Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Micro-NIKKOR AIS Manual Focus Telephoto Lens

2014-12-18T19:00:00

After using the 55mm Micro-Nikkor for years, I finally acquired the 105 Micro-Nikkor as a better alternative for field use and never looked back. The greater working distance, versus the 55mm lens, is a real benefit. Still relatively compact, it is not a burden to carry. If you do close-up work in the field, this is certainly a lens to consider.

Bronto48

Originally posted at

2012-03-24T20:00:00

One of my favorite lenses My copy of this lens was manufactured in 1984 and after having been beat and abused of many years it’s still going strong and used almost daily. As an evidence photographer specializing in arson the bulk of my work is macro and this is my go to lens. I also use it for portraiture and whatever else catches my fancy. It is clear, bright and easily focused on the modern DSLRs without a split screen prism. It produces beautiful images with excellent sharpness and contrast. It’s only drawback is that it is not a true 1:1 but rather a 1:2 but shill an amazing lens. Not should be made that some of the reviews here are not about this lens but one of the newer 105mm micros. This is a manual focus lens.

Barry

Originally posted at

2011-10-12T20:00:00

This is one case where an older design is a superb design. I have used it for the past generation for everything from photographing dragonflies to flowers and for landscape photography in places like the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. It is sharp corner to corner, even wide open, will stand more accidental abuse than most lenses, and is bright enough in the viewfinder to work with effectively. Beautiful bokeh, for what it is worth. I would add the lens is also heavy, so think of it as a serious tool of glass and metal. But if you are seriously into macro, this is a life-long friend that will never grow old.

macrocanuck

Originally posted at

2011-09-01T20:00:00

It seems like quite a few of these reviews are of the VR/AF version of this lens... I just thought someone should point that out to anyone actually reading these because they want to buy the Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8. I bought this lens last month and I'm thrilled with it. Finally what I see through the lens is the product I end up with... what a lovely concept. The tack sharpness combined with the most beautiful and subtle bokeh never ceases to amaze me. Great lens. Even without VR and AF.

overboard

Originally posted at

2011-08-25T20:00:00

Very good portrait and micro lens.Excellent build quality.

Photo B.

Originally posted at

2011-08-01T20:00:00

I have used a Nikkor MF 105mm F/2.5 lens which is very similar to the above listed lens since 1979. It has performed magnificently all these years taking portraits,close ups, in low light,sports, & children.The bokeh is stellar,it focus's quick & easy, I have never had any problems with it, even using it as a walk around lens. I used it mainly on my FE body for 30 years & now I have been using it on the D300s which gives this lens a whole new life & purpose.This lens proves that Nikon was truly ahead of its time in manufacturing lenses,this gem is still going strong at 30 years of great service.

Joe G.

Originally posted at

2011-05-10T20:00:00

I purchased this lens a couple months ago and I love it! It's a bit expensive but well worth it. Also, it takes a little while to get use to but after that it's so fun to shoot with!

mellobre000

Originally posted at

2011-04-17T20:00:00

Handheld macro? I doubt that this concept has much appeal for a working professional, but it does have an appeals to others. This lens produces great images with excellent bokeh. My standard is can it produce professional results? Definitely!! It might be too expensive for many amateurs.

The K.

Originally posted at

2011-04-14T20:00:00

Very high details achieved. Very good results at all f stops. Very fast lens. Good price. Switching from manual to auto easy.

Mac638

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

My wife's a fine artist. Her monotypes work is very subtile abstract and up until the point when I purchased the 105mm Nikor lens, could not be photographed. We tried professional, studio photographers, Industrial Scanning equipment, contact prints all with very little success. However, the 105mm Nikor has the abilbity to capture the print's essessence and color EVERY time! Unbelieveable!!! I have several other Nikor lenses, but nothing else even comes close to the 105mm performance.

Craigzie

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

With the auto stabilization and micro feature, this is my preferred lens for closeups of flowers, etc.

Caverat

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

I've had the chance to shoot with this lens for a couple of years now. It was lent to me but I liked it so much I bought it. I use it to shoot Macro flowers and insects and I love the Bokeh this lens has. Most of my initial shots were hand held and this lens did not have VRII! In my opinion this lens or the VR version is a must have in your Nikkor arsenal. Here is a shot I took with this lens and even though it's an oldie it is sure a goldie! Orest

BigO

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

I have only had this lens for a very short time and have used it only a little so far; but I am very impressed with the quick focus, silent motor and sharpness of this lens. The vibration reduction is great for hand held shots

Ken

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

They always say to get the best glass you can afford...well I did just that with this lens! I was in the market for a great portrait lens and something to take some macro shots. I had to decide which lens to get...well I got the 1 lens that can do both with super results! Great bokeh and VR is a wonderful bonus!

Tinbat

Originally posted at

2010-08-04T20:00:00

I really enjoy using this lens for portraits. I find it to be quite useful for studio work. In such a situation I am not so concerned with a zoom lens while I can move it is not necessary for the lens to move. This lens has terrifc clarity, edge to edge. One feature I have not used is the micro feature. I believe this is for detailed work. I keep the Limit/Full adjustment on Full. I don't find any situation where I need to restrict the focus. This is my main portrait lens. I bought it second hand from a respected NYC photo store. I have had no regrets.

Jaybird

Originally posted at

2010-07-30T20:00:00

Whether your taking close-up or portrait shots this lens does it all. Not too heavy, well balanced, easy to use.

TOMMY

Originally posted at

2010-07-29T20:00:00

I've been using some version of this lens for 30 years and admire its sharpness and contrast. This lens is always in my bag. Unlike many macro lenses, its bokeh is creamy smooth, making it great for pictorial and portrait work. Its images are razor sharp and smooth. If you can have only one medium tele-photo in your kit, this is the one to grab.

FirstNikon1971

Originally posted at

2010-07-29T20:00:00

Having used this lens for micro work but also portrait and landscape (yep!), I can say this is one of the finest lenses ever made. The quality of the background, soft and creamy, when I have chosen a shallow depth of field and selective focus has drawn many compliments. The clarity of the subject that is in focus with its natural gradation to the parts that are out-of-focus cannot be duplicated with software!

CS J.

Originally posted at