AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
This medium telephoto Micro lens is ideal for extreme close-up and portrait work with greater working distances and AF from infinity to life-size (1:1).
$984.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
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Supplied Accessories
- 62mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-62)
- Rear lens cap (LF-1)
- Bayonet hood (HB-38)
- Flexible lens pouch (CL-1020)
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
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the new world of macro
Years ago, I used a 55mm micro Nikkor, but this is the first macro lens I have owned. It has enabled me to broaden my photographic experience and start a collection of photos I intend to display.
When looking for a macro, consider the focal length. Some subjects (such as butterflys) won't tolerate the photographer/camera getting too close.
This lens is also useable as a medium-length telephoto / portrait lens.
The sharpness of the images is unsurpassed.
This is not a technical review; several are available on the internet. I agree with the reviewers who have given this lens high ratings.
July 30, 2010
Exceptional portrait lens
I am a wedding photographer and thus the only real time I have to use the macro aspects of this lens is for images of rings, which it does perfectly.. But, that isn't why I bought this lens.
I love this lens for portraits right around sunset. If it gets dark the VR comes in handy. This is small enough and light enough to be useful. I also own the long 80-200 zoom lens but it kinda big and it can't handle low light as well as this lens. Shooting wide open is a dream. I also love doing the formal dances with this lens, you can get some amazing close up work with perfectly out of focus backgrounds.
I have put this lens through the test, it's by far the best portrait lens I've ever had. I wish I was more into macro photography, but I'm in love with this lens.
July 30, 2010
Excellent clinical photos of skin problems.
I have been extremely satisfied with my Micro 105mm lense. I am in the clinical practice of dermatology and document skin lesions and skin rashes with the lense. I use a Nikon D40 which has been a good companion to the lense. The photos I take are remarkably clear with the kind of detail needed for my line of work. The photos are always sharp thanks to the quality of the lense and the vibration reduction feature. The camera and lense set up is very simple and straight forward. My staff take many of the needed photos with outstanding quality. I would recommend this lense and camera to anyone who needs closeup quality photos with fine detail.
July 30, 2010
handy multi purpose
It's great for macro, but I also often use it for portrait. The focal length is perfect and yet it is not as heavy as the 70-200.
July 30, 2010
nice sub telephoto
As a former owner of the 105mm f2.5 Ai and 105mm f2.8 D Micro-Nikkor, I purchased this AFS G lens for my Nikon D700. It is even better than its predecessors as a portrait, close-up and landscape lens. It is the longest focal length I currently own.
July 30, 2010
Great Macro
This lens has opened up a new world of macro photography for me. I often use it with the R1 Speedlight system to get amazingly sharp pictures of bugs. I want pictures that have that "pop". This lens helps make it happen!
July 30, 2010
Ladies' choice for beautiful bokeh...
A few years ago, I traded my 30-yr-old camera and macro lens for new Nikon equipment. A year after purchasing the Nikon D50 kit, I added the Nikkor 105mm macro f/2.8G to my collection to capture close-up photos of wild and garden flowers, and insects. I have been impressed by the ease of handling of this lens. I especially like being able to work farther away from my subjects, yet achieve clear, detailed closeups. Although the Auto-focus feature is excellent, I get superb results using this lens in manual mode. To achieve my preferred depth of field, I work within a range from f4.5-f6.7, which always yields the right balance of focused and unfocused detail, along with a beautiful bokeh.
July 30, 2010
Tack Sharp and Versatile Prime
This is my favorite lens in my bag. It's fast, its not that heavy and my pictures explode with color and vibrancy. I shoot mostly portraits: events and family shots; when you lock on your subject's eyes, you have them. For 1:1 Macro photography it's very special - hand held or on a tripod.
July 30, 2010
Yes, Yes, Yes!
It's tack sharp until f16 + and then it's still very good. One lens... this should be it for FX. I use it everyday for fashion, table-top, nature, portrait, etc. The only real drawback is that f2.8 sometimes isn't shallow enough for full-length portraits... if you can call that a portrait.
July 30, 2010
This lens makes me lots of money.
I am an Internet coin dealer. One of the hardest problems I have had in the past was getting close up pictures of tiny coins. A few years ago I purchased the Nikon D60 SLR and was happy but not fully satisfied. Last year I added the AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED to my camera and was I surprised. The auto focus is superb. The close-ups are amazing and the detail is just beautiful. I consider myself an amateur photographer. This lens makes my coins look like they were photographed by a professional.
July 30, 2010
You'll use this lens more than you think!
