Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens
by Nikon
Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: NikonRelease Date: 2006-04-25
Model: B000EOSHGQ
Product features:
- Designed for close-up and macro photography; versatile enough for virtually any photographic situation
- Features new VR II vibration reduction technology, which allows photographers to shoot hand-held shots up to 4 shutter speeds slower
- Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance overall image quality by further reducing flare and chromatic aberrations
- Includes internal focus, which provides fast and quiet auto-focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining the subject's working distance
- Weighs 27.9 ounces, and measures 3.3 x 4.5 inches (Diameter x Depth)
- Dolica CF-U62 62mm UV Filter
- Dolica CF-C62 62mm CPL Filter
- Tiffen Domke F-505 Lens Case - Small
- Dolica CF9-ND62 62mm 0.9ND 8X Neutral Density Filter
- Dolica CF3-ND62 62mm 0.3ND 2X Neutral Density Filter
Digital camera reviews of Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens
Digital camera Review: Wanted to *love* this lens, but...
Summary: 4 Stars
I'll start this review with the following caveats:
1) I rented this lens for a weekend, and probably put 150-200 shots through it. I don't own it.
2) I don't spend a lot of time doing macro work, so my lack of skills there (assuming there are some skills specific to macro work) may have gotten in the way of getting full enjoyment out of the lens.
3) I used the lens on a Nikon D300 body, which has its limitations in autofocus (that is, if it gets confused, it sometimes won't even "hunt", it will just not do anything when half-pressing the shutter release button).
This isn't my first experience with fast, pro-quality glass, so my experience won't be the same as some others here who might be just upgrading from a kit lens (which are nice for the price, but just can't compare, IMHO). I rented the lens to try it out at a wedding and around the house/yard, and I *really* wanted to fall in love with the lens, but I just didn't. Yes, it's got great construction, great image quality, VR, etc.
All that said, I recommend spending $30 to rent this for a weekend and see if it does what you want, before devoting nine hundred bucks to it. I'm happier with my 80-200mm (non-VR) 2.8 lens that I bought for a bit less. It doesn't do macro, but I'm also not stuck (as I was during the wedding this past weekend) with having a single-focal-length lens on my camera at the wrong time (yes, my mistake). I'm no stranger to prime lenses, and find them to be excellent for image quality (this one being no exception).
What didn't I like? Two things: 1) focal length is a bit long (for my taste) for use on a DX-sensor camera -- I might try the 60mm -- at least for what I was using it for; 2) auto-focus was almost unusable in many circumstances -- though I understand that many macro/micro photographers use manual focus anyway. Since I already have fast glass that encompasses this focal length, I would only want it for macro work, and I can get a really nice (shorter) manual focus lens for a fraction of the price (only a third to half for a new 60mm AF-D, and less than a tenth for a fully manual older (used) 55mm f/3.5).
So I'm not *not* recommending this lens (I gave it 4 stars, after all), just STRONGLY suggesting you rent one first.
Summary of Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens
The AF-S VR 105 f/2.8G IF-ED brings the benefits of vibration reduction (VR) to the domain of Macro photography. It offers high-resolution, high-optical performance for both digital and 35mm film format SLR cameras. This lens incorporates Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent stability of a shutter speed that is 4 stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure quiet autofocusing with quick and convenient switching between autofocus and manual operation. Optical performance is enhanced by an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element that minimizes chromatic aberration, and Nano Crystal Coat which drastically reduces flare, enabling finely defined, clear images.The Nikon 2160 105mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens is the world's first macro lens featuring Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. Designed for close-up and macro photography, this camera lens is versatile enough for virtually any photographic situation.
This Nikon 105 millimeter lens features Nikon's new VR II vibration reduction technology, which allows photographers to shoot hand-held shots at up to four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, providing sharper images in general and in close-up photography. This lens also features a high-resolution and high optical performance, with a Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance overall image quality by further reducing flare and chromatic aberrations, and contributing to improved color, contrast and clarity. Constructed with an f2.8 lens, this unit includes an internal focus, which provides fast and quiet auto-focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining the subject's working distance through the focus range. This lens has a non-rotating front design that is convenient for use with circular polarizing filters and the R1C1 wireless close-up Speedlight system. Specifically engineered for both Nikon digital and 35mm SLR cameras, the Nikon ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor lens helps ensure high quality and high performance for all photographers, from amateurs to professionals, and includes front and rear lens caps, an HB-38 bayonet lens hood, and a CL-1020 flexible lens pouch. The 2160 weighs 27.9 ounces and measures 3.3 x 4.5 inches (diameter x depth).
What's in the Box
The 105mm f2.8 ED-IF AF-S VR lens, 62mm snap-on front lens cap (LC-62), rear lens cap (LF-1), bayonet hood (HB-38), and flexible lens pouch (CL-1020).
Accessories
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