For the ability to review the legendary lens Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8D many thanks to Dmitry.
Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor review
The prefix 'Micro' in the name of the lens indicates that the lens can shoot macro. Speaking rudely, then Nikon'sMicrophone'really means'Macro'. If you go straight to the point, the Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D is a very good lens with incredible sharpness, excellent assembly and good aperture. The weight of the lens is 560 grams, and the lens itself is made of aluminum alloy painted with black paint.
Lens view Nikon AF 105 mm f 2.8 D Micro Nikkor
Please note that there are three autofocus versions. Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8:
- Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8 Non-d typeoptically completely the same as D version with 9 elements in 8 groups. Perhaps used NIC enlightenment instead of SIC. It was produced from June 1990 to October 1993. It was produced only in Japan.
- Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8D - the lens from this review, D type, was produced from 1993 to 2006. It was produced only in Japan.
- Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 Nano Crystal Coat - A newer nanocrystalline version with image stabilizer, internal focusing and no aperture ring. Available from 2009 to the present. Produced in Japan, now available in China.
Nikon AF 105 mm f 2.8 D Micro Nikkor front lens enlightenment view
Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D is a lens from film cameras, and therefore it can work perfectly on modern full-frame FX cameras of the type Nikon D3s or D800. When using a lens on cropped Nikon DX CZKs, the viewing angle with such a lens will be narrower, and EGF will match 157,5 mm.
View of the Nikon AF 105 mm f 2.8 D Micro Nikkor lens on the camera
The most important feature of the Nikon Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D is the ability to macro with an increase of 1 to 1 - this means that real-world objects can be projected onto the camera matrix in real size. The lens has a special scale indicating the increase depending on the focusing distance.
View of the Nikon AF 105 mm f 2.8 D Micro Nikkor lens when focusing on MDF
Focusing
Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D has a special auto focus limiter, which can be in two positions: 'Limit \ Full'. Pregnant Limit focusing is available from infinity to 50 cm, with a maximum magnification of 1: 3. You can limit the work not only from infinity to 50 cm, but also vice versa - from MDF to 50 cm, thus leaving only the macro range. Pregnant Full focus is available from infinity to 31,4 смwhile the maximum increase is 1: 1. Such a limiter is simply indispensable for easy and quick use of the lens.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Macro.
Auto focus in Limit mode from infinity to 50cm is average, not fast. In Limit mode, from 50 cm to MDF, auto focus is slow. But in Full mode, the focus is just monstrous slow, the camera needs about 3 seconds to 'drive off' the lens from infinity to MDF and vice versa. Slow auto focus in Full mode is completely fearless, since for macro shooting it is much more convenient to use manual focus.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor
The lens has a focus mode switch 'M \ A', which is fixed with a special locking button. In automatic mode 'A', the focus ring rotates freely and does not affect the focusing process itself. In 'M' mode, only manual focus is available. After putting the lens into manual focus mode, you can optionally not switch the focus mode near the camera mount. The focus ring is very comfortable, rubberizedFocusing by hand is very nice. The focus distance scale is in feet and meters. DOF is for F / 32 only.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Sled.
When focusing front lens does not rotate, and the trunk of the lens is extended in the Limit mode by 1.5 cm, and the Full mode by about 3-4 cm. The trunk of the lens consists of two components, when focusing the lens leaves the recess to the edge of the frame. When focusing the back lens remains motionless. The lens uses filters with a diameter of just 52 mmA filter with this diameter is very easy to find. Also, the lens uses a unique CRC focusing system (close range correction), which allows you to get high-quality photos at any focusing distance.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Bokeh
It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.
Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:
- D1, D1h, D1x, D2x, D2xs, D2h, D2hs
- D3, D3x, D3s, D4, D4s, D5, D6
- Df
- D50, D70, D70s, D80, D90
- D7000, D7100, D7200,D7500
- D100, D200, D300, D300s,D500
- D600, D610, D750, D780
- D700, D800,D800E, D810, D810a, D850
- Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S3 ProS3 Pro UVIR, S5 ProIS Pro
- Kodak DCS PRO 14n, DCS Pro SLR/n
Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:
Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.
You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Sparrows.
Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D Feature
The lens in the name has the designation 'f / 2.8', but in fact the aperture f / 2.8 is only available when focusing on infinity. When changing the focusing distance, the maximum relative aperture on the lens automatically changes from F / 2.8 (focusing at infinity) to F / 5.0 (focusing on MDF). This is normal for a macro lens and you should not be afraid of it. Actually, this does not mean physical closure of the diaphragm (the petals remain in the same position), a change in the F number with a change in the focusing distance is introduced specifically to achieve accurate metering exposure.
