This lens is one of my dreaming gadgets. When it come, i just falling in love with it since my first test!
The DoF (depth of field), bokeh, fast focus, VR… just extremely superior for me. Event when I use it for portrait shot at low light such as on stage light situation. The result is awesome.

You may browse my macro shot using this combination Nikon D300 and Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR lens here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/impworks/sets/72157606714954510/

Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR lens is the latest addition to the Nikon macro line-up lens. It replaces the Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D, a dated but popular and highly-regarded lens.

This lens is a quite fat and heavy lens with a minimum focus distance of 0.31m resulting in a max. object magnification of 1:1 and a working distance of min. ~15cm. At 1:1 the max. aperture decreases to f/4.8 which is a quite typical characteristic for an IF (internal focusing) macro lens. The adjusted aperture value is displayed in the viewfinder.

This micro lens, AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR, has a silent-wave AF drive which operates relatively fast and virtually silent. The AF on my D300 seems a little prone to hunting with this lens so it is generally a good idea to take advantage of the build-in focus limiter when using the lens for non-macro purposes.
A new key feature of the lens is the single-mode VR II (vibration reduction) mechanism with an efficiency equivalent to 4 f-stops towards infinity focus (claimed by Nikon). An interesting new technology used in this lens is “Nano Crystal Coat” on the rear optical element. NCC is supposed to eliminate internal lens reflections (reads: less flare). There´s also a corresponding “N” logo printed on the lens.

The lens is very large for a 100mm optic but it feels good on a large pro body - I love to hold bigger camera. The ergonomics are good since it fits in the left hand nicely when shooting. The wide focusing ring is nice to the touch and comfortable to use and its action is smooth and very precise.

Some people suggest that autofocus should not be used in macro photography and this is good advice if you are tripod mounted. Autofocus can be employed when in macro mode, especially if you have pre-focused and it works surprisingly well. For a true macro lens the auto-focusing is very fast and silent, though it will on rare occasions hunt when initial focus is way off especially when focusing up close or in low light.

The new VR of this lens is a real performer when compared to the original VR employed in the 80-400mm lens or even the second generation VR in the 18-200mm lens. This newer version (even though labeled VR II like the 18-200mm) feels like its light years ahead of any of the previous incarnations. Obviously when the lens and camera are mounted on a rock solid platform then VR needs to be switched off, otherwise it may in some cases cause unnecessary shake and actually introduce blur. So if its not rock solid, VR can be used in any other situation whether mounted on a monopod or when in free movement on a tripod or handholding.
The way I use the VR technology is to not think off its existence and continue shooting as if it wasn’t present. A lot of new shooters read the advertised shake free shooting at up to 4 stops slower and go out expecting to shoot at this extreme and obviously are rewarded with lousy results. VR should be seen as a helping hand. We still need to aim for good light and workable shutter speeds. When nature forces the shutter speeds to become longer then we need to master our best hand holding techniques to overcome camera movement.

Of course the maximum effectiveness decreases as you focus closer but it is already a god send when shooting portraits and other distant subjects (hand-held). In the macro range the advantages of VR is still in effect, though not as affective as for subjects that are further away. So you can shoot at slower shutter speeds than normal and get some good results if combined with good hand holding technique and if you are using continuous AF to correct for the front to back swaying as you compose the shot. So VR can be used if shooting small critters handheld and it surely will give you the edge compared to others using older lenses when it comes to nailing a clean shot (amongst a burst of 3-5 shots). The number of keepers shooting hand-held will certainly be more compared to shooting without it. VR can amazingly help even in slightly windy conditions though you would want to prevent yourself from shooting in such conditions. So vibration reduction on the AFS 105mm lens is no gimmick, not even when shooting up close

The real difference is the creamy bokeh of the new lens which is outstanding. The new optical design combined with the 9 bladed diaphragms improves the bokeh of this lens. When I first used this lens at the Photo-expo for a couple of portraits and saw the results and the great soft bokeh, I knew that this was the lens for me. The out of focus areas of the image were creamy smooth and spectral highlights were distinguished. Even when stopped down to f/8 or f/11 the transitions between the different coloured out of focus areas are smooth as silk. Any portrait shot wide open or even stopped down to about f/5.6 or f/8 max will produce sharp results with great bokeh. Even in the macro range, the bokeh is magical for producing those mystical flower shots where you focus on some sharp detail on the edge of a petal and the rest of the image just melts to create the perfect surroundings for strengthening the composition.

Recommendation

The only real disadvantage with this lens is the small working distance when shooting small critters (For a 1:1 mag the working distance is about 15cm, subject to lens). Other than that, this is one sweet lens. Have it, and enjoy the fun of macro photography!

