Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8 G ED lens review with samples

Here is Nikon's main Macro lens available today for their digital SLR cameras. But it's really quite old, nowadays - let's see how it can do on a challenging, high-resolution camera.
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link - make sure the lens is compatible with your type of Nikon camera):
geni.us/NikonA...
All sample pictures taken by me on a Nikon Z7 and D5600 camera.
Support me on Patreon! / christopherfrost
Be sure to follow my Photostream on Flickr, to see sample pictures of lenses I've reviewed and to see previews of upcoming lenses, too! www.flickr.com...
Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons....

[@mrnoname3855]

You know, as much as i like the reviewing part, you are one of the main reasons i watch these videos. You voice is so soothing and makes everything interesting in a way that is completely unique. All your videos is 10 out of 10. I rewatch videos just because i want to listen to you and the way you talk. Your content is evergreen, which is really good. Im glad i found this channel. Thanks Chris

[@donaldklopper]

Yeah I watch the reviews even if I'm not interested in the lens!

[@quentinnewark2745]

For portraits of people with “a very small head”!!! Hahaha

[@da8ar]

Thank you for this review, as always very nice. However this time I don't completely agree with some of your considerations concerning performance at various apertures. This macro lens is designed to work better at small apertures, which are the most useful ones for macro. If one wants to use this 105 at 2.8, that's probably for portraits with blurry background, in which case corner sharpness is not so relevant...

[@denisvyrobik4692]

Thank you for testing nikon lenses too.

[@donaldklopper]

I'm very happy to see Nikon represented as well.

[@imoldgreggboosh3467]

One great advantage for this lens is it's acceptance of the Nikon 1.4 TC-III teleconverter. On my beloved D500 (crop sensor) camera that's a focal length of 220mm, which gives a good distance from your subject - not scaring off the insects so quickly (but makes hand holding a challenge). I've done the pixel peeping, and the telecon doesn't degrade the image at all. Love this lens - Love Nikon . . .

[@batsonelectronics]

The AF-D I have is actually all metal, the AF-S version is plastic coated. Mine is super sharp from f4 to f8 and with my studio lights, f8 is preferred for deeper DOF. I have a 36mp D800E. Nice review.

[@ademola5803]

Thanks for testing my lens. Now I can go to sleep knowing that I can keep it for the next 10 years.

[@FrederickDunn]

I've been using this lens for over a decade and am anxiously awaiting the new Z macro lens. The biggest complaint I have about this lens is when making video sequences, the noise it makes as it constantly racks and shifts abruptly makes off-camera audio recording mandatory or you'll have audio completely ruined. At the closest focal range, auto-focus never acquires focus. You have to go to manual. For video, use manual focus exclusively and you can use on-camera microphones again. It's a tank, I've had it out in all weather conditions and currently use the adapter for the Nikon Z7. I keep the hood on at all times just to protect the front element. I also highly recommend the Nikon macro flash set with the two SB-R200 units on a ring that attaches to the front filter threads on this 105. I'm very happy to pay more for a better lens. Anxiously awaiting release... thanks for sharing!

[@FrederickDunn]

If there was a better Macro/micro lens for Nikon, I'd own it. For now, this is still "it".

[@abhijitbhaskaran8807]

@@FrederickDunn The new Z-Mount 105mm macro was released today. www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-lenses/nikkor-z-mc-105mm-f%252f2.8-vr-s.html Initial image quality tests (seems to be quite a bit better vs the F-Mount one) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYOtmWqMj9edd5Y Looking forward to Christopher's review of this new Z-Mount lens!

[@FrederickDunn]

@@abhijitbhaskaran8807 YOU just became my HERO!!!! I'm on it!!!! thanks!!!

[@carmelojackson1881]

I know Im kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good site to watch newly released tv shows online?

[@shilohjuelz2478]

@Carmelo Jackson Flixportal :)

[@winfcad]

I'm glad you did review this lens.

