From the Nikon Hall of Fame - Nikkor 105 2.5 review
The Nikkor 105 2.5 lens is one the most famous Nikon lenses of all time. On the cover of a Time/Life book about photography from the 70s there was an image showing the iconic equipment of a photojournalist these days. A worn canvas bag, a handheld incident light meter, a few rolls of Kodak Tri-X film, a Leica M3 with a 35 mm lens – and a Nikon F with a 105 2.5 lens.
The Nikkor 105 2.5 has a long history. It was introduced 1959 and became a favourite among Nikon photographers from the start. Several more versions of the 2.5 were introduced over the years. The lens I review here is the 105 2.5 AI (read more about it here).
Physically the lens is well made as all Nikkor AI lenses, and of course all metal, except for the rubber on the focus ring (and the glass obviously). It is a little beefier and heavier than the 85 2.0 AI I reviewed here, but relative compact and light compared to todays AF lenses. The weight is 430g and it takes of course 52 mm filters, the vintage Nikkor standard.
I tried the lens on a DX camera, a Nikon D300 which gives the FOV of a 157 mm lens (1.5 crop factor x 105mm), making it a little less suited for portaits and short tele use than its intended FOV on a FF camera.
After I have tried some other AI lenses there was little doubt in my mind that the 105 would perform well. The weakest point being some light hints of CA on bright contrasty surfaces. Otherwise the resolution is impressive. Check this sample. Do you see the tourist? (click to expand to 600 pixels).
On this 100 percent crop you do. We can also see his haircut, that he is wearing jeans and holds a camera.
Some general samples. Click to expand. Overall images are crisp and contrasty.
DOF - two stops makes a difference
With a common consumer zoom you are typically at F 5.6 at 105 mm. With the prime 105 2.5 you got the option to open up two and a third stop more, disolving distracting backgrounds.
At 5.6:
Same subject a F 2.5:
Compared to a modern pro lens
Since I expected the 105 2.5 to perform well, I decided to make some comparisions with Nikons professional 70-200VR 2.8 lens.
A sample (ISO 200, F8, 1/320s, NEF converted in ACR, USM 100/0.3/0).
105 2.5 left, 70-200VR right:
Excellent sharpness from both, the slight CA of the bright parts of the 105 makes the 70-200 a hair better in the center.
Corner: Identical sharpness.
Another comparison:
Hard to see any difference in sharpness. A little higher contrast on the 70-200 image, possibly due to the ED-glass.
Bokeh
However, sharpness is not the only interesting feature of this lens, bokeh is another. The 70-200 is well known for its butter smooth bokeh and is a good comparison.
First image Nikkor 105 2.5 wide open at 2.5. Second image Nikkor 70-200VR wide open at 2.8. Click on the images to expand them.
Both lenses at F4. First Nikkor 105 2.5, then Nikkor 70-200VR.
More samples at F 4.0. 105 2.5 first, then 70-200VR.
And finally, also at F 4.0, 105 2.5 first, then 70-200VR:
Conclusion
Top performance in sharpness and bokeh in a 430 g package which can be bought on the second hand market for a fraction of the cost of a modern pro lens. But the 105 2.5 lacks of course AF, VR, and zoom… The manual focusing is probably the biggest drawback for most people. But if you can handle that, this is a fine performing classic.
Thomas D. | May 16, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for reviewing these old classics (as well as the modern pro zooms), and for doing it in a non-scientific, and more “photographic” spirit. This has been just what I’ve been looking for!
Two recommendations: The D700 - you would love it. The 28 f/2 AIS, the sharpness wide open and its funky bokeh is wonderful. Its rendering gives the images a slight old-school-feel, like the 105/2.5 and the 85/2 you’ve tested.
I’m looking forward to following your site and your reviews!
