Review of Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S)

According provided by lens Nikon 105mm 1: 1.8 Nikkor AI-S many thanks to Dmitry, as well as the store www.fotika.com.ua where can I find this model.

Review of Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S)

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) is an amazing fast short telephoto lens. Nikon 105mm 1: 1.8 Nikkor was produced only in the version AI-S and only in Japan, from March 1981 to 1993 (12 years). In 1993, it was replaced by a similar autofocus version. Nikon AF DC Nikkor 105mm f / 2D... Until 2016 (for 35 years) it was Nikon's fastest 105mm lens.

Enlightenment of the Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 front lens (AI-S)

Until 2016, there was no faster lens from Nikon with such (or greater) focal length. There were only longer lenses with focal lengths of 135, 200, 300 mm, but their maximum aperture was only F / 2.0, because Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) was a kind of 'border' lens, in terms of aperture ratio and focal length in the entire line of Nikon F lenses. In 2016, the amazing Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.4E ED N saw the light. It is also worth noting that in 2017 Nikon F appeared unique Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART), and a little later, Sigma 105mm 1: 1.4 DG A (Art).

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S)

The focus ring rotates approximately 120 degrees, while the lens trunk is slightly lengthened. Focusing is smooth, the lens is pleasant to work with. The front element does not rotate when focusing. The minimum focusing distance is 1 meter. The Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) optical design is based on 5 elements in 5 groups. The lens is very well assembled, the lens body is made of an alloy of metals, and the focus ring is rubberized. Filters are suitable for the lens diameter 62mm.

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S)

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) has a built-in telescopic hood, which allows you to always carry it with you.

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) on ZK

The aperture can be opened up to f / 1.8, which is a very good indicator with a focal length of 105mm. The aperture ring can set aperture values ​​equal to F / 1.8, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. By the way, you can set one more intermediate value - F / 2.0. The diaphragm device is built on 9 petals, the diaphragm blades form nuts in the out-of-focus area. It's a pity that Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) aperture blades are not rounded. The lens has a depth of field scale for aperture values ​​of F / 8, 16, 22. The lens has multicolored stripes for depth of field, the color of which corresponds to a specific aperture value. I like old lenses, they have their own peculiarities even in the notation.

Enlightenment of lenses and aperture of the Nikon 105mm 1: 1.8 Nikkor AI-S lens. In general, the lens is very beautiful.

Due to the fact that this is an old manual Nikon lens without processor contacts, there are specific features of working on modern digital mirror cameras. Information on how to use old lenses of this class can be found in the article on AI-S.

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) aperture blades on ZK

I used Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) on camera with no problems Nikon D700.

Sizes of portrait lenses

Even at F / 1.8, the image is sharp enough, but due to the very low depth of field and aberrations, it can appear soft. The lens exhibits vignette at open apertures and strong chromatic aberrations. When closing the aperture HA decrease. Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) does not suffer from distortion, it can lose contrast in the backlight, and “rainbows” and “bunnies” can appear in the picture.

Optical design Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 AI-S

The skate of the lens can be considered an interesting bokeh at F / 1.8.

Sample photos on Full Frame (FX)

Here link to the archive with the originals - 767 MB, 61 photos in .CR2, .NEF (RAW) from cameras Canon EOS 5D и Nikon D700. On a Canon camera, I used a lens with an adapter Nikon Canon. Part of the photo with Nikon D700 shot using a Nikon flash SB-900 и color filter TN-A2.

Sample photos on APS-C (DX)

The same photos with a resolution of 24 MP can be view/download here (Google Drive cloud, 40 final files).

Personal experience

I shot with Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) part of a wedding walk and one small photo session, although focusing through the viewfinder with the widest aperture is quite difficult, but focusing on Live View is quite simple. Because of the wonderful bokeh in the shape of the 'lemons' and, in general, the pleasant pattern, I would like such a lens. When used on Nikon DX cameras due to crop factor EGF will fit 157,5 mm.

But time takes its toll, and, for example, a very cheap autofocus modern YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1:2 (YN100mm F2N, for Nikon F) much more convenient to use due to the presence of auto focus, and a more modern optical design eliminates the small difference in focal length and aperture.

Important: Lushnikov dandelion cannot be installed on Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 without additional modification of the lens. That is why in EXIF aperture value not specified.

Voigtlander Nokton 58mm F1.4 SL N / AI-S and Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S)

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Conclusions:

Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8 (AI-S) is a unique fast prime. The main tasks of such a lens: portraits, sports photography (where short excerpt), low light shooting and creative shooting. The lens makes it very easy to control the depth of field. Generally a great portrait lens for full frame cameras.

In the summer of 2016, an even faster and more modern autofocus Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.4E ED N was introduced, and a little later Sigma 105mm 1: 1.4 DG A (Art, for Nikon F).

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.