Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D - Review / Lab Test Report - Analysis
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis

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Distortion

The Micro-Nikkor shows extremely low distortion (0.03%) which is absolutely negligible in field conditions.

The chart above has a real-world size of about 120x80cm.

Vignetting

Thanks to the sweet spot behavior on the D200 vignetting is very well controlled and it is no problem to use this lens even at the max. aperture setting (f/2.8).

MTF (resolution)

Typical for most macro lenses the performance of the Micro-Nikkor is excellent straight from the max. aperture setting and there's only a marginal difference in resolution between the center and the borders. Beyond medium aperture settings diffraction is the limiting factor so better avoid very small apertures. This is a physical limitation and not a design issue.

Please note that the MTF results are not directly comparable across the different systems!

Below is a simplified summary of the formal findings. The chart shows line widths per picture height (LW/PH) which can be taken as a measure for sharpness. If you want to know more about the MTF50 figures you may check out the corresponding Imatest Explanations

Chromatic Aberrations (CAs)

Chromatic aberrations (color shadows at harsh contrast transitions) are very low at around 0.5px on the average at the image borders.

Sample Shots

Some sample images will be added during the next weeks.

Verdict

The Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D may be a relatively old lens but it is still capable to deliver excellent results. Optically it is a near-flawless lens with high resolution figures, low vignetting, low CAs and non-existent distortions. The mechanical quality is very high but it also feels a little dated here with its independent AF-MF switch. Typical for most macro lenses it also suffers from a relatively slow AF speed. The new Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8 ED VR has been improved in both respects (with VR on top) and regarding its similar price tag there're probably few reasons left to prefer the classic lens. Nonetheless it is still a very fine lens.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:discontinued
      
   What does this mean ?

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