I feel obliged to make you feel better, and be able to point and say "I'm NOT THAT GUY!"
Magnificent Seven by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
Eight is Enough by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
But- if I had to Pick One Nikon Lens-
Nikkor_5cm_f15 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
Did someone say "One-Oh-Five"...
nikkor_105_1 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
I have some normal lenses from that other company that makes cameras.
Leica by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
The sharpest 105 that I have is the Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8 AF-D. I tested it against the newer AF-S version, the AF-D was noticeably sharper.
The other surprise- the old Nikkor-T 10.5cm F4 in F-Mount. Three elements, pre-set aperture. Found one for $100, glad I did.
Next question… How many 105 mm lenses does one need/want?
My take is that I need three, but I want four more.
The need lenses are:
- 105/4 MicroNikkor.
- 105/2.5 Ai or maybe Ais.
- 105/2 DC.
My 105/4 is an old pre-Ai lens, converted to Ai specs using Ai kit 64.
I prefer the Ai over the Ais as I find the 170˚ focus throw easier to use than 140˚.
The DC is a quirky, but wonderful tool both outdoors and in the studio.
My wants list is partially filled, as I have an old 105/2.5 to the Sonnar optical formula with a filed aperture ring. I also have a 105/1.8 Ais. I have had, and sold, a 105/2.8 MicroNIkkor Ais. I only used it for the ease of focusing in low light compared to my 4.0. The only one I want and haven’t owned is the AF-S 105/1.4. I have rented it a couple of times.