Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens USA
This item can only be shipped to a US address.
The Nikon AF-S VR 105mm 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. When used with digital cameras, equivalent focal length in 35mm terms is 157.5mm.
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. This in effect eliminates image blur caused by camera shake, particularly when shooting in low-light conditions.
Note: G-type lenses are fully compatible with all current camera models (as of 01/04). The older camera models F4, N90/s, N70, N8008/s, N6000 will only work in Program and Shutter Priority modes. Note: VR feature will only work with Nikon's F6, F5, F100, N80, N75, N65, D100 & D1 and D2-series (or any newer model) cameras.
Note: AF-S feature is not supported by certain camera models. Please click here for a list of compatible models.
- An ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration. Nano Crystal Coat drastically reduces flare ensuring finely detailed, clear images.
- Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake (cancelable)
- Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and better body balance
- Built-in M/A switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus
- Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet AF
- The rounded diaphragm (9 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 105 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
23° DX Picture Angle: 15° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1' (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.3 x 4.6" (8.38 x 11.68 cm) |
| Weight | 1.74 lb (790 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 508 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (417)
- Strong construction (358)
- Consistent output (319)
- Durable (286)
- Easily interchangeable (256)
Cons
- Heavy (170)
- Slow focus (46)
- Lens creep (6)
- Pricey / poor value (5)
- Tough to attach (4)
Best Uses
- Macro photography (266)
- Portraits (110)
- Low light (96)
- Weddings (91)
- Wildlife photos (67)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (142), Enthusiast (91), Semi-pro photographer (82), Semi-professional (61), Pro photographer (54)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (188), Yes (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
A not so hidden gem
I bought this lens primarily for Macro shooting with some double-duty as a longish portrait lens on my D700 and it has not disappointed on either front.Since this is a "Pro" Nikkor...Read complete review
I bought this lens primarily for Macro shooting with some double-duty as a longish portrait lens on my D700 and it has not disappointed on either front.Since this is a "Pro" Nikkor, it comes with all the trappings that entails (Metal barrel and hood, rubber gasket on lens mount for weather sealing).It's a fat and stubby lens that may have balance issues on bodies smaller than a D300. But this is a very minor issue. I walked around all day with this lens with minimal fatigue. The only fatigued things were my eyes from the constant manual focusing!My version is [*] but I have found no issues with it so far.As expected, this is a phenomenally sharp lens and actually works very well as a short telephoto prime.Howver, it shines as a Macro. The focus ring is wide and has a nice movement. It is very easy to manual focus when working at 1:1 distances. I've already gotten quite a few keepers even working handheld. When photographing flowers, I sometimes let the AF get me 90% there and then take over manually for the fine focus. With the focus lock off, the lens will sometimes hunt frantically, however, using the center focus (or any of the cross-type foci) and good technique improves this situation drastically.Speaking of handheld, the VR actually helps quite a bit when you're working at magnifications smaller than 1:1. I've got sharp images (close-up and normal) at around 1/40 seconds without an issue. Incidentally, this was one of the first Nikons to come with VRII. However, if you're planning to do any serious macro work, do yourself a favor and get a good tripod, head and some focusing rails. After getting this lens, I've realized that I only have 1 of those 3 things! Subsequently, I am on the hunt for a good tripod head and some focusing rails myself.The color rendition is very pleasing to my eyes and I have no complaints about the Bokeh. As of this writing, the 105mm VR is my favorite lens. It has not come off the camera since I received it a couple of weeks back.The only complaint I would have is that it doesn't have a tripod collar (definitely not essential) and it doesn't go 2:1 :)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Slow auto focus, HUNTS continually
I rented this lens (TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!!!) because I thought I wanted it. After using it for a week, I know I don't.
Aside from macro, thi...Read complete review
I rented this lens (TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!!!) because I thought I wanted it. After using it for a week, I know I don't.
Aside from macro, this lens is inferior to the 135 f2 DC and the 70-200 f2.8 VRII in just about every way. The focus (modern silent wave) hunted badly under both low light and good light conditions, up close and at normal working distances. The 135 and 70-200 don't have that issue. Focus on both the 135 and 70-200, under the same conditions and settings (point focus, focus point on something with lots of contrast) was fast and accurate even on the 135 using the body focus motor. They never hunted, even under low light.
Not sure what the issue was with the 105, but I can't use a lens that won't quickly come to focus. I might as well buy and old AI lens (for an 1/8 the cost) and just use that because I basically used this lens in manual to get any shots. It is deal breaker. I can't use a lens that I can't get to focus quickly...
Otherwise, macro was sharp and workable and the focus breathing didn't bother me. Images were sharp and contrasty, assuming whatever I was taking a picture of didn't get bored and wonder off in the week it took to get focus.
Reviewed by 508 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
This is a one of the great pro lense by Nikon, I have been using this for my extreme close up shots as well as for portrait shoots.
I also use the Nikon 24-70 mm 2.8 G. let me tell you that since i've bought this lens i haven't been using much of the 24-70 mm!
The images are very very sharp!
Bokeh is amazing!!. u can even get bokeh at f/16 for the close up macros.. it is just crazy!
Lens light compare to a 24-70 mm... but not so light. it still has some weight to it..
the minimum distance to the subject is ~ 30 cm.. it's a good distance..does not block lot of the light or disturb the subject (if you are shooting insects etc.) and it's not just a macro lens.. you can use this as portrait keeping with a good working distance to the subject...and i just love it!
