compensation, included lens hood and better build quality is worth the price difference. I’m shooting my first photoshoot in 2 weeks with this lens, I’m excited to see how it performs in a real world situation.
For Canon users, this lens is an excellent value, slotting in between the legacy Canon 85 1.8 USM, and more expensive 85L variants (1.4 and 1.2). The images are super sharp and the VC helps for video and low-light photography work. Excellent performance as 85 on a 5D or other full frame body as well as a 135mm (equivalent focal length) on a 7D, Rebel or other EF-S 'crop' body. The auto-focus is accurate but a little slower than old Canon's 1.8 USM or new 85L 1.4 lenses. Feels faster than the legacy Canon 85L (1.2) and on par with the Sigma 85Art. The images leave little to be desired (comparable to both the Canon 85L 1.4 and Sigma 85 Art), and the lighter weight makes all day shooting easier on the wrists, fingers and back. Recommended!
A am a long time canon user and amateur astronomer familiar with the physics of optics. Recently purchased a canon 80d and a sigma 150-600mm from adorama. Both are excellent products from an execellent supplier. I wanted to upgrade my portrait Lens with one that had great sharpness and a low f stop for two summer weddings. After much research , I choose the Tamron SP 85mm f1.8 DI USD. Adorama processed my order quickly and I was very excited to use my new lens. My first test of the lens showed a strong chromatic aberration wide open for bright objects against a dark background. I took images from f1.8 to f16. I found the chromatic aberration to be very strong with bright blue/violet halos around the white objects even beyond f4. I took images of the same scene and ... MoreA am a long time canon user and amateur astronomer familiar with the physics of optics. Recently purchased a canon 80d and a sigma 150-600mm from adorama. Both are excellent products from an execellent supplier. I wanted to upgrade my portrait Lens with one that had great sharpness and a low f stop for two summer weddings. After much research , I choose the Tamron SP 85mm f1.8 DI USD. Adorama processed my order quickly and I was very excited to use my new lens. My first test of the lens showed a strong chromatic aberration wide open for bright objects against a dark background. I took images from f1.8 to f16. I found the chromatic aberration to be very strong with bright blue/violet halos around the white objects even beyond f4. I took images of the same scene and lighting with other canon lens and the sigma 150-600mm for comparison. The sigma showed essentially no chromatic aberration. A superb lens at a great price. I sold my canon 100-400mm after I purchased the sigma. Expect for the chromatic aberration the tamron is a fine lens with great feel and an excellent build. I could have obtained a bad copy. I hope this is not typical of the tamron. The CA was just something to strong to be acceptable. I have returned the lens. I will look to canon or sigma for my portrait lens.
This was actually the second lens I got after exchanging the first. The focus point of the lens was terrible on the first lens; opened up at F1.8, the lens was front focusing so much that what I was focusing on was way out of focus. The DOF range was a good 4 inches in front of the focus point at about 10 feet, so I exchanged it. This second lens is better; it still front-focuses, but the DOF range edge is close to the rear DOF plane. Closing down to 2.0, it's acceptably sharp. I think (hope) I would be able to adjust the focus point in a more capable camera to match this much variation of the lens. I have a *cough* T3i and I've only had F4 L lenses up until now (this is my first prime), so it was not noticeable if the camera was actually not set correctly since the ... MoreThis was actually the second lens I got after exchanging the first. The focus point of the lens was terrible on the first lens; opened up at F1.8, the lens was front focusing so much that what I was focusing on was way out of focus. The DOF range was a good 4 inches in front of the focus point at about 10 feet, so I exchanged it. This second lens is better; it still front-focuses, but the DOF range edge is close to the rear DOF plane. Closing down to 2.0, it's acceptably sharp. I think (hope) I would be able to adjust the focus point in a more capable camera to match this much variation of the lens. I have a *cough* T3i and I've only had F4 L lenses up until now (this is my first prime), so it was not noticeable if the camera was actually not set correctly since the DOF was so wide/forgiving and incorporated the focus point. I'll keep the lens. It's still more capable than anything else I have and will be good enough until I can invest in a better camera. I love how fast the focusing is.
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Lens construction | 13 elements in 9 groups |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.8m (31.5 in.) |
