Legendary Vintage Lens - Nikkor 105mm f2.5
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2021
- Today we are taking a closer look at one extraordinary vintage lens - the AI Nikkor 105mm f2.5. This lens was used by many professional photographers and is revered as one of the best 100mm lenses ever made! I had an amazing time using this gem and I am excited to show you what it can do.
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Thank you!
I sold all of my Nikon lenses, but kept this one. The best portrait lens I ever used.
Probably my favorite lens ever for both film and digital.
One of my absolute favorites as well!!
Such an awesome video. A pleasure to watch! Thank you for making this!
Thank you so much!!
Wow - I can't wait to pick one of these up. Thanks for the terrific review!
You are welcome. It’s a fantastic lens!
beautiful, just ordered one last night, excellent video!
Thank you so much! And congrats on getting one of these amazing lenses! I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Legendary is definitely the right word to describe this lens.
Agreed! It's definitely of the best!
@@VintageOptiks Legendary yes. But as with most legends, truth is a different matter. I would call it only "average" if it comes to quality.
@@moritzheintze7615 I guess it was good enough for National; geographic as a cover shot.
Wonderful review. Gorgeous lens. Thank you.
Thanks so much!
I have an early Nikkor P auto 2.5 105mm. I love it
Nice!!
Thank you - a very good video cherishing technical history.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Subscribed based on this video alone! Great editing and info!
Thanks so much and thank you for subscribing to the channel!
Wow the sharpness is just spot on!
Incredible lens in so many ways!
Bought mine new almost fifty years ago. It is an an outstanding lens (though the other Nikon pre-AI lenses are no slouches either) and I've taken some of my favorite pictures with it.
Great lens indeed! It’s amazing you’ve had yours for almost 50 years! Nikon made so many phenomenal lenses back in the day.
The only Nikkor I own is the 105/2,5 Ais. I confirm that is an excellent lens.
Amazing lens for sure! Glad to hear you love yours.
Great review! I haven't used the Nikkor 105 but do have a very similar Soviet 100/f2.8 in my kit, it's definitely amongst my favourite lenses for a lot of the reasons you show here.
Thank you so much! Which Soviet lens do you have in this focal length?
@@VintageOptiks I have a Kaleinar-5N, it's not too popular (yet)
@@SovietLensReviews Nice! I've been wanting to try the Kaleinar-5N for awhile! I've heard great things about it.
I bought a pre-AI version of the 71-75 105mm in Japan in 1976. It was stolen about 15 years ago, so I replaced it with the stlll later double Gauss design AI-s version. While I mostly shoot medium format, when I do shoot 35mm, this 105mm 2.5 is one of the few lenses I go to. This lens was my standard selection for shooting steam locomotives under full power, which I did from the early 1980s to around 2000, riding the coattails of a friend who was gaga for steam trains. Those pup;pies kick out a terrific amount of black oily dirt and steam when under power, so the 105mm gave the set-back required.
Amazing lens for sure!
Love this specific version of this lens because of the rounded aperture blades. They went back to the straight edged blades in later versions of this lens for some odd reason.
Yeah, I love the 7 sided diaphragm with the rounded aperture blades. Great design for sure!
Very nice video great job thanks
Thank you!!
Super video-bravo👏😍👍
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I got the macro version, which I suspect might have a similar design, but it's the sharpest lens I've ever owned.
You are welcome. That’s great that you have the micro Nikkor 100mm lens! Great optics indeed.
Awesome channel!
One of my friends gave me this lens which he inherited from his grandfather.
The lens was extremely dirty and we actually both thought that it was impossible to clean.
I cleaned it and it was as though the dirt had kept the glass intact! So now it's in pristine condition!
I really love it!
I found your channel as I was searching for people who had used it on a A7S III for video. I can't seem to find any though :)
Thank you! That's awesome you were able to clean your lens! What a great story.
Enjoy it! It's a jewel!