Things that i don't like about this lens is the VR II motor makes so much noise sometimes, i have used other lenses with VR..it's no where near noisey as the 105 mm. the other thing is it focus hunts.. if the subject is moving rapidly this is not the right lens for it... to avoid the focus hunt sometimes i don't use the full range.. 0.5 m- infinity if i don't do very close shots..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy but manageable
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
Best micro lens I've ever used. It is well worth the money and I'm sure will last me a lifetime.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
THE PRODUCT IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT THE BOX APPEARS TO HAVE HAD MUCH USE, I THINK I SHOULD CARE NIKON INTEGRITY OF YOUR BOXES AND APPLYING FOR A SEAL PACKAGES CAN NOT BE OPEN. FINAL ONLY BY CUSTOMER
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
This lens is perfection for macro photographs.
I recently used this lens to photograph a lizard while in Miami and I was able to get extreme close ups without scaring the lizard away, this is due to the fact that it's a 105mm, as opposed to a 70 or less.
Definitely one of Nikon's finest.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
Looked at other brands for Nikon, because I needed a good macro lens. This is a great lens for macro, in addition to being a great portrait lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
The product is what I need ... Good quality, great price .... I live far away but B & H made possible my purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
I own what you would call some of Nikon's best glass, the 24-70 2.8, and the 70-200 2.8, but I was severely lacking in the macro area until now. This lens helped bridge the gap that I had when needing to focus in close and get incredibly tack sharp macro photos. I love everything about this lens and its not ridiculously expensive either.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Portrait
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
Very good results using as a general-purpose lens and exelent for macro photografy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
I purchased this lens after not being satisfied with the results I received from using the limited macro settings in an older Nikon 28mm-105mm lens to photograph a Praying Mantis I came upon unexpectantly on night. Vowing never to be "caught with my pants down" again, I purchased this lens and could not be more happy with its abilities. With it being 105mm, it was the perfect mid-range focal length for me, but what made it more perfect was its speed. At f/2.8, I am able to get much more light through it, which makes it perfect for lower light photography without using any flashes. However, for those times that I do need more light, I have coupled this lens with the Nikon R1C1 Remote Commander kit with its 2 additional ringlight flashes. By using this lens with thee flashes, I have been able to produce crisp, high quality images of the tiniest details in several different objects (from insects to very small carvings). Not only has this been helpful in my creative photography but also in my professional work. As far as the physical aspects of this lens, I found it to feel very comfortable in my hand and is well-balanced when attached to my Nikon D3x body. It's very responsive and focuses very quickly. I couldn't be more happier with this purchase!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portrait Photoraphy
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for its macro capabilities but am using it as a "portrait" lens. The first day I got this lens, I took a photo of our cat and my deaughter thought it looked like a Postcard!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Bill pretending to be a photographer
Diego the cat
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
Great for portraits and close ups.
Sharp and durable.
Focus can really be annoying in anything less than ideal light. It can take a long time as the unit breathes away trying to find the focus point.
zzzzz.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portrait photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
As a newborn photographer, this lens is perfect for me. The telephoto length makes a beautiful portrait without having to be too far away and the macro is perfect for closeups.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
I´m a Photographer who loves to take pictures of nature and insects and just have like two weeks using it and i really love it i extremely recommend it, great sharpness, excellent for portraits too...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
It's a great product the best macro I ever try
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
This is a great lens. A lot of fun to use
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Variable Aperture
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
Primarily used for portraits and macro on wedding rings, accessories etc.
Great magnification with Kenko extension tubes or +10 macro filter for bugs.
Cons: Aperture is not constant, but I expected that from youtube reviews, so no disappointment...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
This is a high quality lens. It preforms as expected. The Virbration Reduction feature seems to work, as am producing crisp images even while the camera is hand held. A tripod is mandatory for close macro work and the depth of field is very narrow, but that is expected.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Solid feel
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Car details
- Close up work
- Copy
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
I switched back to Nikon from Canon because I have always loved the results I get from Nikon lenses... The Nikon 105mm f2.8 Macro lens is proof I made the right decision... Great glass, sharp as a tack, fast and accurate auto-focus... I could go on and on, but you get the picture in every way...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
If you're looking for a Nikkor micro lens, this could be the one for you. I photograph coins, flowers, insects and various jewelry items. This lens is very versatile and quite sharp and contrasty. The VRII works very well, though, realistically, for macro photography, I'm not sure the VR is of any value, since you turn it off when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
I find the lens doubles very effectively as a short telephoto lens on a DX frame camera, providing excellent bokeh at wider apertures. As such, it doubles as an effective portrait lens, though that is not it's primary purpose (in my book.) It also performs well for other forms of photography; I've used it to get architecture shots, and find that it introduces very little distortion.
For macro photography I like this lens because of the effective working distance at 1:1. You still have 6-8 inches between the object and the front glass...plenty of room to get your lighting set up the way you want it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Solid fast both in focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Autofocus Lens:
The only problem with this lens is I have not been able to capture more photos with it. What I have been able to shoot have been wonderful. All the positive reports are right, it is a great lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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What's in the Box
- 62mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- LF-1 Rear Lens Cap for F Mount Lenses
- HB-38 Lens Hood
- CL-1020 Flexible Lens Pouch
- 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
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