[@Alexsafa97]

every review of stabilized lenses: -me: wow so steady without any crop or any cons.... crazy -christopher: “as you can see it’s hardly rock steady....” “in close up the difference is minimal” “it helps just a little”

[@donaldklopper]

Yeah I get you. I've learned so much watching his reviews. I'm always thinking the vignetting isn't that bad, then Christopher proves me wrong... Same with closeup focus. And distortion. And chromatic aberration.

[@MatiasBertuzziPH]

I'd love for you to test the Nikkor 50mm f1.8D. It is one of the best lenses out there for the price!

[@cotswoldphotographers]

People with a very small heads made me cry with laughter 😂 nice review and made the decision a couple of years ago to opt for the much cheaper sigma version and have not been disappointed at all. That said, the build quality and weather sealing of the Nikon is fabulous but do look forward to the z macros when they finally arrive, it’s long overdue for an update 👍👍

[@coltoncyr2283]

With all the Z lenses being phenomenal I bet the new 105 S will be the new best macro, can't wait!

[@user-vl3ln6jc2k]

Thank you chris ❤, i will be happy to see your review of the tamron 70-180mm 2.8 for sony E mount cameras 😊

[@kylelee7423]

PLEASE review the 14-30mm F4 lens for Nikon Z mount

[@patrick.771]

please please please :)

[@WahidFayumzadah]

I have it and it's amazing :D Crazy sharp and nice contrast. Love it a lot. And so small.

[@oliverdesouza5741]

Pretty good for a 15-year old lens really, considering it was designed for

[@powerlurker]

now i can safely say tokina 100macro for fmount is a better optic

[@LuigiVN]

These results are much better than what the lens got when you did that Macro Lens Shootout. Why would that be? Lens looks amazing now. It looked very soft in that video.

[@stefan_becker]

I never liked this lens back in the days when I was still shooting Nikon dslrs and therefore switched to the Zeiss 100mm f2 Makro Planar that was much sharper and had much nicer bokeh (but unfiortunately quite a bit of longitudinal ca).

[@aussie8114]

I chose the Tokina instead of this one. The Nikons softness wide open close up is irrelevant because no one would shoot macro wide open, you would get about a 1mm depth of field. I find myself using no less than about f16. f32 is still very decent. Smaller than that and there’s a bit of IQ sacrifice.

[@InterMaus]

I thought you covered this lens on its own, but i guess you only included it in a 100mm macro comparison video. I was confused for a hot minute.

[@premiumedjr]

Good review. Please test tokina 100 mm f/2.8 pro macro. It's a huge quality macro lens made in Japan. Tokina directly competes with this nikkor 105 mm, altought with a bit shorter focal lenght, i.e. 100 mm, lacking of vibration control and costing half the price of the nikkor, at least here in Brasil.

[@Amrafel]

please review the Nikon Lens 85mm f/3.5 G AF-S DX Micro ED VR

[@arunaa7001]

I bought this to get some good macro insect clicks.. .. I’m yet to use it I hope it meets my expectations

[@wolfblitz1991]

this has definitely been one of more detailed reviews I have seen and very much appreciative about it I have been considering obtaining one as of recent so to do more in macro photography but definitely be appreciative to be using such for portrait photography as I currently use a D7500. it leaves me feeling in a bit of a quandary however as there's word been going 'round that they might stop producing these lenses. you spoke about there being other potential others to this that would more likely be better in both quality and (hopefully) price. Is there any alternatives you would recommend in comparison to this lens?

