Nikon Nikkor 105/2.5 AIS lens

[Katastrofo]

Recently received this off ebay, both body and lens:




as I want to get into this kind of portraiture:



Picture taken with above camera/lens plus this flash setup:


Love what this lens can do, a flickr fave with it mounted on the Nikon D90:

[Attila]

This is one of the best around 100mm lens what I did ever try, top lens for sure , congrats!

[Katastrofo]

Attila, thanks, the lens has quite a reputation, from the 5 elements 3 groups Sonnar from 1959, to the later version like this Xenotar
copy (5 elements 4 groups).

[Attila]

I did try AIS version black like this and oldest NON AI, oldest non AI is average.Is this AIS lens ?

[Katastrofo]

Yes, this is the AIS model, more sought after than the older version.

[Attila]

That is cool, look forward your pics!

[kds315*]

Congratulations, that will surely be a like you'll like Bill!

[Pontus]

This is a superb lens. Small, good ergonomics, superbly built, excellent allround lens which shines at portraits AND landscape. It's one of the sharpest at infinity. And I love lenses that have built in lens hoods (even if some say they are not as effective). I should use my copy more often

[Katastrofo]

Attila, Klaus, and Pontus, thanks! Will be loading a roll of KG100 in the FG to try it. Another flickr fave and this time
from the aging 6MP Nikon D50 with the AIS version:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8509601537_52223359b6_h.jpg

Trying to decide on the D5100 (has the improved articulated screen over the D5000, or the D7000 that has onboard flash commander)
Both share the same sensor...

[DR.JUAN]

[Schnauzer]

The camera and lense both look great Bill. I'm anxious to see what you get with the gold and this rig.

[anscochrome]

The old non AI Sonnar lens certainly was no slouch in the portrait realm, as it was the gold standard for 35mm format portraiture all through the 1960's. The AI Gauss type lens was better optimized for portrait distances than the non AI Sonnar, precisely because it was used so much for that purpose.

I have a near mint late Sonnar design, I purchased with matching hood, caps, bubble case, and box for $100.00 at a swap meet in Omaha, NE, and do not feel the itch to get an AI version-the older version suits me just fine.

[Excalibur]

Lucky you Bill as I would like this lens but it's expensive on the bay, but what has worked for me in the past (and now) against buying lenses like this is:- Just calm down as you (meaning I) don't really need these sort of lenses as I can equal any performance advantage for sharpness\quality in the final shot\results by...... just using my medium format film cameras

[Katastrofo]

Ron, thanks, anxious to see some results myself. Loaded KG200 by mistake, already had it threaded thru the take-up spool and just
went with it, senior moment.

Anscochrome, I've seen some amazing photos with the Sonnar version, can't blame you.

Excal, yes, but I have a little less weight to pack around, that's my story, and am sticking with it.

[Ray Parkhurst]

I've owned 3 versions of this lens: a late non-AI; an AI; and a couple of AIS. They all had their own strengths and weaknesses. My favorite was the AI for its sharpness and overall 3D character. The AIS was not quite as sharp, but had excellent saturation and contrast. The non-AI gave an almost soft-focus look to portraits, yet was actually pretty sharp. I think this was what made folks love the lens as a portrait lens yet reviews always went on about how sharp it was. It has a unique character at the portrait distance that I have not seen in any other lens.

[Attila]

[kds315*]

I don't get it guys: don't we (hopefully) all know that it is not a lens that makes
an image unique, that it ultimately is the photographer knowing and using its tools
to the fullest? Do you still believe it is the lens? Oh and yes, the stork brings the
babies, I totally forgot...

I have no doubt that Bill will get fantastic images, from what I have seem of him!

[Ray Parkhurst]

There are a lot of noticeable differences between lenses. Same scene, same lighting, different result. Different "look", colors, saturation, bloom, bokeh, 3D character. I can see big differences between 3 different types of 105/2.5 Nikkors. So, same photographer, same techniques, different lenses = different results.

[DSG]

[Ray Parkhurst]

[Lena]

Do you think it makes sense to get a 105/2.5 Ais with a broken aperture "pin"? Otherwise the lens is in very good condition, one of the latest series, according to the serial no. It works wide open, only can't be stopped down. Is it a comples repair to fix something like that?