urgent macro lens comparison

hi everyone

i'm looking to add a 105mm lens to my nikon set

can anyone tell me the major differences, pros and cons wise between the nikon 105mm af-s vr and the nikon 105 f/2.8D

the reason i ask is the the price differnce between the 2 is a lot and since i am trying to save money so i can get the port for my subal aswell this is a major factor for me, however if the vr is the better lens by a country mile then i may just keep on saving for a wee while longer....any thoughts

craig

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Mixed bag, I think. The older 105mm hunts rather slower when in autofocus mode. Some consider it a nuisance. On the other hand, some think the new VR hunts too quickly. As for quality, I think, at least, the newer VR is not an obvious improvement. This is based on my use, and merely subjective, not extensive study. The older one is a very good lens.

The newer VR is heavier, and for Subal at least, requires a larger port. The extra weight means a float collar is needed to achieve the same buoyancy. I purchased the VR a couple of years ago, and having done so, use it almost exclusively. I rather prefer the faster hunt. I still have the older one in the drawer, along with the Subal port. I keep them as back-up, though I don't bring them on trips. Too much extra weight, so I bring the 60mm instead.As I've never had any kind of flooding or lens problems with the 105mm, the 60mm never gets used either. Nice to have along, just in case.

If you're looking for something used, you can write me if you wish, but be aware I leave the country in 8 days.

Some review info:

http://www.bythom.com/105AFSlens.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/105af.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/105vr.htm

thanks for the info

you've made me feel better about possibly going for the older lens, im not really concerned about how quickly or slowly the lens hunt but quality was important for me

is there a port that allows you to use this older lens in maunal aswell as autofocus modes?

not sure if i can get anything together within 8 days but would possibly be interested in purchasing the used 105mm and port from you, are you leaving on a trip or leaving for good?

craig

The 105VR has AF with manual over ride. Hold shutter release 1/2 way down. turn manual focus ring on lens & you're in manual focus mode. Release shutter to return to AF. No need to change setting of AF/M switch on lens like on old 105, or change camera body switch from C/S to M. At least for my Nexus this means no special port required to access lens AF/M or housing control for body C/S/M (although most housings may have this feature). The ease of changing to manual focus is one reason I upgraded to the 105VR. Just needed a new focus gear. It does take awhile to get used to the much faster AF.

I've never used the 105VR but I love the 105D. It takes great images and I don't find it focuses significantly more slowly than my 60mm D. In practice, the lens is ready to take the shot when I am.

thanks for the info

 

you've made me feel better about possibly going for the older lens, im not really concerned about how quickly or slowly the lens hunt but quality was important for me

 

is there a port that allows you to use this older lens in maunal aswell as autofocus modes?

 

not sure if i can get anything together within 8 days but would possibly be interested in purchasing the used 105mm and port from you, are you leaving on a trip or leaving for good?

 

craig

I have the older 105 and use the Nexus multiport. This allows AF or M. There is a button on this lens that must be depressed so that the AF/M selection ring can be rotated. I got this lens in the 1990's for my F4 rig. I doubt that with the special port, that this would be a cheaper option.

Bob

The 105VR has AF with manual over ride. Hold shutter release 1/2 way down. turn manual focus ring on lens & you're in manual focus mode. Release shutter to return to AF. No need to change setting of AF/M switch on lens like on old 105, or change camera body switch from C/S to M. At least for my Nexus this means no special port required to access lens AF/M or housing control for body C/S/M (although most housings may have this feature). The ease of changing to manual focus is one reason I upgraded to the 105VR. Just needed a new focus gear. It does take awhile to get used to the much faster AF.

jeee...I didn't knew that. Thanks for sharing!