Nikon 105mm f/1.8 - don't pass it over

<p>I know Nikon has launched the new 105mm f/1.4 lens and the f/2.5 is a legend - but there is another lens in this category that I never even knew existed since I never see anything about it - the f/1.8 Ai-S variant. I certainly had never seen one until one was on the shelf at my local shop for £250 in 'new' condition. As I don't have anything in this range I thought I would go for it. Well I am really impressed - and I have been really working it over the last few days.</p>

<p>Wide open it is absolutely good enough for large prints and stopped down it gets better still. I am adding a three photos I took - all at f/1.8. So just a heads up - don't disregard it if you see it for sale - it is a lens that encourages isolation and works well wide open. I will never likely get the f/1.4 version, but with this lens I don't feel any regret about that.</p>

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<p>With static subjects you can take your time</p><div></div>

<p>And lastly a sort of still life. The wide aperture and long focal length makes looking for photos fun - and it's not too expensive! </p><div></div>

<p>very nice :) <br>

if you have an opportunity - try the 105 DC - my favourite :) <br /> I still look now and then on the 135 DC version - I still think it's worthy having it also, although reviews are contradictory</p>

<p>Many of the old AI lenses perform superbly and can often be had used in excellent condition for a comparative pittance if you shop around. </p>

Thanks Iosif. I have kept an eye out for a copy of the 105 DC for a while now but used prices seem to be holding firm - it is a legend. I

haven't stopped looking though!

<p>Agree -- I have been watching the DC lenses as well. Though I don't do much portrait work anymore, and it might turn out to be a rather specialized tool (like the PC Nikkors which are also on the short list) but would be fun to play with. A bit rich for me just now.</p>

<p>105 seems to be a magic focal length for Nikon - all of them are excellent. I bet they have an AFS 1.8 planned for the future too.</p>

<p>In the old days I used the 105/1.8 on my F3, outstanding lens, much better than the 85/1.4.</p>

<p>I have the 105 f/1.8 I bought it to shoot sports in venues that had crap for lights. It worked well then and it works well now.</p>

<p>Hello folks,</p>

<p>Can someone tell me what "DC" means? I have an earlier 105, f/2.5 - had it AI'd by Jon White a few years ago. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Paul</p>

Paul, the DC stands for defocus control - the lens has a

lever that moves the internal optics around to give

different effects. They are also superb lenses in their

own right even with the defocus deactivated.

<blockquote>

<p><strong>"</strong>Nikon 105mm f/1.8 - don't pass it over"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Sorry, I have the 105mm f/2.5 and the 105mm f/2.8 micro. I see no reason to use the 105mm f/1.8.</p>

If you don't need an aperture wider than f/2.5, then

you won't miss the f/1.8 105mm Ai-s Nikkor John.

It's a nice lens, but at like apertures its images are

almost indistinguishable from the f/2.5 version.

 

That extra stop is often very useful though, and I've hardly touched my 105mm f/2.5 since I bought the f/1.8.

<p>Ian, I am one of those that loves his 135 dc. The bokeh on the 85 1.4 is gorgeous but the 135 when used properly is dreamy. I rarely shoot it below 2.8 usually in the 3.2 range needing both eyes sharp. That takes care of the ca issues folks whine about. Here's an event shot taken in a crowded hotel hallway at f/2 bouncing a flash. May have used an ND to knock down the ambient a bit.</p><div></div>

<p>Paul, the defocus ring is at the front of the lens and adjusts from 0 to front or rear with the in focus area extremely sharp and gorgeous bokeh. I keep it rear defocusing at my aperture. </p>

<p>Well .. thanks for poking up the NAS fire again.. <strong>:-|</strong><br />Let me remind myself again that I <em>eehh</em>.. don't <em>NEED</em> another 105mm.<br />That I in fact don't even hate the bokeh of my 105/2.8('s..) AIS, and that I <em>LOVE</em> the fact that that lense can focus so much closer than most portrait lenses..<br />OK. That helped. Please don't do this again!<br /><strong>;-)</strong></p>

<p>105 is very useful length - not only for portraits - I literary use it for everything… <br>

here is an example:</p>

<p><img src="http://ioshertzweb.appspot.com/images/treekristal.jpg" alt="" /><br>

<strong>Nikkor 105 DC</strong></p>

<p>originally on film, Kodak BW 400 for C41, already gone, but it wasn't good anyway - the first one was very very good, the second they made wasn't good </p>

<p>Ian, as far as I can see you got it at a really reasonable price. Despite being a huge fan of the 105mm f/2.5, the idea of having a stop extra is really nice, but I've never really found the 105mm f/1.8 for a price that I could justify (already having enough lenses around that focal length). Enjoy the lens, looks very well up to the job, lovely smooth out of focus.</p>

<p>Thanks, Ian and Bill, for the explanation of DC. Guess it doesn't really apply to my older pre-AI 105 f/2.5. But I was just curious!</p>

<p>Paul</p>

Thanks for the input. If I have just tried the f/2.5 version to compare it against and despite the focal length being the same they both feel

quite different. The 1.8 vesion feels heavy and chunky with fat focus grip while the 2.5 feels almost petite. Both gave great image quality so

I say the upgrade is not worth it but if you are looking for a 105 manual focus lens make sure you don't forget to add the 1.8 version to your

search - mine was only £30 dearer than the f2.5.