Additional Information on Nikkor 105mm f/1.8s Telephoto Lense

 
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Manual Focus Nikkor 105mm f/1.8s (Ai-S) Telephoto lens

The Nikkor classic 105mm f/2.5 may be a damn good telephoto lens but obviously the restrictive maximum lens aperture of f/2.5 does has its limitation to enable it to use it for covering many other possible photographic applications. In an attempt to satisfy photographers would prefer to see an update of the equivalent top performer in similar focal length that has a faster lens speed, Nikon eventual unveiled a worthy upgrade in March, 1981 with the Nikkor 105mm f/1.8s. This lens never disappoints, offering similarly both in top class optical performance and supreme built quality.

A point for you to note is, the lens was introduced genetically as an Ai-S native lens despite it was introduced much earlier than some of the corresponding Nikon SLR models which requires Ai-S features for their AE exposure control. Anyway, for quite a long spell of time, the lens speed of f/1.8 has remained the fastest Nikkor telephoto lenses between 90mm to 105mm focal length. Other than enabling good available light photography, the extra gain of one stop lens speed also provides greater depth of field control.

The lens does have other lovely touches in its design. It has a built-in telescopic lens hood which is handy to use and without the hassle of storing or carry around. It has very well illustrated depth of field scales, distance info and ADR scales for direct display of aperture used inside the finder. The meter coupling prong also ensure Non-Ai Nikon bodies be used in a less versatile stopped down metering mode. The focusing grip has three in row rubberized texture which is easy to grip and hold. A slight drawback of this lens is, the focusing helical system seemed stiff in the version I tested, but some users who had seasoned lens with them felt such experience did presence when acquiring new, so, I would assume they are right.

Technical Highlights: Ideal for candids, portraits, sports, and available-light shooting * At f/1.8, it is the fastest lens on the market during its time in the 100 - 105 mm class, providing a decided edge in dim-light shooting; its bright viewfinder image also facilitates critical focusing. * Magnification double that of a normal lens produces photographs which draw the viewer's eye to the subject. * The combination of shallow depth of field and natural perspective insures extraordinarily lifelike portraits. * Built-in lens hood. * Uses 62mm filters. * Other uses include candids, travel photography, sports, available-light photography, and weddings.

<<<--- Credit: Image at far left courtesy of "Jone Quinn" <yahuhai@yahoo.com> who also runs a popular Ebay Store where you can take a visit to scout for OM used items. Image copyright © 2002 All rights reserved.

Optically and physically this lens scores highly both in its performance and in its technical spec sheet. The only complaint one can pick on its creator is none other than, this lens costs almost double than that of the comparing Nikkor 105mm f/2.5s telephoto lens. The very well made telephoto lens is considerably heavy , weighing at 580g as compared with light 435g of the f/2.5 Ai-S version. The slightly oversized dimension of the front portion of the lens which extends from the lens mounting ring may be post a little problem to adjust aperture especially for those older versions of Nikon SLRs such as models that have metered finders where front portion of the viewfinder/prisms usually protruding outward. This lens has quite similar appearance with the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4s externally and if you are not careful, often can mislead and confuse you between the two. But unlike the 85mm lens, which uses 72mm filters, the equally large aperture of this lens has a moderate filter attachment size of 62mm. This may require you to invest into new set of filters with different diameter (Thus, it is always wise to invest into 72mm filter size and use step down ring(s) step back to 62mm).

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Specifications of Nikkor 105mm f/1.8s:

Focal length/Aperture: 105mm f/1.8
Lens construction: 5 elements in 5 groups; Picture angle: 23° 20'; Diaphragm: Automatic
Aperture scale: f/1.8 - f/22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scales
Maximum Reproduction ratio: 1:7.6
Exposure measurement:
Via full aperture method with Ai cameras; via stop-down method with non-Ai Nikon SLR cameras.

105mmf18top.jpg 105mm25.htm
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from from 1m (3.5 ft.) to infinity (oo)
Dimensions: 78.5mm dia. x 88.5mm long (overall); 80.5mm extension from lens flange
Filters
: 62mm front screw-in; Lens hood: Built-in telescopic type
Front lens cap: Snap-On; Weight: 580g; Lens case: CL-15S hard leatherette, No.52 soft pouch, or CP-9 plastic; Usable teleconverter(s):
TC-200*, TC-201s*, TC-14A; * When used with aperture smaller than f/11 with fast shutter speeds, there is occasional uneven exposure; Warning: Certain AE modes (Programmed AE and Shutter Priority AE) on selective Nikon SLRs will not work efficiently with older TC devices. Use an Ai-S version for better compatibility, read the respective Tele-Extender(s) sections. NOTE: Serial Numbers for this version of the 105mm telephoto lens was believed to have been started with 179091 for Ai-S-only Nikkor lense

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<<<--- Credit: Image courtesy of "khO kiNG, kOh" <koh@fkm.utm.my> who also developed a local forum/ site on his own called Photo Malaysia where you can take a visit to join the forum if you like. Image copyright © 2002 All rights reserved.

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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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Credit: MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites; Lars Holst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; Ted Wengelaar, Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; Hiura Shinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. Lastly, to all the good people who has contributed their own expeience, resources or kind enough granted permission to use their images of their respective optic in this site. It is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets & brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.