@@VintageOptiks Thank you and keep up the great work! :)
Another great video - I've bid on a few of the earlier non AI versions of this lens on ebay but been outbid each time - I might look out for the version you have in case I can find one of those instead.
Thank you!! Sorry to hear that you haven’t been able to get one on eBay. I can highly recommend this version! I was blown away by what this lens can do.
Thanks for the video.
I love to use this lens in a 24/50/105 lens kit.
You are welcome. That sounds like a great lens kit. Perfect for many situations. Which 50mm do you have?
@@VintageOptiks
Nikkor 24mm f/2 AIS
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AF-D or backup Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E
Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AIS
Just picked up this lens. Was lucky to find one in good condition
Nice! Enjoy it. It's a fantastic lens!
Excellent video as always! The sample pictures are superb! Did you used a full-frame Nikon body to take the images? If yes, what did you use? Thanks in advance.
Thank you so much for the nice comment! I appreciate it. All images were shot with my trusty Sony a7III. I use just a cheap dummy adapter that allows me to adapt any Nikon lens to my Sony full frame camera. Take care.
I have two copies of this lens, both of which I found at my local camera shop for less than $70 each. Luckily, both are the Zeiss Sonnar design and I am so happy with these. My favorites for sure.
It’s amazing you found 2 copies for such a great price! Definitely one of the best lens ever made in this focal length! Enjoy!!
Do you sell those? Im from philippines i hope you sell it :(
I have the AI-S and pre-AI versions of this lens both mint condition as collectibles but haven't shot with them yet. You're stunning images inspired me to try the AI-S in my model photography (Nikon D850) 👍🏻
Thank you. Definitely give your lenses a try, especially the AI-S version. The optics are superb!
Brilliant !
Thank you so much!
@@VintageOptiks All thanks to you.. I love your intro, your style and enveloped in that, an excellent presentation with concise facts and valuable help.. Well done for finding that gem for $30 !
@@sergeantcrowThank you!!! It's so nice to hear that people appreciate my humble little videos. I hope that they are helpful and informative. I got lucky finding this one for so cheap, and thankfully the elements didn't have any scratches or haze. Fungus is pretty easy to deal with.
I recently was gifted a Nikon FM2 body (1983) and 3 Nikkor lenses bought in 1965 (Used on an F1 that went to Expo67)
This is one of the 3 lenses.(Other are the f3.5 35-105mm and the f4 200mm) This, as well as a Rollei 35 circa 1969 were owned by an uncle
who is now nearly 90 and has dementia...he wanted his gear to stay in the family. (A cousin of mine has his Nikkormat FTn and the 21 and 50mm lenses
bought in 1967) This is all timeless, wonderful stuff that has inspired me to get back to photography as a hobby.
(When I was much younger, I had Pentax/Praktica gear that I got rid of)
Thank you for sharing your story and I am really sorry to hear that your uncle has dementia. But it's nice to know that he wants his equipment to stay in the family and you'll get to use his wonderfulI cameras and lenses. Was he a professional photographer? I am only asking because not many people who are amateurs have such a big range of lenses and cameras. Besides the 105mm f2.5 lens that you got, the Nikkor 200mm f4 is also fantastic! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I reviewed it awhile ago and really loved it. I haven't tried the 35-105mm zoom yet. The Rollei 35 is also a super cool little camera! It will be great to shoot film with it. I was also gifted 2 cameras a few years ago before my uncle passed away. Both Soviet cameras with Soviet lenses. I think it's really special when photographic equipment is passed down from generation to generation. These cameras and lenses will always be very dear to me, because there is unique connection and history attached to them. That's another reason why vintage lenses are so special! Thank you again for sharing your story. Take care.
@@VintageOptiks He was not a pro, but a skilled amateur who believed in doing things
as well as possible...he started his hobby while in Korea with the USMC in '53-54 and stayed with it
most of his life.
Just bought a late Ais version can’t wait to use it on my film and digital cameras as they say it was the lens that captured the Afghan girl
That's wonderful! Enjoy it! And yes, Steve McCurry used it for his famous Nat Geo photo! Amazing lens!!
