What is this 105mm f2.5 lens.

[Gabriel M.A.]

I've seen sbug's shots with the original Nikkor 10.5cm f/2.5 and it's spectacular. Before I had seen many shots taken with that lens, I missed a super opportunity to buy from Brian Sweeney in LTM when he offered it (somebody grabbed it before I could).

I've seen the 105 first-hand, and I don't know if I could haul that around, though. The chrome Canon Serenar 8.5cm f/2 is hefty enough as it is, and the weight is distributed differently, but my Contax-mount CZJ Sonnar 8.5 f/2 is so friggin' light, it's a delight to use. I'm waiting for that Contax-to-Leica adapter... sure beats the $2000+ to buy the new 85mm f/2 ZM Sonnar; the "sharpness" I'm sure is probably a $1900 difference.

Anyway, that lens has a well-deserved reputation.

The SLR versions, as has been pointed out, are recomputed and are not in the Sonnar mold, but more like, if I recall correctly, Xenotar types. I read about it about a month or so ago, so my memory on this is already past its shelf life 😉

 

[James Brannan]

Since we are talking SLR lens in this thread already, the best site for info from an actual user bar none is this one (IMO)...
http://www.naturfotograf.com/

Someone mentioned the KR site. I would be wary of it. He routinely reviews gear he has not actually handled or handled shortly at a trade show. This is not my opinion but the words of KR himself. Bjorn Rorslett will only speak of that which he has used.

I don't get the 105mm focal length myself. I've always preferred either a little shorter (85mm) or a little longer (135mm). That's just my opinion though. You'll never know for sure until you try one yourself.

 

[raid]

As my eyes are getting weaker, I am enjoying easier focusing with a lens like the 105mm/2.5.

 

[BillBingham2]

The 105/2.5 was only ever made in black and chrome so the weight is wonderfully light when compared to my 85/2 Chrome. I do not have both with me right now to make sure, but the 105 is ballanced very well.

LTM, Nikon S, the both feel great.

B2 (;->

 

[irees]

I use the 105/2.5 AI-S on my dSLR with very good results, although ~150mm equiv is a bit long for my liking.

 

[Bill58]

Someone mentioned the KR site. I would be wary of it. He routinely reviews gear he has not actually handled or handled shortly at a trade show. This is not my opinion but the words of KR himself. Bjorn Rorslett will only speak of that which he has used.

My opinion is KR is full of you-know-what. Big ego/ Mr. know-it-all attitude. I don't believe anything he has to say.

 

[Photar]

Rockwell likes the 105mm 1.8 better (because it's faster and basically same optics) ...

The 1.8 is the only lens I really miss from my old Nikon days. Somehow it seems to be overseen by most in favour of the 1.4/85mm. I liked the 1.8/105mm a lot. Works also great with Nikon 62mm close-up lenses. Used it on F2AS.

 

[Photar]

Roland: Great combination. Do you use an external finder with the M6?

 

[vrgard]

Damn that's pretty, Roland. Can't wait to see it and your test shots versus the 85. And I like that sexy red soft shutter release, too!

-Randy

 

[raid]

I hesitated too long with this 105 lens from Kiu. Oh well. This is life.

Raid

 

[raid]

Roland: From this view, the lens hood looks enormous.

Raid