105mm 2.5 AIS Macro Lens

I've been spending some time in another board which talks a lot about different Nikon lens and debates which classic lenses are the best. Not much different from over here, it's just that the subject matter is different

It got me to thinking about using this lens underwater. It would clearly have disadvantages, but I wonder if it makes any sense at all to get this lens. I am assuming it's a manual focus lens and that alone would make it difficult to get shots of other than stationary targets.

Is my thinking correct in that it would need some sort of focus gear so the focus could be adjusted?

Feedback requested!

Thanks for the opinions.

Ellen

Ellen, this lens is and always will be among my favorite, sharp as a tack, small, light and rugged like a granit rock from Canada, alas the list of inconvenient for underwater use is devastating, no close focusing, no autofocus, no auto aperture, as much as it is desirable for top side use, it is the last lens you would want underwater. also on a D70 (which I presume you have) there is no electronic conversation between the lens and the camera body, in essence you D70 will treat it the same as your body cap, not fun if you ask me. I do wish that they would have come out with a modern version of this lens, but it wont happen, some thing are meant to stay in the past.

Ellen, this lens is and always will be among my favorite, sharp as a tack, small, light and rugged like a granit rock from Canada, alas the list of inconvenient for underwater use is devastating, no close focusing, no autofocus, no auto aperture, as much as it is desirable for top side use, it is the last lens you would want underwater. also on a D70 (which I presume you have) there is no electronic conversation between the lens and the camera body, in essence you D70 will treat it the same as your body cap, not fun if you ask me. I do wish that they would have come out with a modern version of this lens, but it wont happen, some thing are meant to stay in the past.

Thanks. You have confirmed what I suspected. It's good to hear it from a pro with way more experience than I have. I still may purchase this lens if I get into Macro, but will confine its use to topside only.

As for now, I'm shopping for a 105 mm lens with Autofocus capabilities. Still haven't decided whether to get the VR version or not.

Ellen

You might want to check with your housing manufacturer, the 105 VR is a VERY BIG lens and some manufacturer had issues on how to fit it in their port sytem. I know Its at the limit of our gear and port capabillity and we are know for having have a pretty big port opening.

Probably someone out there can help in on that one.

BTW unless you can get the old 105 f 2,5 for really cheap, don't bother, i mean its good, but it was designed for another era of photography, if you want a beautifull lens for portrait look into getting an AF 85 F;1,8, not expensive and fully compatible with your D70 and most of all it has a very flattering compression for the face. Great for available light also, its my favorite dog lens. Especially mine

if you want a beautifull lens for portrait look into getting an AF 85 F;1,8, not expensive and fully compatible with your D70

Interestingly enough, I was able to use the 85 f/1.8 lens (Manual Focus) this past weekend to photograph my daughter at the State Choir Championships. Used the lens with an F3, both lens and camera were borrowed from a friend. I will be able to see the results when I pick up the film. Talk about a different era, it's been a long time since I've had to wait until I pick up the film to see the results!

Thanks for the tip on the 105 VR fitting into the port.

Ellen