Hey these are some great photos.
Thank you so much!
I agree with all that you said, but wait till you tried the AIS 180 mm F2.8 ED goldring.
Oh I have the 180mm f2.8 ED and I also reviewed it here on the channel. It’s one of my all time favorite lenses! Absolutely amazing!
I recently had the pleasure/honor of purchasing one of the last few 105's to come off the assembly line in 2005 (serial # 1050xxx). It is also one of only a few to incorporate the SIC lens coating. It was delivered to me in "like new" condition. My plan is to use it with my D850.
Amazing!! Enjoy it! It’s an incredible lens!
How is out come with D850?
It is as sharp as its reputation. I struggle a bit with manual focus on the D850, but once focus is established, it is superb. I've ended up using it more with my Nikon F2 Photomic, shooting with Tri-X & TMax 100 films!!
I use the Nikon 105 f2 DC it's heavier but even sharper and better subject separation. One my favorite lens I use it more than my 200 f2 vrii .
Wow that landscape at 4:45! I did not think that focal length was appropriate.
I quite enjoy using longer lenses for distant landscapes. You can get some really interesting shots that way.
Very good video
Thanks so much!
Yep my favorite vintage lens and won't sell it ever.
Nice! Never selling mine either :)
I have this lens and the 24mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4 and the 200mm f4 (all manual focus ais) and they are amazing on the D800e/D850, just goes to show you don't need the mega expensive lenses (I've got some of them too). Great video and presentation, a bit like the Pearl and Dean in the cinemas from years ago.
I completely agree! These old Nikkor lenses performing incredibly well and there is no need to spend crazy amounts of money on new plastic lenses. Thank you for your message and I am glad that you enjoyed the video!
I just purchased the 28mm AI version I hope I didn’t make a mistake by not purchasing the ais version, your thoughts?
@@douglaslemus1726 I don't think so see this off DPreview
Ai lenses have only ONE set of aperture values on them, while AiS lenses have two sets of aperture numbers....a big-sized set, and behind them and closer to the body is a smaller,secondary set of numbers called the ADP or Aperture DIrect Readout set....this were seen through the viewfinder by means of a reflecting mirror system on bodies like the F3, FE-2,etc.
@@paulcrawley7321 wow thanks for the detailed response. I find the ai version to still be absolutely incredible. Do you think it’s inferior compared to the ais?
@@douglaslemus1726 I wouldn't think so but I haven't used either, I know that the various 105mm f2.5 are the same IQ imho.
I recognized the background in your images. I live near Brookgreen and Huntington.
That's amazing! Yes, I go there from time to time to shoot with different lenses. So many beautiful places in that area! I also love the wildlife!
Thanks for the nice review 😊
I have both types, Sonnar and Gauss versions, Sonnar rendering better 3D like images, with slightly less contrast and sharpness on fully open... For later Gauss version you are absolutely right, colours and performance are amazing... I would suggest to buy both lenses, Sonnar is better for video shutting, and BW... Gauss version is best for stills...
Thank you! Yeah I would love to the Sonnar version at some point. It will be fun to see the differences between the two lenses.
@@VintageOptiks Ou, forgot to mention other two stellar lenses from the same bunch of 100mm, you might love to try... These are M42 Fujinon 100mm f2.8 and Olympus OM Zuico 100mm f2. Olympus is a killer, but expensive...
@@VintageOptiks ua-cam.com/video/AKtGCskZsdA/v-deo.html
This is Sonnar type overview...
I would love to try the Zuiko 100mm f2, but as you mentioned, the prices are ridiculous.
@@VintageOptiks yep, it is the same story, as Nikkor Nokt 58mm f1.2, rediculous price winded up by reach collectors. I got my in Japan for 8500 YEB - 85 USD, because of fungus and tiny scratch on the front, after cleaning and regreasing became like new...
Nice review as always! Where do you live and have so close the wetlands?
