Short Nikon Tele

[ferider]

I see five 105/2.5 nikkors listed on this page:
http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html

What are the differences among this group of five?
Which one would be best on my D70?

The big difference is 5/3 vs. 5/4. And I disagree with Ljos, IMO, 75-105 all feel very similar on an SLR. 135 is a different beast. On RFs I do like the shorter min. focus and smaller size of the 85 Nikkor and prefer it over the 105.

 

[kxl]

I see five 105/2.5 nikkors listed on this page:
http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html

What are the differences among this group of five?
Which one would be best on my D70?

From that website, the 3rd one down (Type F, 105/2.5 P, Optic = 5/3) is the Sonnar. If you like the Sonnar look, you can get that, and have it converted to AI.

If you're not looking for a Sonnar, then the AI or AIS version would be fine. I've owned the AIS version in the past, and currently have the AI version (which I use on my D700).

 

[Kevin]

What do you mean by "have it converted to AI" ?

 

[kxl]

You can read about AI conversions here.

You cannot mount a non-AI lens on your D700; else you risk damage to the body.

 

[Kevin]

I have a D70 (not a D700) but I think this lens would need a Type B conversion, according to this table:
http://www.aiconversions.com/compatibilitytable.htm

Who does such a conversion? And is it worthwhile doing so?

 

[Ihmemies]

Ai 105/2.5. It has curved diaphgram blades and longer focus throw than the Ai-S version. Bokeh highlights don't look as obviously like 7-point polygons, and manual focusing is more precise.

 

[kxl]

I must have misread your post -- I thought you had a D700. If you have a D70, then it may not be worth it to get an AI or AIS lens, since they will NOT meter on that body. If you do get an AI or AIS lens to use with your D70, you will need to use the histogram, or an external meter or estimate the exposure.

If you do get a non-AI lens and have it AI'd, you still won't get any metering.

Contact John White, who owns that website I had provided. He does good work if you decide to go that route.

Good luck.
-Keith

 

[not_in_good_order]

The 105 2.5 AIS is awesome and is very sharp even wide open. Here are a couple of sample images (you can click on the image to get a closer look):

 

[Kevin]

If you have a D70, then it may not be worth it to get an AI or AIS lens, since they will NOT meter on that body...If you do get a non-AI lens and have it AI'd, you still won't get any metering.

Keith, that means none of these lenses will meter on my D70?
What a drag! And here I thought I was alone when Canon screwed me by switching their mount.

 

[italy74]

+1 105 F/2.5 AIS

Some samples here:

http://italy74.smugmug.com/All-the-rest-2/Other/Nikkor-AI-105-F25/10385209_KbKr8
http://italy74.smugmug.com/All-the-rest-2/Other/temp/10967619_GB7BK

otherwise (if you have also an AF camera) the Tamron 90 F/2.8 macro is another excellent candidate for the price.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Keith, that means none of these lenses will meter on my D70?
What a drag! And here I thought I was alone when Canon screwed me by switching their mount.

This might help explain Nikon camera to lens compatibility http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html . As always there is a section in the camera's owners manual, if you have it, that also has an explanation of this.

Bob

 

[grainhound]

Keith, that means none of these lenses will meter on my D70?
What a drag! And here I thought I was alone when Canon screwed me by switching their mount.

I dumped my Canon FD system partially because of that change of mount.

Omitting a long story, I ended up buying a Nikon D90 which, like your D70, doesn't meter with AI/S lenses. I bought the D90 with only an AI 35 f2.0 and an AI 24 f2.8 figuring I'd just use my digisix, as I do with my M cameras. After one shot I realized that I could guess the aperture & shutter settings, check the histogram or just the LCD, and readjust accordingly. That works fine for me. I subsequently discovered the excellent AF 35-70 f2.8 zoom, and mostly use that (52-105 equivalent) on the D90. I still use the 24 & a recently acquired 20 f2.8 AI for wides, and the lack of a meter is not an issue. (For me.)

 

[Kevin]

I still use my Canon SLRs with FD lenses and will retrofit the lenses when the "perfect" EVIL camera comes around ...

For my D70 I simply desire a slightly better portrait lens for my studio, where I shoot manual anyways.

So I guess I'll simply pick up a used Ai 105/2.5, or an AiS version if the price is right.

 

[david.elliott]

I tried to sell my nikon 105/2.5 here forever haha. Once it fell off the front page it was doomed. Still have it sitting in my cupboard actually.

The 105/2.5 is a great lens, no doubt about it.

 

[nobbylon]

Prices on any of the decent Nikkors especially if AI, AIS or earlier converted to AI lenses have shot up in the last 12 months as more people realise they are great on digital.
I use all mine on my D700 with great results.

105 2.5 wide open on my D700

 

[Kevin]

Which version were you selling, Dave? I found a chart yesterday which lists five different versions. Is yours AiS or Ai (or earlier)?

Ihmemies recommends the Ai version with its curved diaphgram blades...

 

[rxmd]

Well the problem with you sellers in the US is that you're in the US - one really has to check whether shipping & customs is worth it!

 

[david.elliott]

Silly shipping and customs! 🙂

My version is serial # 775152. An AI lens.

 

[Kevin]

Well Dave if you decide to sell it give me a shout 🙂
Is yours clean?

 

[kxl]

Keith, that means none of these lenses will meter on my D70?
What a drag! And here I thought I was alone when Canon screwed me by switching their mount.

Kevin - as others have responded, AI'd/AI/AIS lenses will not meter on your D70. However, unlike the Canon decision, AI'd/AI/AIS lenses will actually mount on your D70, just not meter. It IS possible to "chip" an AI/AIS lens to make it meter with your D70, but I do NOT know who offers that kind of service anymore.