Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR Macro Lens review

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

Engineered for use with either Nikon DX format digital or 35mm SLR cameras, this superbly crafted lens is ideal for outstanding close-up, portrait and general photography.

This new Nikkor 105mm macro prime is a huge beast of a lens, it is large for a 105mm. It is bigger and heavier than any other 105mm lens I have ever used. It looks great on the camera but all that bulk just makes it more difficult to use. The VR function does work, but again it is not a miracle add-on. The most interesting thing about this lens is that I get better images under poorer conditions than good conditions. I believe it is because the VR is more effective when shooting slower. In good light this lens doesn't have much advantage over a non-VR lens, but in poor light it shines. In fact in good light I'd say it is at a disadvantage due to the size and weight. When used properly the image quality is exactly what you'd expect it to be, exceptional. Provides continuous focusing from infinity to life-size (1:1)

The AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is capable of razor sharp images with amazing clarity. The color will be as brilliant as you remember it being when you shot the image.

The best improvements in the 105mm macro are the AF-S focusing and the non-rotating, non-extending barrel. Silent motionless autofocus really is a benefit with macro photography. Especially with insects and small animals.

Basically it is an excellent lens, if you are a professional photographer and can afford it. Weekend warrior photographers will likely do just as well as with the older Nikkor 105mm macro or even a third party lens.

This lens is alternative to the 85/1.8 prime, the 105/f/2.8 is a very good portrait lens for full frame cameras. It's a bit of a toss up whether you prefer the look that a 100mm lens gives vs an 85. The 105/2.8 will give slightly more blurring to distant backgrounds and a slightly "flatter" perspective, but the 85 will give you a slightly shallower depth of field wide open. There's no clear cut "best" lens here and you can't go far wrong with either one. The 85/1.8 might be a touch sharper wide open, plus if you're shooting digital with an APS-C sensor and 85mm lens is already getting a bit long for portrait work and so may be preferred over the 100mm. The 85/1.8 is also slightly cheaper.

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