Thank you so much! I love in North Carolina, but I got the coast of South Carolina often and that is where I photograph a lot of the wild creatures that you see on the channel.
@@VintageOptiks ;)
nice!!
Thank you
I find myself watching your content non stop man. No wonder I am always tagging you on my Instagram account.
That’s really nice of you to say. Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos. And thank you for tagging me on IG. I appreciate it.
Great review, my favorite channel for vintage lens. Great lens but not as affordable as it should be.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the channel.
I have it and love it but love my 135mm f2.0 ai-s more.
Nice! I’m excited to test the ais 135mm f2 sometime in the future! So many amazing lenses to try!
I have a couple of versions of this lens. It is optically really good. Only downside is its irritating focus shift. As long as I focus at the aperture I”m going to use it’s not a big problem.
You find this issue more of a problem opening the aperature or closing it after focusing?
@@sclogse1 Normally on a normal lens I focus at full opening and the close the aperture. But with a lens with focus-shift you have to focus on every aperture and it is of course harder to do on smaller apertures.
my favorite lens, mine the earlier Sonnar version. Use one!
Glad to hear you also love this special lens! Cheers!
I watch the review of this lens which I just bought. That is how good this lens is.
Glad to hear you got this amazing lens! Enjoy!
Got it with my F3 and the motor drive too. Less than 300.00 including the 28mm Nikkor lens too.
Sounds great! Enjoy
I have it atm on my d800. :)
Nice!! :)
You need a speed booster type adaptor to make the lens work and take advantage of it
Speedbooster is an adapter that allows a full frame lens to be used on an APSC or M4/3 cameras, giving you almost full frame coverage. Which makes senses if you want to experience the full frame field of view of this lens on a cropped sensor, but since I’m using a camera with a full frame sensor (Sony a7III), speedbooster doesn’t make sense in my case and the cheap adapters I use work great!
Great music
Thank you!
❤🔥
Thank you!!
Excellent work. Thank you.
Have you tried the Nikkor 85mm F2?
Thanks so much! I don't have the 85mm f2 yet, but I've been on the lookout for a good copy. I've heard great things about it and would love it to review it in the future. Have you tried it?
@@VintageOptiks
No, but I have the opportunity to buy it (the F2)...
@@ericchouinard8075 Sounds great!
Beautiful images here! I've been looking at versions of this lens for sale. Are there important differences to be aware of between AI and non-AI versions if I want to use it with my mirrorless camera(Fuji X-T3)? Would you recommend sticking with an AI version?
Thank you! There are several differences between the older non-Ai and the later AI version. The non-AI has a different optical design (5 elements in 3 groups), the Ai version has better coatings, the non-AI version does not have a built-in lens hood, and the AI version has shorter Minimum Focusing Distance - 1 meter compared to the 1.2 meters in the non-Ai. Both lenses are excellent, but if I had to pick one I'll go with the AI version. Take care!
@@VintageOptiks this is not quite true. 5/4 optical design (called by some double Gauss or Xenotar) started with lens:
- 1971. 105/2.5P (F type)
- 1973. PC version (C type)
- 1974. (K type),
- 1977. (Ai type) and finally
- (Ais type) 1981.-2005.
Earlier version (F type) was made from 1959. It was 5/3 Sonar optical design. Easiest way to visually see difference, Sonar version has smaller back element then modern one. Very first one was lens for S type for rangefinder, with optical design 3/3.
So, modern optical design was used with 3 preAi versions. Difference was in coatings.
F type is not F mount . That is Nikon lens typology S, F, C, K, Ai, Ais..
Do I get the Ais or Ai the nikon d610?
@@ociethomas6446 the AI has rounded blades, thus will give you rounded bokeh if you like that. But the AI-S version has a better coating and an integrated lens hood.
I have the AI-S version and if I close my aperture like at F/4 or beyond, the bokeh is not pleasing due to the straight blades of the aperture. If I had too choose again, it would be the AI version.
