Imp. Winartho Photography | Bali Photographer

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

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2008) – Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens, the latest in a series of lenses that are equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that enables photographers the flexibility to effectively manipulate perspective, distortion and focus. Whether photographing architecture, landscapes, interiors or panoramas, this Perspective Control (PC) lens easily corrects linear distortion and aberration to deliver images that more accurately reproduce the view as the human eye sees it.

“Nikon optical engineers successfully overcame a number of design challenges while developing a new 24mm Perspective Control wide-angle lens that delivers in a variety of applications and fulfills the needs of photographers whose work demands the type of image control that only a lens of this design can provide” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “This lens represents a significant addition to the field-proven NIKKOR lens lineup and allows photographers to create images that would, in many instances, not be possible otherwise. Additionally, many photographers will appreciate the ability to more effectively correct images while shooting, significantly reducing the time required to correct images afterwards with image editing software.”

Typically, tilting the axis of a camera can result in a misrepresentation of perspective. A Perspective Control lens’ ability to fine-tune perspective and focus elements virtually eliminates these issues, an essential function for architectural and interior photographers.

The same features that make this lens excellent for architectural photography also provide nature and landscape photographers with an essential means to better control perspective, allowing them to capture nature’s beauty more accurately and naturally. Additionally, the 24mm PC lens enables professional product photographers to sight just the right shooting angles on reflective objects without capturing their own reflection in the process.

A special tilt/shift mechanism gives users up to +/- 11.5 mm shift and +/- 8.5-degree tilt for perspective control. When shooting with a conventional lens, some objects, such as tall trees and buildings, can be challenging to photograph due to rectilinear distortion and converging lines that warp perspective. The 24mm Perspective Control lens corrects this issue with convenient side-mounted controls at 1mm / 1-degree intervals that will adjust the focal plane with shift and tilt adjustments. The lens optics can also be rotated up to 90 degrees right or left for perspective control adjustment, while a click-stop is provided every 30 degrees. Importantly, photographers can see the effect of every adjustment accurately through their Nikon SLR viewfinder.

In addition to providing linear perspective correction, the new 24mm PC lens has unique characteristics that make it well suited for a variety of tasks and offers a wide angle-of-view combined with dramatic depth-of-field control potential, perfect for capturing stunning landscapes. To further control the image, users can quickly adjust aperture with a stop-down button, or with the aperture ring. These same characteristics also make the 24mm PC lens a great choice for close-up macro work, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 feet and the ability to fine tune focus with perspective control.

The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens continues NIKKOR’s legacy of high-quality optics and durable design. It features the new “E” designation, which denotes an electromagnetic diaphragm that automatically controls aperture with the latest Nikon D-SLR cameras. Three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements provide superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, while three aspherical lens elements minimize various types of lens aberration. In addition to the Nikon Super Integrated coating that delivers superior color reproduction, Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps to virtually eliminate any remaining instances of ghosting and flare.

The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens is the first in a new series of PC lenses being designed to meet the needs of photo professionals and enthusiasts. Two more PC lenses are currently in development and are scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers during the summer of 2008.

The NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens is scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers in the U.S. in spring 2008 for an estimated selling price of $1929.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

* Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
For J.D. Power and Associates award information, go to http://www.jdpower.com

MELVILLE, N.Y. (JAN. 28, 2008) – Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens engineered specifically for extreme close-up photography, and perfectly suited for general imaging as well. The new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens can focus at a distance of approximately 0.185m (.6 ft.) at its closest, and allows photographers to capture breathtaking close-up photography with reproduction ratios up to 1:1 (life-size).

“Nikon is proud of its strong reputation for designing and producing some of the world’s finest close-up lenses, delivering faithful and consistent color reproduction, stunning sharpness and beautifully balanced contrast,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon, Inc. “Serious close-up photographers are naturally demanding and we are confident that these discerning customers will be excited about the performance of the new 60mm f/2.8G ED Micro NIKKOR.”

Engineered for use with Nikon’s digital and 35mm SLR systems, the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens incorporates a myriad of innovative features and technologies, including Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) design.

Combined with the Silent Wave Motor technology and Internal Focusing system, the
AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED-IF provides handling characteristics that better enable superior close-up photography. The SWM provides fast, quiet and accurate autofocus performance and Nikon’s Internal Focusing (IF) design further enhances AF performance, while also allowing photographers to manually focus quickly and smoothly. Internal Focusing (IF) also eliminates rotation of the front lens element, making it more convenient to use rotating polarizing filters as well as the Nikon Wireless Close-up Speedlight System. A rounded nine-blade diaphragm opening allows out-of-focus background or foreground scene information to appear more natural.

Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating produce superior color, while dramatically reducing ghosting and flare for superior image quality. An additional (Extra-low Dispersion) ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, allowing the lens to deliver stunning, high-contrast images while the use of two aspherical lenses help correct spherical aberration and coma, producing accurate image reproduction even at the widest aperture.

The AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens is scheduled to become available from Nikon authorized dealers beginning in March 2008 at an estimated selling price of $549.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

* Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.