[@willynelsonitis]

Photographic technique and post-processing skill will likely make a bigger difference than what really amount to slight differences in optical quality among comparable macro lenses. This Nikon is still a good lens and, if it's discontinued (which has been discussed online for half the lifetime of this lens already!), this lens's ability to create good images will not suddenly evaporate even if supply runs out. In choosing a lens, just be aware of the potential for firmware/compatibility issues for some 3rd party lenses as well as handling differences. For the reason of compatibility, it is difficult to recommend third party lenses although they can be found whether new or, increasingly, used as they, too, seem to be in short supply/ discontinued (at least, lenses featuring autofocus). Look for comparative reviews, be aware of compatibility concerns and don't be shy to ask photographers on established online forums (or a very trustworthy retailer if you know one) for qualified opinions if you are in doubt. Lastly, I will encourage you to remain mindful of my first sentence: The photographer can make the biggest difference. Good luck!

[@kleebster914]

What exactly is meant by "normal" focus distances? For the testing or image quality, that is.

[@LairdDavidson]

I went with the Sigma version of this lens. It was significantly cheaper when I bought it and offers equally good if not better image quality. It also has image stabilization built in.

[@incrediblenow872]

Thank you for your wonderful video. I have a question: how to set up this lens on Nikon Z7 (with an adapter). My camera keeps on giving me the error message. Thank you in advance.

[@michaliszissiou2398]

Thank you for testing lenses, my favorite reviews great work. Have you tried to turn off VR in close up - macro mode? Nikon says something on the manual. (sorry for my english). I'm also using the 65mm Laowa for APS-C camera, a much much better option for macro photography.

[@starbase218]

But does it blend?

[@stardomee]

ha ha that was my favourite channel ages ago

[@Sebas-sg1kj]

You could review the Tokina AT-X 100mm 2.8, one of the cheapest and amazing options for macro, and by far best that this Nikon.

[@marcossotobriones2042]

Tiene VR?

[@bluesuede666]

I was wondering if you could do a review of the nikon Z 105mm macro

[@anasrida3454]

at that price the tamron 90mm is definitely a much better buy

[@currrrrly618]

will you review the recently out TTartisan 35mm f1.4? really waiting for you to review that lens

[@doctorbashar]

What lense do you recommend to use in cosmetic medicine (( before and after))

[@batmo6772]

From my experience with nikon Z bodies, if you switch the lens VR off you will also turn the Ibis and the same apllies for turning VR on

[@bodkinsbestphotography]

Didn't you ream this lens in the macro "shootout"?

[@carlosmo6705]

Hi. I am about ready to purchase a lens like this, however, I am confused..... what is the difference between the 105mm micro lens and the 105mm macro lens? Thank you!

[@willynelsonitis]

There's no difference. Nikon uses the word 'micro' interchangeably with the word macro.

[@om1882]

Hello Christopher. I just bought one and I have question if I may ask and thanks in advance. While shutter button is pressed halfway with VR mode on, the Lens constantly makes some kind of motor noise. That noise doesn’t stop until shutter button is released or after the photo has taken which means shutter button is fully pressed. My others VR lens only make noise 2 times. One at the beginning of shutter button halfway pressed and one more time when shutter button is released. Does your one make the same noise? Or my one makes noise because it’s malfunctioning?

[@willynelsonitis]

It sounds normal and is a fairly common concern among new owners based on the number of times it gets asked in online forums. The 105mm VR is known to be louder than many other VR lenses: There's click when VR comes on followed by a steady whirring sound until it shuts off with an even more audible click.

[@om1882]

@@willynelsonitis I asked quite a few KZbinr who review this lens and they replied pretty much same. Now you reply the precise answer I was looking for. The noise I can hear from the lens is exactly the same noise you described. Thank you very much for your reply and appreciate 👍

[@elise3455]

I was considering sending you my Nikon 20mm f/1.8G for review, but do you send the lenses back? 😅

[@ArsenijeRadenovic]

How does it compare to tamrons 90mm?

[@christopherfrost]

Check out the comparison video I made about that

[@rightword]

Can this lens fit on a Nikon D1700 camera?

[@willynelsonitis]

Yes.

[@dazsly]

Anyone got recommendations for a cheap £350 used backup camera mainly for Nikon 300mm prime wildlife?