Nevertheless, they are all excellent
Are there any details available on disassembling for cleaning off fungus?
Check out this page:
richardhaw.com/2017/10/26/repair-nikkor-105mm-f2-5k/
❤️🔥
Thank you! 🙏
I have the sonnar design one with the chrome and 5e/3g which i works better far away than close up like the revision. wondering if i should get an ai(s) version if i can find it
I personally love the Ai(S) Gauss version. It's a fantastic lens and it works great for my style of photography. The shorter minimum focusing distance definitely makes a difference.
I've got one for my rangefinder an one converted to ai for my F cameras. They are sharp like chili :-)
That’s great to hear! Amazing lens for sure!
I just bought the older Nikkor-P 105MM with the three grouping. Do you know how it differs from this one?
The Nikkor P 105mm f2.5 is another Nikon classic!
The older 5 elements in 3 groups version was made between 1959 and 1971, and based on the serial number there are a few differences. But in general, the main difference between the older and newer AI/ Ais versions is the optical system, the coatings, the lens hood (the old ones have a screw-in lens hood while the newer ones came with a built in lens hood, minimum focusing distance of the older versions was 1.2 meters compared to 1 meter in the newer versions). But both old and new versions have great reputation. Enjoy it! It’s a great lens!
Always prefer the F2 DC design more. This is a good lens for someone to get into vintage mechanical Nikon bodies. I guess it focuses faster on the Phony than a native AF lens. Sharpness is boring.
I have the 1.8 version of this lens. This lens is legendary. This is also the famous Afghan girl lens by Steve McCurry.
That’s great to hear that you have the f1.8 version! How do you like it?
Yes, the f2.5 lens was used by Steve McCurry and also by several other professional photographers at the time. It’s still considered one of the best 100mm lenses ever made. It’s a legend!
@@VintageOptiks The f/1.8 105 AI-s is slightly sharper than the 2.5 (but only for pixel peepers), and it has a subjectively more pleasing bokeh and overall colour rendition. However, it's almost three times the price of the 2.5 and is noticeably bigger in heft. I love it, along with that other legendary Nikkor, the 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-s.
I would love to try the f1.8 version at some point! It sounds fantastic! And just like you I also love the 180mm f2.8 ED AIS! It’s simply phenomenal! One of my all time favorite lenses!!
@@VintageOptiks Oh yes, I just saw your brilliant review of the 180mm ED AI-s - it was beautifully done, and absolutely spot on! I got my 1.8 105 from Japan (where almost all the good copies are). Cost me £360 ($488) for the near-mint I wanted. Doubtless I'll be facing a hefty import bill in a few weeks! All in the name of art, right?
@@AntPDC Thank you so much! The 180mm f2.8 ED AI-S is incredible! I feel lucky to have one. Congrats on getting the 105mm f1.8!! It's definitely worth the price in the name of art. Enjoy it and happy shooting!
Is there any difference maybe other than coatings and price than the ai P version- there opticslly ghe same??
No difference optically speaking
Tg, I already have one. Like yours, it has fungus & needs new greas. I thought I got a good deal, $30 is incredible
Glad you found one for a good price! Enjoy it! I definitely got super lucky with this one.
I had this lens until I got scammed on eBay. Now I realized how much I loved it
Sorry to hear you no longer have it. I hope you can get it again. It's a really special lens for sure!
Thanks for the great info. I plan to buy a K 105 / 2.5 673101 - 729914 - Sep 1974 - 1977 Ai kit 39. What is meant by Ai Kit 39 and does it fit on a Nikon D810? The one I am looking at goes from 2.5 to 32? Others I have been looking at just go to 22?
Hello! The Nikkor lens you are describing is the K mount version, which was pre-AI and has aperture that goes to f32. You'll have to get this lens converted to AI if you want to use it on your D810, otherwise it's not safe. It's best to just get the AI version (made after 1977 with aperture from f2.5 to f22, like the one in my video. That version will fit on your camera.
