10 replies to this topic

[Merco_61]

Wonderful news if correct: New Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED lens to be announced this week - Nikon Rumors

 

This will be the first 105 mm non-macro since September 1993. The fastest 105 Nikkor ever, and I hope it doesn't have too much CA wide open. My only problem is that it will put a new body on the back burner again... The choice between new glass while keeping my old, but still very useable bodies running and no new glass but a new body is easy.

[ousantacruz]

Sounds awesome but the price is painful (understandable though). These days, I've just about got all the lenses I think I'll need for Nikon. I'm eyeballing a D500 for it's amazing AF and buffer which would definitely help when shooting certain events since my D800 and D750, while amazing cameras, just can't keep up sometimes. I may try to sell my D800 if I can get anywhere near a decent price for it.

 

As for your dilemma, I'd probably pick up the glass first. I'm personally only considering a new body because I've got every focal length I use already, even if not the fastest version.

[Merco_61]

I have only got 6 105 mm lenses left after selling off the three I never used... It is easily my most used focal length. I would very much like to have AF and the ability to get a razor-thin DOF with the classic 23°20' FOV. Now it is just a matter of waiting for reviews and finding the money... The D500 can wait.

[TBonz]

It is tempting...but for my current shooting, the D500 or some long primes would provide a better return on my investment than the new 105...

 

Looking forward to seeing your images with the new lens Peter !

[Kenafein]

It sounds nice, and I bet it will be a great lens, but at 105, F/2 is already razor thin.  The applications will be very specialized for this lens wide open, if it's even good wide open.  It's just not worth the money for me, but that's up to you to decide.  

[Merco_61]

There are times when I could use a bit less than the ~40 cm DOF my 105/2 gives wide open at 6 m. The f/1.8 gives about 35 cm but isn't too sharp as well as having lots of CA open. If the new lens with it's 27 cm calculated is reasonably sharp and corrected, I definitely have uses for the wider aperture.

[dcbear78]

This has me interested too. I am primarily a portrait photographer. But I do not have and 85mm. My 135mm is the Samyang and the depth of field and manual focus is a difficult task. I love the sound of this lens but I think I would benefit more from the working distance of an 85mm f1.4 more.... Just waiting on Sigma to release and Art version. On top of that I really could use a macro lens, so the current 105mm macro might actually be of more use. But I also am trying not to spend even more money on gear and want to make sure I make the most beneficial decision right here and now. ARGH!!!

[Merco_61]

Darryl, you can never have too many short tele primes. They all draw differently and have different strengths and weaknesses.

[dcbear78]

Oh I know. I'm trying to decide what will give me the most value. Buying a DJI Phantom 4 and adding drone photo/videography to my business. Add a dedicated sports shooter like a D500. Or reducing some of my personal debts.

Now an amazing, almost perfect for me lens is coming in the same price bracket.

But ultimately this lens doesn't fill a necessary hole I can't make do with the glass I already have.... For now.

[Merco_61]

A lot will depend on how it performs for the testers when they arrive. A D500 would be nice, but the D300 still does what I need it to. A fast 105 would fill a want, even if it isn't a need. The 105 would make more impact to the look of photos to sell, the D500 would only make my invisible work easier. It isn't an easy question.

[dcbear78]

Who wants sample images?!?!?!?!

 

AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens Sample Images - Camera News at Cameraegg