PL | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Thomas,
The D700 is very tempting. In fact one reason for me to test the old lenses is to see if they would be usable parts of a FF kit. After summer maybe… And thanks for the tip about the 28 F2 AIS.
zygh | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Another very interesting read. The 105/2.5 is my favorite lens. Mounted on any camera it is sublime but mounted on a Fuji S5 and it enters magical territory.
Great review for this all-time-star!
PL | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Thanks zygh:)
wheelee | May 22, 2009 | Reply
I have this lens & many other Manual lens but have sold a few, But this lens will remain with me even though I seldomly use it. It’s a very very old lens but the focus is as smooth as butter
thanks for the review.
joe condron | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
thank you, very intersting i also still have some nice Nikon AI & AIS
lens 105 is one of my favs plus 50 f 1.2 and 35 f 1.4 on the look
out for a 28 f 2 the good thing is they are made to last and i
love to use them when things are not moving to fast. they are
magic on a D700
joe
http://www.rockzermatt.com
geatiense | Nov 23, 2009 | Reply
это знакомое…
Esa Kivivuori | Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
Hi,
Thank you for the interesting, useful and nostalgic
review. 105 mm has been one of my favourites since the beginning of 70s…
BR
Esa
Kiron Kid | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
I have and use the original non-AI version of this lens. A splendid performer!
Charlie | Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
Great review - I have recently been given this lens and it’s removed my desire for a 70-200/2.8 almost completely. It focuses closer too. A dream on a D700..
Thanks.
Elio Di Claudio | Apr 14, 2010 | Reply
Thanks from you example, but I have a different experience on the same lens, that does not attain with sample variation, inexistent on all specimens of 105 I tried (AI and AI-S). I am a researcher in image processing and the 105 is the best lens I used of many.
From my measures, the 105 2.5 AI has no fringes of speaking of (about 1/3000 at 5400 dpi scans worst case, equivalent to about 0.7 pixel at the border on a D300) at f/2.8 and after, and on D700 with strong anti-aliasing filter (no detectable fringe even without NX2 correction).
The apparent fringe is caused by blue (or even red in suitable photos) pixel aliasing on the D300 sensor, which is capable of a maximum of about 60 lp/mm (horizontal and vertical lines) and 42 lp/mm (linees at 45 degs). I experienced it on a D80.
The zoom cannot excite the aliasing because of inferior resolution, or, equivalently, the 105 sistematically overcomes the capability of the sensor. The scanner goes straight to 103 lp/mm in any direction. This can be expected from ancient resolution tests on 105 I read (>80 lp/mm on film at any image point from f/2.8 to f/8).
This phenomenon is also evident with other true high-resolution lenses on digital, such as the AFD 20 2.8 and the Zeiss ZF 28 and 50 1.4.
BB | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
Elio, I have used a 105mm f2.5 with great pleasure for over 34 years. Is it a lens that you would recommend or not? I did not understand a single point that you were making. Read the above review by the author of this website and look at the photographs and, I think, anyone could make their own conclusions.
Pablo | Oct 11, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for this review.
I’ve just sold my 80/200 f2.8 and I had to use my very old 105 f2.5 (1960, PRE AI) in one assignment. It made me re-discover this wonderful lens.
It is also in PHOTOSHELTER’s list of the 8 best lenses ever made.
I always tell my friends this is the sharpest lens I’ve ever had, just based on photographic and personal opinions, but also appreciate scientific data like Elio’s. Thanks, too.
And I agree with Thomas, a lens like this deserves borrowing someone’s D700 or D3x for a fair testing.
Congratulations, keep on reminding people not everything is in the VR, ED, AF…
Rainer | Dec 25, 2010 | Reply
The 105mm is an excellent copy of the ZEISS SONNAR design, which can still compete with todays glasse!
Anonymous | Mar 24, 2011 | Reply
Re. Rainer: This is a later version with rubber focus grip. This lens changed from being a sonnar design to a gauss/plannar in about 1971. The newer version being the better of the two apparently.
