Nikon Micro-Nikkor 105mm 1:4 Ai-S Lens (f/4)

Overall Rating:

This lens was introduced as the 105mm f/4 bellows lens of 1970, and in 1975 it was introduced as a regular focusing F-mount lens in the pre-AI (K) variant. It was then made into the Ai F-mount version in 1977, and finally into this Ai-S version in 1981 (until 1983, 41 years ago). About 25,000 units were produced in the Ai-S version and about 45,000 units were produced in the Ai version making for a whopping 70,000 units combined.

This lens doesn't feature close-range correction like its faster cousin the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 Ai-S lens does.

This lens goes to a 1:2 reproduction ratio on its own and then to 1:1 when used with the PN-11 extension tube (a necessary part). Concerning focusing at its 1:1 reproduction ratio, it is very hard to see the subject when using a DSLR due to the maximum aperture of only f/4. It is much easier with a mirrorless camera.

This sharp little lens exhibits somewhat high color fringing for a slow prime lens, but this is easily removed in post.

This lens has basically no distortion to deal with. This is common to the Micro-Nikkor line.

The bokeh is only fair because highlights take on the shape of the diaphragm which is the shape of a heptagon.

Flaring is not too bad because, while the coatings are primitive, there are too few number of elements to cause a great deal of reflections inside the lens. Ghosting is moderate again thanks to the few number of elements.

Infrared photography is no problem for this lens as there are no hotspots.

This lens is Ai-S compatible so it will work with some Nikon bodies in program and aperture priority mode and the front element does NOT rotate when focusing so using a polarizer is easier. There is a long, useful hood built into this lens, something missing from its faster f/2.8 cousin.

This is an all-metal design with excellent manual focusing. There is no play in the focus collar. The build quality is high.

This lens has a focus and depth of field scale.

Unlike newer lenses, this lens stops at infinity.

Diffraction begins around f/8, but depth of field is important so f/11 may be optimal when doing macro photography. Diffraction is too great to use much beyond this f-stop.

Using Teleconverters

Why use a teleconverter with macro? To replace the extension tube, or to achieve greater reproduction ratios, or magnification.

The TC-14A, TC-201, TC-14 and TC-300 teleconverters all mount without issue.

Without extension tube, the TC-300 can barely mount to give a magnifcation of 1× (1:1 reproduction ratio). Combine the TC-300 with the 52.5mm PN-11 to reach 2:1, but do not expect a bright image. Focusing is difficult. Also, depth of field will be fairly shallow.

Honestly, color fringing, which is easily removed in post, is a bit on the high side, but it is rather high regardless of use of a teleconverter or not — remember, teleconverters just magnify. Notice the vignetting occuring in the PN-11 + TC-300 + TC-14A image. This would be a good image to use DX mode on to eliminate the vignetting.

For some reason, color fringing, though present, seems a little better on images with teleconverters attached.

• Focal length: 105mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• ø52mm filter ring
• Lens construction: 5 lens elements in 3 groups
• Picture angle: 23°20'
• Focus: 0.47m/1.5ft. to infinity with infrared focus index — 0.419m/1.37ft. with optional 52.5mm PN-11 extension tube
• 1:2 (0.5×) reproduction ratio — 1:1 (1×) with optional PN-11 extension tube
• Price:

Related links:

• Nikon Nikkor Lens Reviews
• All Lens Reviews