The Nikon 105mm VR Macro lens is probably one of the most popular Nikon Micro lens around. You can get this lens from Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
This lens is a replacement to the old Nikon 105mm lens (non-VR version) and all I can say is WOW.
The first thing that you will notice is the professional grade build quality. It is built like a tank and feels super solid in your hand.
In terms of optical quality, this lens also performs very well with no optical defect whatsoever.
The only downside is price. At around $999, this is by no means a cheap lens to buy.
If you are looking for a professional grade lens for your macro, portrait and sports photography needs, then this Nikkor lens is the one that I would highly recommend.
Yes, this is even better than the Nikon 60mm Macro lens.
However, go with the latter if you plan to save money.
Read on my Nikon 105mm VR if you want to find out further about this lens.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Nikon 105mm VR Specs
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Official Name:
Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR
Focal Length Markings:
105mm
Features:
Micro – Nikon’s term for macro lens. This is a special lens that allows you to focus closer for close up photography. It has 1:1 magnification ratio.
AF-S – Autofocus compatible with all Nikon DSLR camera, including the entry level ones.
IF – Internal Focusing – Lens physical dimension does not change during focusing.
ED – Extra Low Dispersion Glass – Nikon’s technology to make the image sharper by correcting the light wavelength that travels through the lens.
VR – Vibration Reduction – Nikon’s technology to counter camera bluriness caused by unsteady hand during shooting. Will help in making image sharper during handhold shooting.
FX – Compatible with both Nikon cropped sensor, film and full frame DSLR camera.
Full Technical Specs (from Nikon’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 12 / 14 |
| Angle of View | 15(DX) – 23 20(FX) |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 1.0ft. (0.314m) |
| Filter Thread | 62mm |
| Weight | 27.9oz. (790g) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | 3.3 x 4.6in. (83 x 116mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1.0X |
| Available at | Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama |
Optical Performance
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Nikon 105mm VR Sharpness
Center sharpness is excellent at any aperture. This includes f/2, the widest aperture.
Border sharpness is just as sharp as the center at any aperture, which is simply amazing.
The point of maximum sharpness is at f/2.8 which is quite shocking to be honest!
See my sharpness test result below.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/16 |
| 105mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/16 |
| 105mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
Distortion
Being a macro lens, distortion can be considered negligible on this lens.
See the distortion test result below.
Nikon 105mm VR Distortion
Vignetting
Vignetting is just ever so slightly visible at f/2.8. Stop down to f/4 and it will be entirely gone.
You can see the test result here.
Nikon 105mm VR Vignetting
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is extremely well controlled on this lens. It is very low at any aperture and you should not worry about it.
See the full test result below.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/16 |
| 105mm | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
Metal mount. Solid and professional grade lens. Also have the Nano coating materials to minimize lens flare.
Focusing
The focusing ring is smooth to operate. This lens is and IF lens and it does not change dimension during focusing.
The front element also does not rotate so you can use a polarizing filter easily. The autofocus speed is fast, silent and accurate.
There is a focus limiter on this lens which you should take advantage of when shooting non-macro pictures.
Since this is an AF-S lens, it will autofocus with all Nikon DSLR camera including the entry level Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D5000, D5100, D3000 and D3100 camera.
Image Stabilization
This lens feature Nikon’s new VR II mechanism. I can get up to f/4 stops when shooting handheld with this lens.
Compatibility
Being an FX lens, it is compatible with both Nikon cropped sensor DSLR and full frame DSLR camera. Also compatible with Nikon film camera.
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample images that I took with this Nikon 105mm VR lens. Click on any thumbnail to enlarge the images.
Get the best price online from these sites: Amazon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
OK, here I will conclude this Nikon 105mm VR lens review.
Pretty much this Nikkor performs exceptionally well in terms of optical performance. It is also well built.
It is very sharp both on the center and on the corners. This lens is probably the sharpest Nikkor lens that I have ever tested.
Distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting is simply non-existent on this lens. You can shoot away without worrying too much about them.
Autofocus is fast, silent and accurate. The good thing is that Nikon still install the focus limiter on this lens which will make it even faster when you activate it if you are not shooting macro.
Basically, you really get what you pay for.
Expensive, but worth it.
Highly recommended for those who can afford it!
Drawbacks
- Expensive
Positives
- Superb center and border sharpness
- Excellent distortion control
- Great chromatic aberration control
- Good vignetting control
- Built like a tank – solid with a professional touch
Good For
- Macro photographers who shoot in extreme conditions
- Portrait lens
- Sports photography lens
Not So Good For
- Anyone looking for a light and compact macro lens
What Others Are Saying…
by “projectmgr”
Ok, I have had this lens a couple of months now. What at first seemed like a very good lens is now one I consider exceptional. In fact it is now my favorite for several reasons. First of all this lens consistently produces beautiful, even toned and complimentory…
Click here to see the full review
by “Girard C.”
Pros: Excellent image quality, excellent build, excellent VR implementation. Cons: pricey, shortens focal length when focusing close, max aperture goes down to f/4.8 at closest focusing distance…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Nikon 105mm VR lens from these sites (best price online):
Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
See the following related lens reviews to see more Nikon macro lens options.
Thanks for reading my Nikon 105mm VR review and I will catch you in the next review!
| Lens Score | |
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| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
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