Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor

Larger, heavier, and more expensive than the Nikon AF-S 60mm ED lens, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor is a specialized lens with advanced integrated technology designed for a specific purpose. In the right situation, this lens can provide an extreme advantage. In other situations, however, it can be a complete waste of money.

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor | Lens Details

Specifications

In many ways, the specification of this lens is nearly identical to the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF Micro-Nikkor, with only a few obvious differences. The 105mm focal length provides greater magnification over the Nikon AF-S’s 60mm, with a corresponding reduction in angle of view.

The aperture range is between 2.8 and 32 stops, with a minimum focus distance of one foot (0.314 meters). It is capable of a 1:1 reproduction ratio. The photographer has the option of manual or automatic internal focusing. The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass helps overcome chronic aberration, and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coating eliminates internal lens reflections.

What makes this lens truly different and superior (as well as adding the additional size and weight) is the addition of Nikon’s new vibration reduction technology.

Actual user review:
“Impressively, the Nikon 105/2.8 VR shows center and corner sharpness through the entire aperture range. The sweet spot is said to be between f/5.6 to f/11, but inspecting 100% crops did not reveal much loss of sharpness at the larger apertures. This probably has a good deal to do with the ED glass element and Nano Crystal coating showing its worth, but it is also probable that the lens outresolves the 6-megapixel APS-C sensor on the test body (a Nikon D50), so any decrease in sharpness is not as apparent. Likewise, color and contrast are also consistently well rendered through the range of apertures. The only flaws in this gem are flaring and chromatic aberration, which shows up in high contrast scenes from maximum aperture (f/2.8) and is minimized by f/5.6. This is, however, typical of many large aperture lenses at maximum aperture. Bokeh is one of the best traits of this lens, pretty much up there with some of the best Nikkor lenses, like the 85/1.4 AF-D. Out of focus areas are smooth, and the 9-bladed diaphragm helps to render out of focus point lights as circles rather than harsh geometric shapes. “ – G.C.V.Dulay (Philippines)

Features

The main feature of this lens is the “VR” in its name. If you are not familiar with the acronym, it stands for “Vibration Reduction,” which is crucial in low light situations when the shutter speed has to be set way down.

The tiny jitters of a hand-held camera can cause the photographs it takes to become blurred. In close-up photography, where magnified lenses focus on very small subjects, the effect of these tiny camera movements also becomes magnified. The regular blur of a hand-held camera, multiplied many times over on a close-up shot, can completely ruin the image. Even when on a tripod, even the smallest vibrations (such as those caused by the wind) can make the difference between a crystal-clear photograph and one in which the definition is a bit hazy around the edges.

Nikon’s VR II vibration reduction technology eliminates this problem, making it a well worth the additional cost to micro/macro photographers.

Previously, vibration reduction used by camera companies (including Nikon) was based on moving the image sensor around to adjust for the camera shake. This provided sharper images at between 1½ to 2 stops (two shutter speeds slower and two aperture openings wider) than would otherwise be possible. Although this was sufficient for some photographers, such as sports photographers and photojournalists, it was still not quite enough for micro/macro photographers, where are forever pushing the technological limits in their quest for crystal-clear photographs of miniscule subjects.

Nikon’s VR II vibration reduction equipment takes a completely different technological approach to solving the camera-shake problem. Rather than adjust the image sensor to compensate for the camera’s movement, it adjust the lenses.

Within the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Micro-Nikkor lens are two angular velocity sensors, one for the horizontal and one for the vertical axis. Their velocity measurements are sent to a microcomputer (contained within the lens itself), which applies a mathematical algorithm to determine how to compensate for the camera’s movement. The microcomputer then sends this date to two voice coil motors, which adjust specific lens elements to compensate for the camera movement.

This new technological approach by Nikon’s VR II system can produce sharp images at up to 4 stops, as compared to the previous system’s 1½ to 2. The result, especially for micro/macro photographers taking extreme close-up shots, is a new level of image clarity in a wide range of situations, such as windy conditions low lighting environments. Even if camera movement isn’t an issue, having four additional stop options lets you shoot photographs at lower ISO settings to increase image quality.

The VR II system also offers a few nice new perks. Half-pressing the shutter button activates the vibration reduction system, reducing shutter lag and allowing you to compose your shot free from the camera shake effect. Furthermore, the new VR II system can automatically detect when a tripod is in use, when the camera is panning (a situation where you would not want the camera to compensate for the movement), and is even equipped with a specific algorithm to compensate for the constant vibration created when using a camera from inside a moving motor vehicle.

Bottom Line

The best application for the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor lens is for landscape and wildlife photography. Nikon’s new vibration reduction systems can produce sharper images of small animals and insects (who may be moving), and help compensate for the slight tremors in plant life caused by the wind.

This lens is most certainly a specialized lens, best suited for specific photographers in specific situations. For the causal hobbyist or photography enthusiast, this expensive lens with its advanced VR technology may overkill for causal, general photography. For professional, specialist micro/macro photographers, however, it can be an invaluable weapon in your camera lens arsenal.

Average User Rating:

• “Late last summer, I wondered why Canon and Nikon had such control over the DSLR market. I had been a Konica Minolta 5D user. I went to a camera store and tried the Canon 30D and a bunch of lenses… okay… Nice… Then tried with the D200 with among others the 105VR. I love to shoot macro/close-up and shooting with this lens just blew me away in the store. I knew then that I had to change and began the task of selling off all my gear and making the move to Nikon. The 105VR is such a a useful lens. VR is not that useful at macro level focusing. But this lens also doubles as a very good short tele, and VR is VERY helpful in those situations! In this crop of lenses for Nikon mount (Tamron 90, Sigma 105, & Tokina 100) there is two areas where it excels: 1) the 105VR is constant length and when you are this close to things, it makes a difference; 2) AF-S (quiet focusing). The others really do extend quite a bit, you’ll be surprised it you are not used to it. Optically it is superb as sharp or sharper than the competition. Solid construction, large snap on shade. This lens is a winner.” – R.Lanthier (VA,USA)
• “This is a great lens – it`s as sharp as it gets, has no distortions, focuses down to 1:1, it`s fast and does beautiful bokeh. However, there are some cons – it is heavy and has minor focusing problems when in low light (on my d40x – can`t say for other models). The VR is great, but also intended for objects 3m or more away. Under that, it gradually loses stability. Considering it is a prime lens, there is no zoom. You will probably need to carry around additional lens if you don`t want to miss a shot. This is a must have lens for portrait and macro photography. However, if you plan on making tourist shots, cut on the bokeh and get the all-round 18-200mm. It`s slower (f3.5-5.6), but far more practical and somewhat cheaper. You can`t miss with either one. Good luck! “ – L.Golubiae

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