@@VintageOptiks Thanks a lot! 🙏🏻👍🏻
You are welcome!
I’m not sure if I have the ai-or ais version how can I tell? My version doesn’t have the built in lens hood ..
Douglas Lemus: See link below which explains the differences between pre-AI, AI and AIS.
ua-cam.com/video/9ZLSSsHrCNE/v-deo.html
Would you recommend this over the 85 f1.4 AIS?
Well, they are different lenses that will give you different results. The 85mm f1.4 has a shorter focal length and is faster, which will give you shallower depth of field (if that is something that you are after). It's a great portrait lens and one of the best 85mm lenses out there! The 105mm f2.5 is a bit longer and slower, but it's an absolute masterpiece of a lens. It is considered on of the best 100mm lenses ever made! So, it just depends on what is important for you - short telephoto with speed and shallow depth of field or longer telephoto with slower speed but amazing resolution even wide open. Also if price is something you are considering, the 85mm f1.4 is much more expensive lens than the 105m f2.5. At the end of the day it's all up to you and what you want to achieve, but you can't go wrong with either lens.
@@VintageOptiks great response man. thank you! I ended up going with the 85 f1.4 :)
@@kevinmarcus625 Nice!! It’s an amazing lens! Enjoy!!
oh no ,i think i want another lens
You would love it. It's an incredible lens!
does it have auto focus? I have A Nikon d7000 body.
Nope. Manual focus only.
There are many 35mm vintage lenses. Coul you compare few of them?
Yeah sure.
4:32 Wow, You took that photo with this this lens? Bird in flight? Did you have a chance to compare this lens to the Micro-Nikkor 105 f2.8 AI-S?
Yeah, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes I get lucky :) I haven’t had a chance to compare this lens to the Micro Nikkor 105mm ff2.8.
Is there a big difference between the ai and ais version?
Optically, there is no difference between the 2 versions.
TOP
🙌
Some are saying the Sonnar is the better lens, is that false?
When it comes to Gauss vs Sonnar it's all about personal preference. It will be best f you have a chance to shoot both versions and then decide which one you like best for your style of photography. But I understand that probably that's not an option.
The Gauss can focus a little closer than the Sonnar and has 7 instead of 6 aperture blades. .
The Gauss is a bit sharper wide open and has better corner to corner performance. The Gauss also has better micro contrast. When it comes to bokeh - they are both great, but the Sonnar bokeh is a bit more pleasing in my opinion.
The reason why some people like the Sonnar better is because it has more of that vintage look. The Gauss is perhaps a bit more normal and doesn't have as much character. But the differences are quite small.
For me, I like them both for different reasons and situations, but if I had to pick one I'll choose the Gauss type. But that of course is based on my personal style of shooting. Hope this helps.
@@VintageOptiks Thank you so much. I have an opportunity to get the Sonnar one and perhaps i will try to get both.
@@Jeff-zc6rr You are welcome. If you can get them both that would be the best way to decide. Good luck and happy shooting!
take it apart?? gotta be hard
It’s actually quite easy. And if you are wondering how to go about it, there are several tutorials on the internet that show you the process.
The infamouse Afghan Girl lens.
Yes!
Fine lens, indeed. But I prefer the Micro-Nikkor 105mm - it has some more options. @philosimot
I love the Micro-Nikkor 105 as well. A great lens indeed!
Remember folks, when it comes in the mail, be sure you already have the adapter...gotta keep that blood pressure down...
Haha
Seven blades. Heptagon bokeh! I’m such a Tool.
Yes the very unusual Heptagon bokeh!
Checking eBay, found several in TERRIBLE condition for $80ish.
I've had that lens back in the day, but as idiot as I am, I've sold it...
Ah, sorry to hear that you sold it. Once in awhile you can still find decent prices on the used market. I hope you can get one again. Take Care.
Why did you have your models in your portraits wearing maskes? Please!
Why?!?!? Because it was the peak of the deadly world pandemic (also known as COVID) when I took those shots. Is that not a valid reason?