peterm1
Veteran
I just picked up a lovely Nikkor 105mm f1.8, having had the chance to buy this or a 135mm f2 of similar vintage and in similar condition. It seems that those who know have decided the 105mm is sharper wide open while producing similar bokeh and hence I bought that one after researching it and mulling it over. I have read a few reviews which seem to be tending to the conclusion that at f2.8 and above it is indistinguishable from its more famous f2.5 sibling. Why buy this lens then? The short answer is that like most I am a sucker for fast glass and especially enjoy that oooey, gooey soft bokeh.
Anyone else had experience with the fast 105mm or 135mm either of Nikon or other marques? If so I would love to see some images and hear your views. The 105mm certainly has excellent bokeh and while it is not pin sharp wide open (who would expect it to be) it is certainly sharp enough and especially makes a good fist of portrait shooting. In use, it is of course affected somewhat by the normal problem of nailing focus in a lens like this though I should say it is not quite as bad as I thought it might be as it is very evident when it drops out of maximum focus.
BTW, As I walked out the door of the camera store, I spotted a lovely pre AI 85mm f1.8 in true mint condition for an excellent price due no doubt to it never having been converted (something I am comfortable in doing myself). I have been looking for a nice early Nikkor 85mm f1.8 for a while now and this nicely fits the bill Knowing I am unlikely to find another at this price, hence I pocketed this one too. Ah well, I can sell a few less used and less loved lenses to finance it, thereby keeping my wife in the dark and my banker compliant. I have only tried this lens on my Sony to date but will make the conversion soon and get it up and running on my D700. But the early signs are that this lens is every bit as good as its reputation suggests if not better. (I own the AF D versions in f1.8 and f1.4 and no doubt will have fun making comparison shots).
Two from the 105mm.
Anyone else had experience with the fast 105mm or 135mm either of Nikon or other marques? If so I would love to see some images and hear your views. The 105mm certainly has excellent bokeh and while it is not pin sharp wide open (who would expect it to be) it is certainly sharp enough and especially makes a good fist of portrait shooting. In use, it is of course affected somewhat by the normal problem of nailing focus in a lens like this though I should say it is not quite as bad as I thought it might be as it is very evident when it drops out of maximum focus.
BTW, As I walked out the door of the camera store, I spotted a lovely pre AI 85mm f1.8 in true mint condition for an excellent price due no doubt to it never having been converted (something I am comfortable in doing myself). I have been looking for a nice early Nikkor 85mm f1.8 for a while now and this nicely fits the bill Knowing I am unlikely to find another at this price, hence I pocketed this one too. Ah well, I can sell a few less used and less loved lenses to finance it, thereby keeping my wife in the dark and my banker compliant. I have only tried this lens on my Sony to date but will make the conversion soon and get it up and running on my D700. But the early signs are that this lens is every bit as good as its reputation suggests if not better. (I own the AF D versions in f1.8 and f1.4 and no doubt will have fun making comparison shots).
Two from the 105mm.
