2020
Nikkor 105 f2.5 - Another timeless classic
This is the optically-identical predecessor of the famous Nikkor 105 AI-S. You know, the one that was used by Steve McCurry to take that famous photo that everyone knows (except apparently for the subject, Sharbat Gubal, who did not know how famous it was till 2002, and apparently didn't really want her photo taken anyway...but I'm not gonna get into the ethics of it all here). Anyway, in theory you (or I) could use this lens to take photos just as good as Steve's. Yes, in theory.
But, how is the 105 AI different from the AI-S? Well, they're optically the same (which is what really matters). The AI might be a bit bigger, I read somewhere that is has longer focus throw (180°) and lacks the built-in hood of the AI-S. There are other differences that matter if you're planning on using it on film cameras that I won't get into here (but are explained here for those interested).
The Nikkor 105 f2.5 AI specs:
Build Quality/Handling (Excellent/Very Good)
Metal mechanical stuff from the 70s is generally very good and so is this lens. Focusing is smooth, aperture clicks are nice and everything works as it should even though this lens is over 40 years old.
The 105 with adapter is a tad heavy and the fact that it flares out a bit makes it seem bulkier and heavier than it is. Before writing this, I was like, yeah much heavier and bulkier than the Canon nFD 100 f2, until I put them side by side and weighed both again and realized that the Canon was actually slightly heavier! I'm such a Canon 100/2 fanboy that I can't even remain objective (I mean, it's hard to beat that 100mm - but I do have the 100/2 Zuiko coming in the mail soon, so...). Anyway, where was I? Yes, handling is good. It's definitely much better on the A7iii than on my old A7s as Sony has really improved the grip in recent years.
Image Quality (Nat Geo Cover Worthy?)
Really good at all apertures in most scenarios. Basically the same as the Canon nFD 100/2 (but with a tad more DOF).
Here are a few mostly wide open on the 24mp Sony A7III (Click on the photo for some pixel peeping on flickr)
But, how is the 105 AI different from the AI-S? Well, they're optically the same (which is what really matters). The AI might be a bit bigger, I read somewhere that is has longer focus throw (180°) and lacks the built-in hood of the AI-S. There are other differences that matter if you're planning on using it on film cameras that I won't get into here (but are explained here for those interested).
The Nikkor 105 f2.5 AI specs:
- 5 elements in 4 groups
- Weight - 420 grams
- Length - 67 mm (96 mm with adapter)
- Filter size - 52 mm
- Min. focus distance - 1 m
- Aperture - 7 blades, f2.5 to f22
Build Quality/Handling (Excellent/Very Good)
Metal mechanical stuff from the 70s is generally very good and so is this lens. Focusing is smooth, aperture clicks are nice and everything works as it should even though this lens is over 40 years old.
The 105 with adapter is a tad heavy and the fact that it flares out a bit makes it seem bulkier and heavier than it is. Before writing this, I was like, yeah much heavier and bulkier than the Canon nFD 100 f2, until I put them side by side and weighed both again and realized that the Canon was actually slightly heavier! I'm such a Canon 100/2 fanboy that I can't even remain objective (I mean, it's hard to beat that 100mm - but I do have the 100/2 Zuiko coming in the mail soon, so...). Anyway, where was I? Yes, handling is good. It's definitely much better on the A7iii than on my old A7s as Sony has really improved the grip in recent years.
Image Quality (Nat Geo Cover Worthy?)
Really good at all apertures in most scenarios. Basically the same as the Canon nFD 100/2 (but with a tad more DOF).
Here are a few mostly wide open on the 24mp Sony A7III (Click on the photo for some pixel peeping on flickr)
f2.5
f2.5
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f2.5
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f4
f2.5
OK, maybe wide open sharpness for distant subjects could be a bit better, but for objects sitting a bit closer it's really quite good. As expected, stopping down improves sharpness further. This lens should do well for portraits and many other applications.
The bokeh is excellent if you're into smooth stuff. It really doesn't matter what's in the background, how far it is from the subject, and so on. The only thing I can think of that would make it better is maybe more aperture blades for rounder specular highlights when stopping down.
The bokeh is excellent if you're into smooth stuff. It really doesn't matter what's in the background, how far it is from the subject, and so on. The only thing I can think of that would make it better is maybe more aperture blades for rounder specular highlights when stopping down.
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There's a bit of vignetting wide open, which is mostly gone after stopping down. CA is not generally an issue but some green and purple fringing can be seen in high contrast areas in certain situations (this can be seen in the shots of my son running above).
Vignetting at f2.5
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Vignetting at f4 (a little more in the top right...not sure why)
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The lens is multicoated and flare resistance is ok, but nothing spectacular and fairly typical for this vintage. However, I have experienced some CRAZY rainbow flare with the sun at a 90° angle to the lens. I suspect it has something to do with the adapter or reflections coming off the sensor or something.
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What the...?!
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Seriously, what the...?!?!
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Conclusion
This is a very good lens that can give you that slightly compressed look with a shallow depth of field that makes it possible to isolate your subject. It's well put together, is plenty sharp on a 24mp sensor, has beautiful bokeh and few faults (other than the weird flare, which I suspect isn't entirely the lens' fault).
It's also a pretty good deal and can be had for under $200 USD, which is quite a bit cheaper than the Canon nFD 100 f2. Sure, that's an f2, but really there's not that much that separates the two lenses in terms of optical performance. Having said that, I'm probably going to be selling the Nikkor soon, but the Canon is not going anywhere.
Related reviews
Sample Images
This is a very good lens that can give you that slightly compressed look with a shallow depth of field that makes it possible to isolate your subject. It's well put together, is plenty sharp on a 24mp sensor, has beautiful bokeh and few faults (other than the weird flare, which I suspect isn't entirely the lens' fault).
It's also a pretty good deal and can be had for under $200 USD, which is quite a bit cheaper than the Canon nFD 100 f2. Sure, that's an f2, but really there's not that much that separates the two lenses in terms of optical performance. Having said that, I'm probably going to be selling the Nikkor soon, but the Canon is not going anywhere.
Related reviews
Sample Images
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