Brian | May 11, 2011 | Reply
I have the original 105 f/2.5 Nikkor-P (pre AIS lens), bought new by me in the early 60’s. From what I have read, it could damage the digital camera if you try to mount it. Am I mistaken? I thought I needed an AIS conversion in order to use it. My copy hasn’t been used in 20 years so the focus is tight (greasy?) and the shutter is slow (also greasy). Does anyone have a link to a dis-assembly of the lens source or is this just a stupid thing for amateur to do?
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Mlau | Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
As a canon user this lens amazed me. I have couple old manual lens like pentex takurma and this one is on the top of my list to keep and use.
Shenika Pacheo | Sep 19, 2011 | Reply
Magnificent belongings you made here.
George | Oct 3, 2011 | Reply
I also have a Nikkor-P Auto 1:2.5 f 105mm Nippon Kogaku Japan No.199703. I have a Nikon D90 body would like to know if there is a conversion. I love this lens.
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William Kazak | Dec 3, 2011 | Reply
I have acquired a recent 105 F2.5 Ais lens with built in lens shade. It is very compact and the bokeh is wonderful. I also have a 105 F2DC lens. The colors are better and it “wants” to be at F2.8 for the slightly more consistent focus. Hard to focus at F2, even with AF.
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Emile Lale | Apr 27, 2012 | Reply
Interesting article, thank you. Could you tell me about the second paragraph in more detail?
Toby Madrigal | Jul 7, 2012 | Reply
Thank you for presenting such an interesting review of the legendary 105 f2.5. The test and comparison results made your review shine. I use a pre AI version that has been AI converted, on my Nikon F and Nikkormat cameras for my work as a photographic artist. I specialise in ‘character’ portraits of men and this lens is used alongside a 50 & 35 if my subject wishes to be put in a certain setting. To a more limited degree, the 105 is not too long as it allows some background or side to be seen if that is what my subject wants. Although my lens was made c1970/1, it still performs flawlessly. A 135 f3.5 I have is rarely used.
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Gabriel | Dec 27, 2012 | Reply
Hi, congratulations. I have a 105mm 2.5, with serial number 505079, and the model reads NIKKOR-P.C Auto 1:2.5 f=105mm.
My question is : Can I use it with my D90 Nikon, without damaging it ?.
Hugh | Jan 16, 2013 | Reply
Hey George,
I have a 105mm serial number 171919 for my Nikon F body that I tried to put on my new D600. It fit! Apparently someone had filed away a part of the bottom ring, making it compatible. It BLOWS AWAY the kit lens. Just thought I’d pass that along. If you want a picture of the alteration just let me know. hugh7117@hotmail.com. It would take a machinist about 30 seconds.
Hugh
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Lee | Apr 3, 2013 | Reply
I am in the process of obtaining the older P version made around 1966 it has been factory converted to AI so I can use it on my D7000 although it is a tad long this will be my head/portrait lens as I had one when I started out shooting in 1969.
I personally found it even on the older model closer in performance to the Plannar than the Sonnar (I have used both models) I am not sure how it will perform on a D90 even AI converted but the manual will tell you if the metering & camera is AI compatable.
I agree with the above comments this is a great great lens and if you can get one in good condition you will find out why, as with Zeiss lenses its not pushed on the apetures so it remains razor sharp on any setting you wish to use. plus engineered like a watch, but built like a tank. Deffinately one of Nikons iconic masterpieces.
Age does not mean less quality optically I once 5.6 Delamere from the early 30’s & my god was that sharp.
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Silvano Rocha | Apr 25, 2013 | Reply
I have the 105/2.5 AI and It’s Wonderfull, even better than my Nikkor 180/2.8 AI in sharpness, Background defocus, colours, flare resistant, and compression.
I have only one problem with it, the position of the focus ring that is far away from de camera body, and it dificult to make the camera stay steady and prevent camera shake. But, even with this, I can make sharp pictures with 1/60s without
Optics is PERFECT.
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