I bought this lens for detail work at weddings but now I use it all of the time. It has become my "go to" portrait lens on my D3 in the studio because of its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, excellent color and the ability to get in close. A fantastic lens for children and babies. I still use it for a lot of macro work but it is much, much more than a macro lens.
July 30, 2010
My new walk around lens
This lens is dead on. Excellent color, crisp clear shots. It has replaced the 85mm 1.4 as my walk around lens. I recently shot a sunlit subject from the opposite end of a 200' shadow filled alley. Once cropped it was as sharp as a closeup head shot.
July 30, 2010
Sharp Macro
Great images and nice 105mm distance. The first lens I bought for my new D700.
July 30, 2010
What a superb lens!
This wonderful lens is a necessity for anyone who likes flower, or macro work. It zips into focus instantly and delivers sharp, bright, vibrant photos with a real snap. I use a fiber optic ring light to give me great depth of field when I need it and the lens certainly delivers. For the critical, serious photographer, this lens is a must.
July 30, 2010
Best lens in my bag.
I bought this lens to improve my insect pictures. It sure does that and a lot more. My bugs are now great so are my flower shots. I do some art work shots for my artists freinds and with this lens I no longer have to adjust the colour or take out the barrel distortion. At 2.8 it is a great lens for kid action shots. A very sharp lens with good colour and contrast! I use this lens much more than I would have thought.
July 30, 2010
More Versatile than Expected
The 105mm f/2.8 is a great macro/micro and portrait lens. While expecting to this lens to be limited to these aspects, I found that it can also be used as a short telephoto lens as well with good DoF. The VR mechanisms adds weight (hefty for its' size), but the lens balances well when connected to my D700 with grip, and not as well with smaller compact DX cameras.
VR: I'm relatively steady and rarely have had the need for VR. However, when needed on those low blood sugar days, the VR circuitry does a great job steadying the capture.
Bokeh: The bokeh is absolutely fantastic especially in macro/micro, and portrait shots.
AF: On my D700, the auto-focus is fast and quiet. Every now and then in dark or low contrast shots, it has a tendency to 'hunt and seek'. However, in those situations, that is generally to be expected. On my DX cameras, this lens 'hunts and seeks' like crazy.
Build Quality: Very well built and nothing cheap about it.
July 30, 2010
good features but bulky
I used the ancient 50mm micro on my old Nikons and even on my D70 and D90. This lens provides excellent service with more standoff from the subject. The 1.5x cropping factor makes it essentially a 158mm while allowing me the ability to upgrade to an FX body. Nice and quiet; hunts for focus too much especially when there is a lot of stuff around the subject; overpriced as are all Nikon lenses; even "looks good" mounted. Now if Nikon would field an improved D700 with more pixels for it! Ex-pro photographer with work shown at Photokina, I demand good equipment. This is good gear.
July 30, 2010
If you just need one macro...
I started shooting macro soon after getting my D90 and 60mm, but found I often wanted more working distance. So I got this beauty. I was immediately off-put by it's bulk, but loved the images, increased working distance with a more foreshortened perspective. It became my "most-used" macro until I wanted more of those good things and bought the 200mm macro. Now they need to share. After hefting the 200 the 105 no longer feels so bulky and the fast auto focus and VR give it additional versatility.
If you can only have one macro lens - get this!
July 22, 2010
Not only for Macro
This lens is amazing, autofocus is super fast and the colors that I get from it are superb. I bought it for macro, but I use it for portraits more often. I even tried it for sports, it has a short range but all your shots are sharp and focused. It has replaced my 50mm f/1.4 as my main lens.
July 12, 2010
Macro
Uso essa lente a quase um ano,com otimos recurso de clareza e profundidade de campo,é uma lente macro que recomendo a um amigo como já fiz,uma otima lente.
May 7, 2012
BOA LENTE PARA MACRO
LENTE RECOMENDADA POR DEZENAS DE PESSOAS NO SITE FLICKR NAS PAGINAS DEDICADAS A MACRO FOTOGRAFIA, E EU TAMBEM RECOMENDO.
March 21, 2012
fast and sharp
very good close up lense and a good medium tele for sports. Only problem: why is it not a fixed F2.8 thru the whole rangeof focusing?? It's about F4 at close up and not F2.8. Aperture changes as you focus from close to further away. frustrating!
July 18, 2011
versatile macro
Very sharp; great for flowers; nice for portraits; super color rendition.
April 20, 2011
Great macro, doubled as general tele lens.
