Nikon 105mm f2.5 AI

<p>I have the opportunity to buy a 105mm f2.5 AI (Serial number 855935). I believe this is a good lens with the same optics as the later AIS version.</p>

<p>Does anyone use this lens on their FX camera (I have a D700) and what do you think of it?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>In my experience, Nikon never made a bad 105. Buy it and enjoy it. It is the portrait/short tele by which all other's are judged.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#105">http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#105</a></p>

<p>That number has the same optics as the AiS as there were only two, original Sonnar derivitive and the later Gauss. The rear element on the later nearly fills the hole in the lens mount. The early one has a rear element about hald that size.<br>

I have both for my D700 and either is a wonderful lens, very sharp and has nice bokeh. The original less is less sharp in the close up range at large F stops.</p>

<p>HS-10 is the proper shade for it, but the larger/deeper 105-135 works as well. </p>

<p>That is very useful Tobey. Do you find you need the hood (according to the photosynthesis site it should be HS-8 not HS-10)?</p>

<p>I use the AI version without the built in shade with my D700 and am very pleased with it. I use a HS-8 clip on style hood with it if the sun can pose any problem. Heavy but delivers results.</p>

<p>Yes, the HS-8 is the correct hood for the AI 105mm lens. The HS-10 is for the Nikkor 85mm f/2.0 lens.</p>

<p>HS 8 is on my 85. Seems to fit the 105, but I use the old 105 135 shade anyway. Deeper is always better. The HS 8 is probably as deep as the pull out shade on the AiS version. Don`t have that one, but do have the 135 2.8 and 3.5 and know how deep they are. HS 8 is that deep. But like I say, deeper is better if you want max protection. </p>

<p>I found the Nikon 105 f2.5 to be my favorite lens on the D700. They seem made for each other. Sharp, contrasty, easy to focus.<br /> <img src="http://hull534.smugmug.com/photos/449754852_u97Ru-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /> <br /> Orcas Island, January 2009, Nikon D700, 105mm f2.5 f5.6, ISO 200 (JPG from camera)</p>

<p>Well, I bought it! Now a wait for delivery and testing. I hate this bit (boys toys should be available instantly once the decision is taken!)</p>

<p>You were right ! The 105 f2.5 was one of Nikkor's best , probably the best portrait lens ever, I used all leica M90s (except the latest aspheric) and always felt the nikkor better for portrait</p>

<p>Very impressive lens. When I tested it performance was virtually identical f/4 to f/11 right to the corners with f/2.5 being very good. Outperforms my 50mm f1/.8 and 85mm f/1.4 at the corners and very close in the centre.</p>

<p>I've got the 105mm f/1.8 and love it. I put a CPU in it and it meters fine on my D50 now.</p><div></div>

<p>I have a 105 2.5 AI lens. It is excellent and IQ is fantastic even wide open. You will not be disappointed. Go for it. As follows an image with D700 and 105 2.5 ai lens:<br /><img src="http://www.pbase.com/antoniojv/image/111152685/original.jpg" alt="" /><br>

A picture of my 105mm 2.5 AI lens:<br>

<img src="http://www.pbase.com/antoniojv/image/113617113/original.jpg" alt="" /></p>