Aperture can close to F / 32 when focusing at infinity and up to F / 57.0 with MDF (tested on Nikon D700).
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Red viburnum.
Important:
In order for the lens to start working normally on modern DLCs, you need to set the f / 32 value on the lens and click a special switch near the aperture control ring. After such a manipulation, it will be possible to control the aperture from the camera, as with any modern lens. If this is not done, then the CCC will show the error 'fEE', you can read more about this feature in the section about Non-G type lens.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Children.
Image quality:
The lens has good color rendering and good contrast. Very sharp in the center and at the edges of the frame starting from F / 2.8 and until it hits the diffraction threshold. I want to note that this is a really very sharp lens and also with nice bokeh. When closing the diaphragm with a 7-blade design, the diaphragm makes itself felt. The lens is completely devoid of distortion. Vignetting disappears when you close the aperture to F / 5.6 when used on FX cameras.
Sample photo on Nikon AF 105mm f / 2.8D Micro-Nikkor. Feathers of a bird.
Sample Photos
All sample photos from Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D were taken with the camera Nikon D700,JPEG L FINE,VI. Photos without processing, only the size is reduced to 3 MP and the data from EXIF. When shooting was used protective filter Nikon NC 52mm Japan.
Personal experience
Such a lens has clearly set goals - it’s macro shooting, because the Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D is suitable for people whose priority is macro photography. I got a lot of pleasure working with the 105mm 'makrushnik'.
Lens view Nikon AF 105 mm f 2.8 D Micro Nikkor and Tamrn 90 2.8 AF
Limit focusing speed is well suited for leisurely portraits. I’m not afraid to use macro lenses for portraiture; in some genres they are better than other lenses to cope with the set portrait tasks, as they provide excellent micro contrast and the highest detailing along with pleasant bokeh. I also add that macro lenses can serve as a cheap alternative for 'gluttonous' cameras with a large number of megapixels and a low diffraction threshold. Macro lenses can easily feed a multi-megapixel camera with its huge resolution. Now this lens is obsolete, since there is a more modern Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S VR 105mm f / 2.8G, but the old Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D can still surprise many with its image quality.
View of the Nikon AF 105 mm f 2.8 D Micro Nikkor with Nikon HS-7 lens hood
On sale Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D is not new to find. I recommend a newer model for use Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1: 2.8G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 Nano Crystal Coat, prices for which you can see hereor in the price block located below:
All autofocus MICRO / MC NIKKOR lenses
Z-mount FX:
F-mount FX:
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 50 mm 1:2.8 R-UW
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 55 mm 1:2.8
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60 mm 1:2.8
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60 mm 1: 2.8D
- Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 60 mm 1: 2.8G SWM ED IF Aspherical Nano Crystal Coat (Japan or Thailand)
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105 mm 1:2.8
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105 mm 1: 2.8D
- Nikon N AF-S Micro Nikkor 105 mm 1: 2.8G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1 Nano Crystal Coat (Japan or China)
- Nikon ED AF Micro Nikkor 200 mm 1: 4D
- Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 70-180 mm 1: 4.5-5.6D ED
F-mount DX:
- Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 40 mm 1: 2.8G SWM
- Nikon DX AF-S Micro Nikkor 85 mm 1: 3.5G ED VR SWM IF Micro 1: 1
Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.
Conclusions:
Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8D - excellent macro lens, can be used not only for macro, but also for other general photographic purposes. Has a focus stop, good design. Among the shortcomings are the lack of a focus motor and the lack of internal focusing.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
The hippo conceptual came out and the pen macro is incredibly beautiful.
The site has moved to a new location, new comments may not be displayed.
Why do we need VR in a macro lens? All good pictures are taken on a tripod and even with a monopod can be dispensed with at 105 mm. In the new version, it would be better if they would pass IF instead of VR, and then they would put the motor. This VR is shoved everywhere, soon we will probably see it on 18mm lenses.
As I said, lenses of this kind can be used for other purposes besides macro tasks. All good pictures are taken as most convenient for the photographer. The new Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor VR 105mm f / 2.8GN IF-ED has IF in addition to VR. Zooms with 18mm VR have long been installed.
Arkady, you write that the lens is made of aluminum alloy…. And what are the optical elements made of, glass or plastic? Judging by its weight, 560 grams should be made of glass ...
Of glass, 20 years ago, plastic lenses have not yet been made.
Arkady,
Please tell the inexperienced what a “low diffraction threshold” is.
And what is the resolution of the lens and how is it related to the pixels of the matrix.
I roughly understand what is at stake, but I have never seen such a parameter in the characteristics of lenses. Thanks.
This question requires a separate article, there will be time, I will write.
