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

what do you all think about this lens? Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

I like it. I have went back to shooting the old style 105mm on my last couple of trips, and having got used to the new 105mm, definitely felt it was a backward step. The 105mm VR needs a camera with good AF to really shine - should be excellent on your D300.

Wetpixel review here:

http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/nikon-105mm-vr-review/

Alex

It's a great lens both under and above water. Underwater, it take some getting use to, though. I had encountered it "locking" onto to other than my intended subject but once you overcame that, it is a great lens. FYI, I am using it on D300.

what do you all think about this lens? Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Hi Scott,

I replaced the old 105 lens that flooded in Wakatobi with the 105mm VR lens. Although I haven't used it underwater yet, I have used it topside. For example, the macro White Christmas images I posted on D2D were taken with this lens.

So far, I am very happy with it. The focusing is much faster than the old 105 lens and the focusing is internal, so the lens doesn't rack in and out like the old 105 did. I don't know about the Seatool housing you have, but with my Subal housing I needed to purchase a separate port for this lens which cost me about $700. The other port (with extension) that I used with my old 105 was too narrow for this very wide lens.

I don't think you can go wrong with this lens. It will give you much greater versatility for macro than just having 60mm lens you already own.

Hope that helps!

Ellen

Hello,

it's a lens that you have to buy!, for macro pictures, there are no better lens!

RB

wow, thanks all... it's ordered!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. Scott

It is one of the best macro lenses with superb nanocoatings. I used with D200 and the colors really shines.

Hi,

there should be a UW version of this lens.

Why? Because the UW version would have a diferent switch to limit the range of autofocus.

Instead of the FULL vs Infinite-0,5m

it should be: FULL vs 0,5m - 0,31m

or instead of the 0,5m limit it to 1,0m would be even better...

What do you think about this possible change?

I've used this lens a couple of times, it's very fast and sharp with good bokeh.

My comments are about the same as Alex's first review (posted here a while back), it's almost too fast. It takes either good ambient light or a strong focus light to get good lock. Half-presses are a bit difficult as it focuses so fast.

I got good results using it with a Woody's as it allowed me to get a bit closer to my subject in cold water.

Out of water it's a nice portrait lens as well.

Jack

Hi,

 

there should be a UW version of this lens.

 

Why? Because the UW version would have a diferent switch to limit the range of autofocus.

 

Instead of the FULL vs Infinite-0,5m

it should be: FULL vs 0,5m - 0,31m

 

or instead of the 0,5m limit it to 1,0m would be even better...

 

What do you think about this possible change?

Hi Carlos,

You may achieve this by using an extension or putting a diopter in front of the lens.

Edward

Instead of the FULL vs Infinite-0,5m

it should be: FULL vs 0,5m - 0,31m

There is, of course, no money in making a lens for underwater use, which is why Nikon abandoned the market...

... and a good focus light will solve most of the difficulty.

Tim

I am very happy with mine.

A +4 diopter allows you to get a bit closer to the subject, but limits the possible focus range (but that isn't really an issue as you want to be close anyway).

rgds

Sven

what do you all think about this lens? Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

side question:

worth buying 105 vr if you own the old 105mm, in advance of the Feb1 Nikon price increases?

I used both on my last trip, borrowed VR+port from buddy. It took some getting used to but I didn't get to the point where I couldn't go back to the old one and not get the same results. I thought about getting it but I figured I'd wait until my next camera upgrade in the likely case I switch housing systems (and I can continue to "borrow" as buddy too busy to dive).

but the news of price increases and the yen going nuts is making me think about bringing fwd lens investment.... I don't live in US but buy from bh/adorama once in a while and the prices there are as low as anywhere else in the world that i've seen so if it goes up there, i figure it'll be up everywhere.