I did a lot of reading online (including the customer reviews on B&H) on this lens, the Nikkor 60mm macro (no vr) and the Tamron 60mm & 90mm macro (also no vr) and tested the latter three lens in stores since no one carries the Nikkor 105MM macro vr. Tamron lens are good, as i like the Tamron 60mm a lot (f2.0) but when compared to the Nikkor lens side-by-side the Nikkor 60mm lens produces sharper images, and the Tamron 90mm is flimsy although legendary for its tack sharp images. There are no comparison in terms of quality and output. I decided to go with this Nikkor 105mm macro vr. So far i have used it for general photography (very nice bokeh for portrait). Took it with me to Asia for 2+ weeks, and enjoyed using it indoor / low light condition but have to learn how to use the lens to maximize its potential as this is a specialty macro lens. It is what i expected in built quality and image output: solid built and tack sharp when focus correctly or as intended. The lens is a little heavy and big on the D90 and the auto focus, VR are more audible than other DX VR lens due to the size of this lens. Compared to other Nikon professional f2.8 lens, this is not as expensive although it's a specialty macro lens.
April 18, 2011
Great with Some Drawbacks
This lens is sharp, contrasty, and beautiful a 2.8 and up. Its not a lens I pull out often but I could use it for portraits more and should. It lets me stand back out of the light for detail shots and the VR helps greatly. Focus "Breathing" takes some getting used to and I often use manual focus to nail shots because the AF sometimes doesn't do what I want it to. The VR takes a second to kick in and because its my only VR lens its kind of annoying to me but may not be to you. Otherwise its a necessary and welcome addition. If i shot with this all day, im sure that the issues with this lens would go away because its unique handling takes some learning. I own the 24 1.4g the 85 1.4g the 50 1.4g the 24-70 2.8g and the 80-200 2.8 D and this lens is as good as all of them.
March 2, 2011
It hunts too much.
I purchased this lens in 12-2007 after having a 60 mm Macro which I loved very much. I purchased the 105 Macro so I could take Macro photos a little further back and not be in the shadow of my subject,especially when using studio strobe. It works great. The only problem I have had is that it hunts and hunts too often. I will be sending this back to Nikon for a third time to hopefully correct this problem.
September 23, 2010
Is it worth your buck ?!?
Just picked up this lens yesterday and tried it out at home. I couldn't stop. This is an AMAZING lens. I'm new to photography and all but the shots I got from this were great. I tried it as a close-up macro, longer-range macro and as a longer-range portrait. Results were great for all these setting. Have to use manual focusing for macro though (from what I read, its a standard approach to macro photography). When using the auto-focus, its super quiet. The focus ring is large, smooth and responsive. The supplied lens hood is nice.
The lens is of excellent build quality. That said, its a heavy one. Hand-held macro shots will be difficult or tricky (even though it has VR). A tripod is needed. For portrait or when on auto-focus, you can do hand-held shots.
Considering the price, I was expecting this lens to come out of Japan. It is, however, produced in China.
June 14, 2012
25 Questions | 42 Answers
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25 Questions | 42 Answers
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All1 year, 1 month ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Portrait
4 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm 2.8 lens would work great on the D3100.I use this lens on my FX D700 and my DX D70s sensor cameras.
Although this lens was designed to work optimally with a FX sensor it still works fabulous with Nikon's DX sensor cameras such as your D3100.
-- If you are getting into the rewarding aspect of Micro photography this is a great lens to start with. Happy Shooting
To fully optimize your shooting experience, consider a R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System.
Jun 18, 2011 by
by
dmbNIK
North Virgina
Location :
North Virgina
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
ignore joe, keith has the right stuff. all AF-S lenses work with all modern D-bodies.Answer:
It will auto focus on the D3100 as it is the AF-S version.Answer:
Yes but you would have to focus manually, it does not have a built in lens motor.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
can you suggest a hood to use 77mm filters on this lens
1 year ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
use a step-up filter converter. they are available at any good camera shops. if you want a hood as well: buy a step-up converter, screw in your filter, then use a 77mm screw-in hood.Answer:
The filter size for this lens is 62mm.
can Af- Nikkor 105 mm f/2.8 used as a telephoto lens?
1 year ago
by
SunilS
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Absolutely! It is great for telephoto use in situations not requiring a large depth of field. It produces very sharp portraits. It is excellent for street photography to enable the isolation of the subject from the surrounding environment without having to be too close. This provides the opportunity to get great candid shots even in low lighting situations without the use of a flash. I love it!Jul 10, 2011 by
by
AlabamaTim
Montgomery, AL
Location :
Montgomery, AL
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
This is a medium telephoto Micro lens, ideal for extreme close-up and portrait work with greater working distances and AF from infinity.10 months ago
by
led
malaysia
Location :
malaysia
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Lenses marked AFS have a built in motor and will work on nearly all Nikon DSLR'sAnswer:
Yes.
