Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 G IF ED VR Micro review

The Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8 G IF ED VR can reveal the tiniest detail

Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8 G IF ED VR
(Image: © Nikon)

Digital Camera World Verdict

This Nikon Micro lens combines a classic focal length and f/2.8 aperture rating, along with full 1.0x magnification at its shortest focus distance of 0.31m, as measured from the focal plane (equating to the active surface of the host camera’s image sensor). As such, it gives a comfortable working distance of 15cm or about 6 inches between the front of the lens and the subject, for full 1.0x macro shooting. Performance is very good overall but the standard VR system is of little benefit for extreme close-ups. On balance we prefer the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro and Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di USD VC Macro.

Pros

  • +

    Good build quality

  • +

    Good image quality

  • +

    VR useful for general shooting

Cons

  • -

    No ‘hybrid’ optical stabilization

  • -

    Not extensively weather-sealed

  • -

    Narrow aperture sharpness drop-off

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The Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8 G IF ED VR sits on the top rung of Nikon’s extensive range of F-mount Micro lenses, which includes old-school 60mm, 105mm and 200mm ‘AF’ lenses in which autofocus is driven from a motor in compatible camera bodies. There are also 40mm and 85mm AF-S DX (APS-C format) options, and FX (full-frame) compatible AF-S 60mm and 105mm lenses. The AF-S Micro 105mm VR Micro is the pick of the crop, and the own-brand Nikon lens we’d choose for shooting on DX as well as FX camera bodies.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.