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

£759/$897 Outclassed by the new kid on the block

This was Nikon’s top-drawer Micro lens until the new Z-mount 105mm came along. It bears similarities to its F-mount 85mm DX sibling. Both have the same number of optical elements, including one ED element, plus a 3-stop stabilizer. Both also have a similar minimum working distance of 14.5cm and 15cm for the 85mm and 105mm lens respectively, plus a swift ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system.

The FX format 105mm is heftier than the DX lens. Surprisingly so, in fact, because at 750g, it’s more than twice the weight, despite not being much larger. Suffice it to say that build quality is solid. It’s also getting on for twice the price in some world regions. One notable upgrade is that the 105mm lens includes Nano Crystal Coat, whereas the 85mm has a more usual Super Integrated Coating.

Performance

The regular VR system lags behind the Tamron’s hybrid stabilizer for closerange performance, but outright sharpness is similarly impressive. The Nikon doesn’t fare so well in terms of colour fringing and distortion.

N-photo verdict

It’s a great lens, but not the best buy, as the Sigma and Tamron offer similar performance at lower prices.