I look forward to
Here is a good article on diffraction http://vladimirmedvedev.com/dpi.html
But I myself wait until Arkady writes about this in more detail and more clearly))
There, there is a plate that says DLA diffraction limitation of the aperture - The narrowest aperture at which per-pixel sharpness is possible, i.e. after further closing the diaphragm, the sharpness drops due to diffraction. For D7000, for example - f8,1. If you close the aperture further, the sharpness will drop.
Only now I did not understand, this is the average value for all lenses or only for the top ones. How much you can close, for example, whale 18-105, is unclear.
Thank you
Hello, Arkady. Thanks to your articles, I have become interested in photography in theory, but in practice, while the stage is "teapot". I am an artist. I sell paintings via the Internet, so I need to photograph my work. For these purposes, I purchased Nikon d3200. Could you please me help with choosing a lens for photographing my works. Sizes of paintings from 20 to 70 cm. I will shoot indoors. Purpose: transfer of texture of strokes, canvas. Thank you.
Desirable sharp lens without distortion, you can look at Nikkor 40 2.8. As I understand it, you need to shoot without a flash, a tripod will help.
Which is more interesting, your tamron or this nikon?
Arkady, many thanks for your work! A lot of informative information on the site. I have matured for the purchase of a Nikon AF-S 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED MICRO VR lens, but one question is worrying. Now this lens is released by China and there are a lot of complaints on the Chinese version on the forums. The Japanese version is not found on sale. Sorry for the stupid question, but how much are these complaints justified and is it worth buying the Chinese version? Maybe someone else faced the same problem? Thanks.
I can’t answer, because I have not encountered it.
Arkady is constantly reading your articles and is very glad to understand that there are such people who are so interested in this direction! My question is ripe about this lens, or rather Nikon 105mm 2.8dc Tamron 90mm comparisons. I want to do macro photography and I can not decide what to choose. But I also wanted the new lens to fit a simple portrait shooting, tell me please how to be)))?
Yes, macaroons fit. There are subtle points in this case. For example, here is this portrait http://wedding-photographer.tv/photosessions/portfolio/content/session_set_14_large.html I shot a tamron 90 2.8 on a macro
Thanks! With a portrait and a macro I became more clear! Arkady, but in your opinion what is better to take for the above purposes Nikon 105mm 2.8d or Tamron 90mm ???
Arkady, good afternoon!
After your review, I looked at the lens on nikon.ru and found that such a model is not there! He was discontinued, and in return offered a new model?
I ask you, give practical advice on choosing a lens for macro photography! The task is as follows: you need to remove the human oral cavity and individual teeth, both front and distant. Features are as follows:
• A ring flash is present.
• Requires a large depth of field, respectively, have to shoot at a minimum aperture.
• Shooting takes place with the hands - the tripod does not work, so the shutter speed should be minimal.
• ISO about 200 so as not to get noise ...
As I understand it, the choice is between aperture: AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f / 2.8G ED and AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED. What to prefer, or what nuances should you pay attention to when choosing?
Price doesn't matter! Need glossy quality!
As for the carcass: now this is the beginning of the journey, so we start with the Nikon D70s. But if the initial result justifies itself, then the transition to the D800e is not far off.
Thank you!
105
flash close-up pair of colleagues)))))
Arkady, you are just super! You are so excellent, and most importantly accessible, write that I simply have no words. I have my first DSLR in my life (what's a DSLR, my last camera is a digital soapbox with video mode, bought 10 years ago for a modest budget of the newlyweds.
I want to thank you - if I have any questions, I always know where to find answers to them. Thanks again!
Arkady, thanks to your reviews, made a choice in favor of 105 / 2.8D, happy with that, to put it mildly. On the D700 it is sharp with an open one, it focuses mega-sharply, on the camera I didn't even make fine adjustments. After the 80-200 / 2.8D trombone, I don't want to shoot from the camera, it is 2 times lighter and more compact. If you need 200mm, I use a Kenko x2 teleconverter, autofocus continues to work, the quality of images does not deteriorate.
Thank you for the wonderful reviews, this is by the way not the first lens purchased thanks to the information gathered here.
Tell me what you need to switch to the Nikon D800 menu, so that on the Nikon 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor lens go to macro 1: 3. If possible in more detail, because Nikon in my hands for the first time. Kenon will be easier)))))))))
The lens has a zoom indicator scale in macro mode. Find the ratio 1: 3 by setting it using the focus ring. There is no need to switch anything in the menu of the D800 camera itself. If you write about the model of the camera, then indicate the model of Kenon.
And which tripod is better to use for shooting jewelry ??? Thanks.
The most stable, it is usually expressed in its weight and, accordingly, its price.
