Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f2.8 Micro ED Lens
Mounted on a D80 Body, my first impression of the lens is it is a much more substantial piece of kit than any other of the lens combinations that i own. Compared with even the AF-S 70-300mm VR, this lens is great. It is of similar weight and size, but feels much more solid than the other. The lens is of standard Nikon layout, bar the gold band at the end of the barrel, denoting its “professional” nature and finish. I guess this means that it is comparable to Canon’s L series lenses.
Layout is conventional, with rubber band around the lens mount to provide a bit of environmental sealing. VR modes and AF toggles are at the base of the lens. It doesn’t have the two mode VR that the 70-300mm has, only on or off settings. (This is no great shakes considering that it is highly unlikely that you would use this lens from the back of a moving vehicle as the active mode is designed for). There is also a focus limiter switch, giving it full range AF, or 0.5m-infinity AF.
Distance focusing and set reproduction ratio focusing are possible thanks to the clear focus window on the top of the lens. Unfortunately it only has DOF markers for f32.
First impressions of the images produced by this lens are that they are stunningly sharp. They have that “bite” that i haven’t really noticed with other lenses so far, and to me, that is very impressive. Unfortunately i haven’t done any official style test shots for this, but i will direct you to the photozone.de webpage which has presented them on test with a D200 body:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-a ... rt?start=1
Autofocus on this lens is consistent and accurate, with very little in the way of hunting for the subject. It is also rapid and relatively silent!
My test shots were either taken with VR on, handheld, or using a Manfrotto 109XB Tripod. Also, i haven’t really taken the MB-D80 grip off when i have this lens mounted, i find that it gives that extra stability needed when shooting! Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! They are available at 1024 resolution on my Flickr!
All have been minimally, if at all postprocessed
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f4
Shutter: 1/100
ISO: 200
Exposure Compensation: -0.7ev
Tripod
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f4
Shutter: 1/200
ISO: 200
Exposure Compensation: 0ev
Handheld with VR
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f18
Shutter:1/25
ISO: 200
Exposure Compensation: -0.7ev
Tripod
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f 4.5
Shutter: 1/80
ISO: 100
Exposure Compensation: 0ev
Handheld with VR
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f10
Shutter: 1/50
ISO: 200
Exposure Compensation: -0.7ev
Tripod
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f8
Shutter: 1/50
ISO: 200
Exposure Compensation: 0ev
Tripod
These two really demonstrate the sharpness of the lens, i find this quite stunning, even if the image isn’t particularly special.
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f18
Shutter: 1/25
ISO: 400
Exposure Compensation: 0ev
Handheld with VR
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f13
Shutter: 1/13
ISO: 200
Exposure Compensation: 0ev
Handheld with VR
Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f4
Shutter: 1/30
ISO:200
Exposure Compensation: 0ev
Tripod
Should post some more shots and impressions soon! Enjoy!
_________________
Nikon D80
AF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 Nikon {} AF 50mm f1.8 Nikon {} AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 VR ED Nikon {} Nikon AF-S 105mm VRII f2.8 Micro ED N
MB-D80 battery grip {} 4GB Sandisk extreme SDHC {} Manfrotto 109xb & 804rc2head {} Lowepro Primus AW {} SB800
Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27747651@N04/
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