Technical specification notes:

• Focal length : 105mm (Picture angle, when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 157.5mm on a 35mm format SLR)
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Lens construction: 14 Elements in 12 Groups (with 1 ED glass element and 1 Nano Crystal Coat-deposited lens element)
• Angle of view: 23° 20′ (15° 20′ with Nikon DX format)
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9pcs
• Filter size: 62mm
• Lens hood: Bayonet hood
• Dimensions: Diameter 83mm (3.3”)X Length 116mm (4.5”)
• Weight: 720g /25.4oz

Optional accessories

• 62mm screw-in filters
• AF-S teleconverters TC-14E, II/17E, II/20E, II (Picture angle, when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 157.5mm on a 35mm format SLR)
Included accessories
• 62mm snap-on front lens cap LC-62
• Rear lens cap LF-1
• Bayonet hood HB-38
• Flexible lens pouch CL-1020

Setelah sekian lama menunggu, hari ini 15 Juli 2007, kita sekawanan fotografer (dig, foot, dd, sheko, aku dan rama) berangkat ke Ubud. sedianya mau berangkat jam 11.00 biar bisa meliput keseluruhan acara hari ini, tetapi rupanya bang roma ada sedikit kendala, sehingga kita dijemput hampir jam 1. Thanks free transport dan pickup servicenya, bang.

sampai di ubud sekitar jam 14++, ternyata parkiran dekat lokasi sudah sangat penuh. terpaksa mobil balik lagi sampai posisi agak jauh. kita semua turun dan mulai hicking sepanjang pinggir kali (ape kaden adane) sekitar hampir satu kilo meter melewati gang gang sempit.

hampir dekat lokasi, kita malah terhalang sama mereka yang mau pulang habis pawai. duh… umplek2an banget. dengan segala tehnik memiringkan tubuh, sampai juga di lokasi. sayang harus menunggu lama, karena di tempat juga masih fase persiapan. saat-saat seperti ini kita gunakan untuk shot human interest. segala rupa bentuk manusia, berbagai mimik dan dekorasi.

menjelang magrib, semua persiapan pembakaran mayat telah selesai. dan tibalah saat-saat yang ditunggu-tunggu. byurr…. api berkobar di 2 lembu (artificial) besar dan naga banda. segala penat, panas, dan lapar seperti tidak terasakan, kita begitu menikmati acara budaya yang langka ini. secara ngaben yang ini skala besar dan dihadiri oleh ribuan orang dari berbagai belahan dunia.

direncanakan mendadak. 3 atau 4 hari sebelumnya. karena beberapa kali appointment hunting tidak kunjung terlaksana, akhirnya kita sepakat untuk pergi lebih jauh lagi, bromo! Sabtu pagi berangkat dari padang tawang, canggu, dengan mobil charteran.

istirahat makan siang di warung ayam betutu men tempeh, gilimanuk. awal perjalanan yang seru sekali. Harapan bisa juga hunting sunset di bromo, gak kesampaian. karena ternyata target waktu tempuh rada meleset banyak. akhirnya nemu sunset scene menarik juga di bantaran sungai sepanjang perjalanan menuju bromo dari jalur jember.

tiba di hotel di puncak jalan raya bromo, sekitar jam 9 malam waktu setempat, aku coba cari hotel tempat aku dulu menginap, hotel grand bromo. sayangnya hotelnya sekarang tutup. sayang sekali. hotel yang bagus di tempat yang bagus, harus tutup karena (mungkin) kurangnya tingkat okupansi kamar. akhirnya kita cari hotel seadanya. toh tema hunting kali ini adalah backpack adventure. sewa kamar Rp. 125,000 semalam dengan air hangat dan breakfast nasi goreng. lumayan murah…. kamar emang gak luxury, tapi juga gak jelek-jelek banget. pantes lah untuk harga segitu.

dig, 77, dieyoung meneruskan begadang nggak tahu sampai jam berapa. sementara aku, adi, wisna dan pak sopir tidur lebih awal, demi melepas lelah agar ada cukup power untuk naik-turun gunung besok paginya.

jam 3 pagi, morning call… mata masih berat… tapi karena niat udah bulet… bangun juga. hal yang sangat jarang terjadi. biasa bangun jam 9 kini harus bangun jam 3. tapi tidak jadi masalah saat itu. Cukup cuci muka saja, 2 toyota land cruiser 4WD sudah menunggu di loby hotel. setelah semua siap dan tidak ada peralatan motret yang tertinggal, kita pun berangkat. jalanan masih gelap. kita tidak bisa melihat apa-apa sepanjang perjalanan menuju penanjakan. hanya beberapa meter jarak lampu mobil saja. saat pulangnya, kita baru menyadari kalau tadi pagi kita melintas di dinding bukit terjal dengan jurang yang curam. perjalanan kali ini tidak se’excite’ kedatanganku dulu pertama kali di tempat ini. gak tahu dengan teman-teman yang lainnya. pasti seru sekali bagi mereka.

