| NOTE: In an attempt to revamp & rearrange content in this website, there is now a newly developed section featuring various MF Nikkor lenses, please bookmark the new site for future updates. As for SLR bodies, please refer to: - Nikkormat, Nikon EM/FG/FG20, FM series, FE Series, Nikon FA, Nikon F, Nikon F2, Nikon F3 & Nikon F4 |
1
Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8
(Manual version)
I have been using this lens for quite sometime after the disposal
of the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f4.
Which Nikon substituted with this version, a stop faster at f2.8. Optical design
was rearranged with 9 elements in 10 groups, weighing 515g, engraved both the scales
for normal or when PN-11 is attached. Still takes in the 52mm filters and f32 minimum
f-stop is retained. For a slightly higher price, it could be a more flexible substitute
for your medium telephoto lenses like the 105mm f2.5 or the
135mm f2.8 etc.
Since this lens is specially designed to maintain its best across its whole focal length and extended to macro range, Nikon's CRC is incorporated (It will be a joke if it is not...since Nikon has been advertising so strongly on its pioneering lens technology).
A view when mounted on the F3
User's comment ?
Not really. But Nikon should promote this lens as a standard offer.
Just be fair to general users. You see, since this focal length is overlapped or
duplicated which most zoom lenses will cover, and generally a new SLR user would
probably first investing with his limited financial resources with a wide to short
tele zoom like, say a 28-70mm zoom, probably and logically, the next "target"
would be a 80-200/70-210mm zoom with macro setting (Not
a true macro actually). For years, the company got itself trapped, tried bundling
a new SLR with a standard lens, next wished the user go for a wide angle lens and
next, tried to push an option for a cheaper telephoto like 105mm f2.5 or 135mm f2.8
and when later the user finds macro photography is interesting, there is a duplicated
lens of either 50-60mm macro or 105mm medium tele macro lens. Most just gave up...and
instead, buy an auto extension ring or reverse adapter ring like the BR2 or 3..that
restrict users to have a opportunity to explore their talent in macro works.
The new AF version
(See below for more)
Though that's part of business, but, certainly, if given a choice, a macro lens will give you more added value than a standard lens in return, besides, related macro accessories like bellows, copy stands, slide duplicator, finders, focusing screens, auto rings (just look at the huge amount of possible accessories at Nikon's product catalogue on macro photography...). But Nikon prefers the other way, which I am not objecting either..but feel sad for the slow development of macro photography.
Their theory is just like selling cars, a new motor vehicle will make only a round on sales. But the real revenue will be continual on parts, which may last for 15 years... got it ?
The feel of the lens is solid and rigid, a distinguish hallmark of any other Nikkor. The f2.8 aperture is only good if light condition is not favourable and provide comfort in viewing, focusing, shooting portraiture or more options in depth of field control. Other than that, it is of little use when you are in macro photography (When you are near 1:4 reproduction ratio, depth of field is really a problem and need you to stop down the lens to smaller apertures for extended depth of field, the f2.8 will only serve as a viewing aid then). Further, at its widest opening, this lens doesn't perform as remarkable as in smaller apertures though contrast maintaining very high, I find this lens has a slightly on a higher side over all - some like it, some might not....very subjective.
AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8
My set up... have
to take a pix with mine to illustrate. Comments ? Buy a few sets of batteries for
your camera, just in case.
After owning three of the previous generations of the manual Micro-Nikkors, this lens doesn't give me any special excitement other than I need one to work in conjunction with the F5. First impression, the extended longer focusing rotation is really draining the power from my F5...since it is a AF lens, it feels much lighter in weight and though I appreciate the extended focusing grip on the manual focusing ring, but the weight loss somehow made me feel " something is not there..) But have to live with it, since all AF lenses were made this way now...Only one question: since there aren't many mechanical parts, why is it still so expensive ? I hope the silent wave motor is inside too...
A view of AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8 attached on a F4s.
| Next, the Micro-Nikkor 200mm F4
IF |
Or
New and old 50mm, 55mm, AF 60mm
;
the new Zoom Micro Nikkor 70-180mm
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