[@Shadow81989]

I got myself the D5500 used a while ago (as backup / travel alternative for my bulky and heavy D850), and I'm extremely happy with it. I think it was even a bit cheaper than that, but obviously prices can vary a lot, mainly for used cameras... Seeing that you seem to be in Britain (giving the price in Pound...), you might want to check out mpb, which is a camera reseller based there. I sold some old (Canon) gear to them, and bought a bit of used (Nikon) gear when I switched systems a while ago, and was quite happy with the handling of each transaction.

[@lyaxedm1825]

D7200

[@donaldklopper]

What's the minimum aperture on this lens? If memory serves this (or a similar Nikon version) could be stopped down to f/45 ...

[@GordoFriman]

yes, focusing at minimum distance, it goes down to f45 (same as max aperture is f4.8 at this focusing distance)

[@donaldklopper]

@@GordoFriman Thanks. Would diffraction not be a huge issue at those small apertures? People recommended to me that I use f/33 for macro when I borrowed the lens, and it seemed rather soft even with a static subject with manual focus on a tripod.

[@GordoFriman]

@@donaldklopper Depending on your subject, small aperture could be mandatory. Difraction will always be a problem beyond f16. There is no such thing as recomended aperture on a lens. if your subject demands f5.6, use it. if it demands f32, use it too. Just be aware that softness will kick in (with any lens).

[@aussie8114]

@@donaldklopper I found in my tests that on the Tokina that f32 was excellent, smaller than that and you lose some IQ.

[@donaldklopper]

@@GordoFriman Thanks!

[@claubertdrone]

Hummm wow

[@lirizkilirizkirano8558]

hallo...camera canon200d ii...can.. tq i like you video..good..tq i from malaysia.....

[@thomasliebl9273]

Lego portraits 😂

[@johnadams3038]

Why does it say micro and not macro?

[@Shadow81989]

Just Nikon nomenclature. I doubt they have any specific reason for it, but all their macro lenses are "Nikkor Micro ..."

[@JPStaats]

I was always confused about the term “macro” for lenses that can focus on small details as we don’t refer to macroscopes for the scientific equivalent?

[@EFFTEEZEE]

Sigma 105mm F2.8 OS HSM Macro has better optical quality.. with half price..

[@iandrucker978]

People with small heads ? Like children maybe

[@Miguel-cq1ms]

You need a DSLR to test this macro lens, not a Z7 with adapter.

[@willynelsonitis]

Really? What does a Z7 with the FT-Z do differently compared to a D850, for instance, as far as Chris's examination of this lens?

[@diegorivera2711]

Feeeerrrssstttttt

[@InterMaus]

@@juancortezavega5666 Köszönjük a sokat mondó kommentet, kíváló ötlet random emberek nyelvtanját korrigálni más nyelven.

[@diegorivera2711]

@@juancortezavega5666 I speak (and write) quite good english, the typo was on purpose. It's just a joke, don't take it seriously 😘

[@johnleftwich650]

This lens should have bee tested on a DSLR not a Mirror-less.

[@InterMaus]

Why exactly? Does the mirrorflap give better image quality? There's no difference in sensor tech between DSLR or MILC, that is based on construcion of the body. None.

[@johnleftwich650]

@@InterMaus The lens should be tested on the camera it was created for unless you are specifically testing it’s performance on mirrorless wth adapter and you state that as basis for the test.

[@InterMaus]

@@johnleftwich650 "On a camera it was designed for" I guess Christ should dug up a 6MP Nikon Dslr from 2006 then? The main thing for these reviews is image quality, which does not differ based on platform at all. What does is AF performance. Of which you could ask Christ if he had his Nikon D5600 crop sensor camera or not, or maybe he sold it since then.

[@aussie8114]

@@InterMaus Christ would not have been a Nikon shooter. He seems like a Fuji guy to me 😀

[@justnoted2995]

@@InterMaus smart ass