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Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D - Review / Lab Test Report |
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Lens Reviews -
Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
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Page 1 of 2
Review by Klaus Schroiff, published May 2006
Lens kindly provided for testing purposes by Horst Schneider!
Introduction
The Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D is one of Nikon's classic tele macro lenses.
At the PMA 2006 the lens has been discontinued in favor of the new AF-S 105mm f/2.8 ED VR
but the AF 105mm lens is still readily available from many suppliers. Due to the
very similar pricing the lens will have a hard time findings its
customers but naturally it still makes sense to have a look how it performs
on the D200 where its field-of-field of the lens is equivalent to 158mm.
As the name implies the Nikkor is a macro lenses with a min. focus distance
of 0.31m resulting in a max. object magnification of 1:1.
The build quality of the lens is very decent thanks to an outer barrel
made of good quality polycarbonate with a sleek finish.
The broad, rubberized focus ring operates quite smooth. Typical for most
macro lenses the Nikkor has a linear extension system so its size increases
significantly towards closer focus distances (see the product images above).
The front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem.
The Nikkor features an independent ring (rather stiff) for switching between
AF and manual focusing - a dated design compared current AF-S lenses.
The lens has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw
operated by the camera. As a result the AF generates a moderate
degree of noise. The AF speed is comparatively slow. A focus limiter is available
to prevent excessive focus hunting when using the lens for conventional
(non-macro) photography.
| Specifications |
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| Equiv. focal length | 157.5 mm (full format equivalent) |
| Equiv. aperture | f/4.2 (full format equivalent, in terms of depth-of-field) |
| Optical construction | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Number of aperture blades | 7 |
| min. focus distance | 0.31 m (max. magnification ratio 1:1) |
| Dimensions | 105 x 75 mm |
| Weight | 560 g |
| Filter size | 52 mm (non-rotating) |
| Hood | Nikon HS-7, barrel shaped (optional) |
| Other features | Lens provides distance (D) information to the camera. CRC correction. |
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