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
Will all functions on this lense work on my d300 (not d300s)
10 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
Yes.Oct 17, 2011 by
by
Buster
Oregon coast
Location :
Oregon coast
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes, perfect. :)Has staff answer
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
Can I know when the lens was made using the serial number on it?
A copy with a serial number starting with 255.... When was it made?
10 months ago
by
mgg1975
Florida
Location :
Florida
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
I’m not sure if this tells you or not...http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/gg1e57vo/1/How-to-No-Kidding-Read-Your-Lens-Barrel.html
If not I would contact "Service and Support" above in main menu bar...
Jul 2, 2012 by
by
NikonD
Sedona, AZ, USA
Location :
Sedona, AZ, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
In order to better assist you, please click on the link below:Answer Title: How to ask or update a Technical Support question
Answer Link: http://support.nikonusa.com/app/ans...
Has staff answer
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
Why does my new 105 VR Micro only go to f 4.5 at 1:1 focual distance?
10 months ago
by
Jim
USA
Location :
USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
I don't know why but all modern Macro lens will change f/stop when you get close.Answer:
In order to better assist you, please click on the link below:Answer Title: How to ask or update a Technical Support question
Answer Link: http://support.nikonusa.com/app/ans...
Has staff answer
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
What distance to achieve 1:1 macro ratio
At what min and max distance is needed for macro shots. Hoping to shoot bees and wasp, but I do not want to be that close for obvious reasons.
9 months ago
by
Dwayne
California
Location :
California
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
To shoot 1:1 the sensor plane is about 1 Ft. from the subject. I have shot many Wasps,Hornets & Bees & have never been stung. I have found,If you don't swat them they won't swat you. Remain CALM & if they start to get agressive, back away slowly & let them calm down.They will accept you if you don't hurt or injur them. Have fun!My Images are to large to download. They were shot with D7000 & 105mm Nikkor & are almost all over 5 MB
Sample Photos & Videos
Oct 17, 2011 by
by
Buster
Oregon coast
Location :
Oregon coast
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
The Minimum Focus Distance is 1.0ft.(0.314m).Has staff answer
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
Where this lens was made, I wondered Nikon ever made this lens in China and sold its in US maket with US warranty (5 years)
Nikon lens with SKU # NI10528GAF and product # 2160 , is this item made in Japan or China , how can I know which one is for US market. Any advise from Customer services or technical support is very helpful for Nikon user. Thank's
9 months ago
by
Peter, N
San Diego
Location :
San Diego
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
My lens 105mm f2.8 Micro Nikkor was made in China & sold in the US. I would have never suspected until I looked. The build is superb,the Glass is flawless the pictures are tack sharp with beautiful bokah. I was dissapointed to learn that the f stop changes & is only f2.8 @ infinity.At 1-1 Macro it is f4. Shooting @ 1:1 i always stop down to f8-f22 anyway so it is a moot point but feel Nikon should advertise it as a variable apurture lens. That said, I would buy it again. BusterOct 17, 2011 by
by
Arden E. Olson
Oregon coast
Location :
Oregon coast
Age: Over 65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Nikon operates factories all across the globe and each operate to the same high standard. While individual cameras are marked with their country of manufacture we can't make a blanket statement about which camera is produced where.Has staff answer
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
2 Answers
I can't get my 105 macro to autofocus
( Full Frame body)...it did work, and it just stopped. It acts like it's trying to focus but it can't find anything...any help would be appreciated!
8 months ago
by
JessicaM
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
HiYou are not too close to subject?
you are focusing on something with contrats?
Your m/ma slider on side is set either way ??? manual or manul auto???
If all these are ok, I would suggest contacting "Service and Support" in main menu above, they will respond in timely manner...
Hope this helps...
Jul 2, 2012 by
by
NikonD
Sedona, AZ, USA
Location :
Sedona, AZ, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
In order to better assist you, please click on the link below:Answer Title: How to ask or update a Technical Support question
Answer Link: http://support.nikonusa.com/app/ans...
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Award Winner
TIPA Award For Best Professional Lens
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) accolades for this superb Nikkor lens included; This lens is the first-ever Nikkor Micro model with an integrated optical stabilizer. This 105mm f/2.8 reaches a life-size reproduction ratio of 1:1 with an ambitious optical construction featuring 14 elements in 12 groups. It sports and ED lens and features new Nano Crystal Coating technology, which is designed to further minimize flare.
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