BENOISON vs BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon - F Lens 420-

Overview of the Lenses

When comparing the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon, it's crucial to recognize their distinct purposes. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens specializes in capturing portraits with beautiful background bokeh, while the BENOISON Telephoto Lens offers an extensive zoom range of 420-800mm, making it ideal for wildlife or distant subjects. The former is priced at $96.22, whereas the latter is more budget-friendly at $67.99, making it approximately 30% cheaper.

Focus Mechanism

Both lenses are manual focus, requiring users to adjust the focus ring to achieve clarity. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens emphasizes the importance of switching the camera to Manual (M) mode to avoid the "Lens not attached" error. Similarly, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens also mandates the same manual mode setting, underscoring that neither lens supports autofocus. This manual focus requirement can be a drawback for some users, especially those accustomed to more automated systems.

Aperture and Light Capture

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens features a large aperture of f1.8, which is excellent for low-light situations and creating a shallow depth of field. This is particularly advantageous when shooting portraits, as it allows for dramatic background blur. Conversely, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens has a non-adjustable aperture ranging from f8.3 at 420mm to f16 at 800mm. The narrower aperture limits its low-light capabilities and depth-of-field effects compared to the 85mm lens, making it less versatile for portrait photography.

Compatibility

Both lenses are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is compatible with various D-series models, including the D3500, D850, and D7500, among others. On the other hand, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens also supports many D-series models but emphasizes its upgraded F mount, allowing for a more straightforward connection without needing a T adapter ring. This feature can be particularly appealing for users looking for ease of use.

Intended Use Cases

The intended use cases for these lenses differ significantly. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is tailored for portrait photography, ideal for capturing sharp, well-defined facial features with a beautiful bokeh background. It's perfect for half-body and full-body shots, as well as street photography. In contrast, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens serves well for wildlife photography, sports events, or any scenario requiring significant zoom capabilities. Its longer focal length allows photographers to capture distant subjects, making it better suited for specific environments.

Build Quality and Durability

While specific build quality details are not provided, both lenses are described as being made from high-quality materials, suggesting durability. However, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens touts its robust construction, which is beneficial for outdoor photography, especially in varying weather conditions. The emphasis on durability in the telephoto lens may provide users with more confidence when using it in challenging environments, such as when photographing wildlife.

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens is the more economical choice at $67.99, compared to the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens priced at $96.22. This means that the telephoto lens is about 30% cheaper than its 85mm counterpart. For budget-conscious photographers, this price difference can be a significant factor, especially if they are looking for a lens primarily for distant subjects.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the BENOISON Telephoto Lens ultimately depends on your photography needs. If you're focused on portraiture and desire a lens that excels in creating soft backgrounds with its wide aperture, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is the better option despite its higher price. However, if your interests lie in capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sporting events and you prefer a more budget-friendly option, the BENOISON Telephoto Lens should suit your requirements well. Each lens serves its specific purpose, and your choice should align with your photographic goals.