NIKKOR MICRO AIS LENS 105MM 2.8 The Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 AI-S is a legendary, manual-focus macro and short telephoto lens introduced in 1983. Renowned for its superb optical sharpness and robust, all-metal mechanical construction, it remains a highly sought-after vintage lens for macro photography and portraiture on both film and modern digital bodies. Key Technical Specifications Focal Length & Aperture: 105mm fixed focal length with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and a minimum aperture of f/32. Macro Capability: Built-in native 1:2 reproduction ratio, which can be extended to true 1:1 lifesize magnification by pairing it with the Nikon PN-11 extension tube. Build & Mechanics: Built with a solid metal barrel, a dual metal mount, and a heavily damped, smooth manual focus ring that extends significantly as you focus closer. Filters & Optical Design: Features a standard 52mm filter thread and utilizes multi-coated glass elements arranged in 10 elements in 9 groups. Compatibility: Native to the Nikon F-mount, allowing manual operation on vintage film cameras, mechanical DSLRs, and modern mirrorless systems via simple adapters. Performance Characteristics Exceptional Sharpness: Photographers prize this lens because it is astonishingly sharp wide open at f/2.8, performing at at least 90% of the standard set by modern macro lenses. Distortion & Aberration: Features minimal linear distortion. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled and rarely presents itself outside of high-contrast, edge-case lighting scenarios. Optimal Sharpness (Sweet Spot): While excellent across the board, the sweet spot for maximum resolution sits around f/8, ideal for capturing intricate details in small objects or insects.
