The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 IF-ED lens was released in 2006 but continues to be one of the best macro lenses on the market. I love shooting with this lens and regularly use it for my professional work as both a closeup (macro) and portrait lens.
Video and field use
https://youtube.com/watch?v=W8Df2ehhC0M%3Frel%3D0
In the above YouTube video, I demonstrate photographing bees and insects in the branches of a maple tree and a cherry tree. I do a lot of my field macro work hand-held and have regularly use the VR image stabilization system. Nikon claims the lens’ vibration reduction (VR) reduces the effects of camera shake by three stops and I think that’s pretty close to accurate. Keep in mind the 105mm lens’ VR system is first-generation Nikon and newer lenses have improved on this technology.
Lens details:
- Nikon F-Mount
- FX Format
- Nano Crystal coating
- 1:1 magnification and 1-foot minimum focus distance
- Silent wave motor (AF-S) focusing system
- Internal focus
- VR image stabilization
- Rounded 9-blade aperture blades (diaphragm)
One of the things I really like about this lens is the fact that it uses internal focusing. This means that the lens barrel doesn’t elongate, contract or rotate while focusing. This feature makes it easier to use filters or fine-tune camera position when mounted on a tripod.
The lens continues to receive 5-star reviews from consumers for good reason. It is sharp, fast-focusing and does its job extremely well. My only criticism of this lens is that I wish it was smaller and lighter-weight. Nikon does make an 85mm AF-S DX f/3.5 Micro Nikkor for crop sensor bodies, but obviously, that doesn’t solve my full-frame sensor camera needs.
Other options
Competition from other lens manufacturers has brought in a myriad of options for macro shooters. Tamron, Tokina, Sigma as well as other third-party manufacturers have all developed legitimate macro lenses in the 85mm to 180mm focal length ranges. I’ve used quite a few of them over the years and will say that just about all of these are great options. I’ve been recommending the Tamron 90mm macro for a long time and the newest version (SP 90mm f/2.8 Di) is excellent.
How about you? What macro lens do you use or recommend? Let me know in the comments.
Through B&H I bought a 105mm VR Nikon lens a few years ago to replace my older 105 from film days. I made the change mostly because I thought it would give me slightly higher quality images. While this may be true (I had no complaints of the former’s results), I was shocked at the difference in weight. I have become accustomed to the weight but recommend others to test the lens before purchasing. I do not find the VR to be useful, opting to use either hand-held with strobes or a tripod instead.
I agree about the size of the newer VR lens. I wish it was a bit smaller and lighter weight.
Through B&H I bought a 105mm VR Nikon lens a few years ago to replace my older 105 from film days. I made the change mostly because I thought it would give me slightly higher quality images. While this may be true (I had no complaints of the former’s results), I was shocked at the difference in weight. I have become accustomed to the weight but recommend others to test the lens before purchasing. I do not find the VR to be useful, opting to use either hand-held with strobes or a tripod instead.
I agree about the size of the newer VR lens. I wish it was a bit smaller and lighter weight.
Through B&H I bought a 105mm VR Nikon lens a few years ago to replace my older 105 from film days. I made the change mostly because I thought it would give me slightly higher quality images. While this may be true (I had no complaints of the former’s results), I was shocked at the difference in weight. I have become accustomed to the weight but recommend others to test the lens before purchasing. I do not find the VR to be useful, opting to use either hand-held with strobes or a tripod instead.
I agree about the size of the newer VR lens. I wish it was a bit smaller and lighter weight.