Jalan menuju bukit penajakan dapat dilalui dengan sangat mudah oleh mobil 4WD, akhirnya jam 4.30 kita sudah di puncak. ngopi-ngopi dulu… jam 5 telunjuk sudah siap di tombol shutter button. dengan kamera mengarah ke tempat munculnya matahari. Sempat kecewa juga, ternyata pengunjung kali ini bejibun banget. nyaris tidak ada tempat untuk menjulurkan lensa kamera. sepanjang sisi-sisi terbaik sudah ditempati orang. bergaya orang wartawan… akhirnya aku dapat tempat juga di sisi yang lumayan bagus. tapi ya tetep aja gak nyaman untuk main long exposure. terlalu rentan kena senggol-senggol dari pengunjung yang berjubel.

puas motret terbitnya matahari dan lingkungan di sekitar gunung bromo dari penanjakan, kita turun menuju lokasi lautan pasir di lereng gunung bromo. beberapa kali sopirnya aku suruh berhenti, guna mendapatkan beberapa shot yang unit dan berbeda dengan “foto di bromo” orang kebanyakan.

dekat pura di lereng gunung bromo, 4WD parkir, kita teruskan dengan menunggang kuda. beberapa shot juga sempat aku buat langsung dari atas punggung kuda yang berjalan. untungnya lensaku lensa VR, jadi dengan menset mode VR ke aktif, aku dapatkan lumanyan banyak steady shot dari moving shaking horseback.

… koq kayaknya ceritanya lebih seru kalau sambil menyimak foto-fotonya di flickr ya. bookmark this: http://flickr.com/photos/impworks

The most popular and well known of East Java’s tourist attractions is undoubtedly Mt Bromo. The pre-dawn departure and trek across the mountain’s famous ’sand sea’, to watch the sunrise at the crater rim, has become something of a ritual, enacted daily by people of every nationality.

we will be here (again) on sunday morning, originally uploaded by 21win.

Bromo is actually just one crater in the vast, 800 km2 Tengger massif, which forms the largest of East Java’s five main volcanic ranges. Although by no means the highest mountain in the region (2392m), it has gained its reputation partly because of its unique location and partly through the reverence shown to it by the local inhabitants. A legend connected with Mt Bromo tells of the origin of the Tenggerese people. According to the story, it was during the closing years of the 15th century, when the East Javanese empire of Majapahit was in decline, that a princess of the kingdom, named Roro Anteng, and her husband Joko Seger, retreated to the Bromo region and established a separate principality, which they named Tengger, a combination of the last syllables of each of their names. The region, it is said, de veloped and prospered, yet no descendants were born to the ruling couple.

Have your nice weekend

maret tanggal 4 bulan 3 tahun 2008 adalah hari besar bagi pemeluk agama hindu di bali. Melasti. atau sering juga disebut sebagai melis.

melasti, yaitu upacara menghanyutkan segala leteh (hal yang kotor-kotor) ke laut, serta menyucikan pretima. Upacara ini dilakukan di laut, karena laut dianggap sebagai sumber amerta.

sejak pagi di jalan depan rumah sudah berderet merambat cempana dan mobil-motor para penyungsung. gamelan bertalu.

pengen segera berada di pantai juga untuk membuat beberapa shot tentang melasti ini. tetapi sejak pagi cuaca tidak bersahabat bagi para fotografer. yang ikut melis sih bilangnya: “ini cuaca yang terbaik. tidak panas”. apalagi ibu-ibu dan gadis remaja putri sangat menyenangi cuaca gulem putih hitam tetapi tidak hujan, karena mereka tidak perlu khawatir make-up nya bakalan luntur.

tunggu punya tunggu… eh siangnya malah pakai gerimis segala. i am so sad.

akhirnya sore-sore ada juga telepon dari teman ngajakin hunting ke pantai. kupikir, ada yang ngajakin nekat nih. padahal cuaca masih gerimis kecil gitu deh…. ya udah, karena rame-rame, ya go wae. kanggoang, canggu destination terdekat. jadi inget jadul beberapa tahun lalu, aku selalu hunting melasti sendirian. jadi kayak toris sendirian nenteng kamera.

credit: rama, 77, dig, sheko, wibh. adi arifin absen.

minggu siang 2/3/08, pada jam yang telah disepakati, ternyata cuaca tidak terlalu bersahabat. baru mau berangkat ke kuta paradiso, hujan gerimis mulai mengiringi perjalanan. tanpa pikir panjang, banting setang nangkring di ramayana bali mall.

makan siang ala kadarnya, terus maen billiard sambil nunggu temen-temen lainnya. beberapa shot menarik oleh teman-teman yang hadir di sana.satu jam billiard, dilanjutkan dengan bowling session.

2½ jam maen, tampaknya dig masiy belum puas. untungnya di lapangan puputan denpasar tiap hari minggu sore selalu ada pentas gembira anak-anak TK se-kota denpasar. jadilah kita lanjut perburuan ke foto panggung anak-anak.

other shot dapat dilihat dilihat di flickr account mereka.