In my opinion, it’s just a wonderful lens, I took it as a macro, very happy, but it was pleasantly surprising that he was also just wonderful as a portrait portrait !!!!! I’ve been using it for a year now, so far no problems !!!
Good afternoon, colleagues.
I have Nikor 85 / 1,8. On the crop it was a gorgeous portrait lens, but recently I bought myself a d610. I try to buy and use only fixed glass and wondered if the 85 focal length is enough for beautiful portraits? (it is clear that on FF + 85 in any case there will be a beautiful blur, and on "open" so even more so ..). So I'm thinking whether it's worth changing my 85 / 1,8 to Nikkor AF-S VR 105 mm F2.8 G IF-ED. The advantages of 105 are obvious, it is the focal point itself, it is also a separate, interesting "macro" direction. But how will he behave in the classic portrait genre? What are his disadvantages against 85 / 1,8?
Hello Arkady!
You have a mistake or typo:
“For the lens to start working properly on modern DLCs, you need to set the lens to f / 22 and click the dedicated switch near the aperture control ring.”
Not f / 22 but f / 32.
Recently bought this lens, I hope it will live up to expectations.
Thank you for this site and good luck in everything.
Fixed
Hello Arkady!
I came to you again (yesterday I was on the lens: https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/11/tamron-ld-di-af-70-300mm-tele-macro/comment-page-1/#comment-64951). Can you please tell me whether it is worth taking, for priority macro shooting, that lens, or is it better to take this one? And, if it doesn't make it difficult, please advise a couple of macro lenses for Nikon D7000 kit 18-55 VR SLR. At a price up to 10000 rubles. I am not going to do macro photography professionally, therefore the “ring flash” option is less important for me than, say, improved autofocus, or a closer distance from which you can take pictures. Although this lens suits me very much (I also looked at your photos by the link dated March 23, 2013), but I would just like to orient myself in the capabilities of these lenses myself.
And another question. Is there any specificity in choosing lenses for this camera?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
the magnification factor does not change depending on the size of the matrix.
What are you saying, namesake? If all these 1/1, 1/3, etc. are written - the numerator is the size of the whole object, and the denominator is the size of the matrix. Therefore, it still depends. For example, if from one distance (let it be MDF and there is nowhere less) on the crop the object will be in the entire frame, then on ff it will be, as everyone understands, only a little more than half ...
The 1: 1 magnification factor shows only that the photographed object with a size (for example) of 5 * 5 mm will occupy the same 5 * 5 mm on the matrix (of any size!).
But such a question, if you take this lens and put it on a non-motorized carcass (for example, d3300), can you use it? I understand that I have to constantly work with my hands instead of “autofocus”. nevertheless, for the price, this lens is very seductive than its bigger brother, the Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor VR 105mm f / 2.8G. What are your recommendations for such a choice, advice?
Thanks for the advice to Arkady, I bought this glass, not least thanks to this site.
And the question is - what does a person do in the first place when buying a “leisurely” macro lens? That's right, he goes to photograph motocross)))
The lens was recognized by me as quite nimble, there are almost no blunders of focus. Yes, she doesn’t have time to refocus, but with some skill you can shoot almost everything.
If Arkady doesn't mind, then link to the album http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/saysaysay/album/216523/.
Yes, a misunderstanding with EXIF - says that sigma. Brechet.
Oh, beauties! And this is dct on 105D ??? It was probably difficult to report? They stood in one place and took aim, rather than watching in real time?
I really like the pictures. And the sharpness is excellent.
Waiting for a review on the new G version of the lens
send her Arcadia for review and we will all read with pleasure
Unfortunately I live abroad, because alas :-(
I think between the Tokin 100 / 2.8 and Nikkor 105 / 2.8 g
Good afternoon, Arrkady! Faced such a "trouble". I have a Sigma 105 2.8D. The lens is also from film cameras (not DX). I use it on Nikon D80. So I ran into such a problem. There is a blue spot in the focus area in the shot. Especially This occurs when shooting with pulsed light and on contrasting frames. If you remove the blue in the editor, then in this place the contrast and sharpness are reduced. Various forums suggest that this lens is not adapted to digital cameras and due to the concave shape of the rear lens, re-reflections occur and it turns out such a problem. I would like your opinion and whether Nikor suffers from this 105 2.8 D. Thank you.
my opinion is that these are the same problems with the coating of one of the lenses, to the fact that this is a film / digital lens has no special relationship. Reflections usually affect the overall contrast of the entire picture. I did not notice this on Nikkor.
I didn't understand how the versions with “D” and without “D” differ, except for the release time. I wonder in particular whether the version without the letter "D" is suitable for FF cameras. thanks
It’s suitable, it’s the lens of film times. The letter D stands for support for transferring the distance to the subject for the flash to work properly.