Nikon Zoom-NIKKOR 35~105mm 1:3.5~4.5 Ai-S Lens (35-105mm f/3.5-4.5)

Review of the Nikon Zoom-NIKKOR 35~105mm 1:3.5~4.5 Ai-S Lens (35-105mm f/3.5-4.5).

Overall Rating:

See the related "normal" Ai-S zoom reviews: 28-50mm, 28-85mm, 35-70mm, 35-135mm and 35-200mm.

This lens was introduced in 1983 for SLR film cameras like the Nikon F3, EM and FM2. In 1986, its optics were adopted to an autofocus version of the lens. It is hard to keep the EXIF data on Nikon DSLR cameras accurate thanks to it being a variable aperture zoom. All together, including its optically-improved AF variations of 1991 and 1994, it sold for 11 years and was made in Japan.

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Compared to the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 Ai-S
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Compared to the Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 Ai-S
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This lens extended to its longest focal length of 105mm

This lens performs reasonably well at "macro" distances. The 35-200mm Ai-S also performed well at macro distances.

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macro to 0.25× magnification (detail)
Nikon
macro to 0.25× magnification (detail)

This lens has some slight color fringing particularly in the corners but is still a usable lens especially in the center. The performance is fairly consistent throughout the zoom. It is a little soft on the short end.

Barrel distortion is present on the wide end (-4.5%) and pincushion distortion on the long end (+2%). Honestly, this is par for the course for lenses from this time period.

Color fringing detail at 3-to-1:

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little color fringing in the center at f=35mm/8
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no color fringing in the center at f=50mm/8
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no color fringing in the center at f=105mm/11
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the corners at f=35mm/8
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the corners at f=50mm/8
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the very soft corners at f=105mm/8

Ignoring the corners, this lens is weakest at its short end, near f=35mm.

It is not great for infrared photography at shorter focal lengths and stopped all the way down.

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infrared hotspot at f=35mm/22
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infrared hotspot at f=50mm/22
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infrared at f=105mm/29

It flares horribly which may not be a problem for some.

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flaring at f=105mm/22
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flaring at f=35mm/22

Bokeh is fairly harsh, looking too busy.

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bokeh at f=50mm/4
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bokeh at f=105mm/4.5
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notice the shape of the highlights

Diffraction has begun by f/11. Shoot at f/8 or even f/5.6.

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macro to 0.25× magnification
Nikon
macro to 0.25× magnification

Using Teleconverters

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macro with Nikon TC-14A (detail)
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macro with Nikon TC-201 (detail)

This is an Ai-S lens meaning it will work in program and shutter priority mode on some older model (film) cameras. It takes 52mm filters and the front element turns as it is focused making use of a polarizer difficult. It has a macro function ring and when turned a reproduction ratio of 1:4 can be achieved. There is an infrared focus index for all focal lengths, a focus scale and a depth of field scale. The focus collar has a short throw like most Ai-S lenses. This is an all metal lens with rubber focus/zoom collar so as to prevent "brassing" as is typical on earlier lenses.


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Nikon lens construction legend

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