Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED lens is a standout performer designed for Nikon F (DX) mounts. Known for its exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, this lens caters to portrait photographers and anyone who desires a premium lens in their kit.

Build Quality and Design

This lens boasts a robust yet elegant design, typical of Nikon’s premium offerings. The build quality is top-notch, combining weather-sealing and a durable exterior that can withstand the demands of regular use. The lens features a smooth focus ring, making manual adjustments a breeze, and the overall aesthetics are pleasing to the eye.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED is stunning. With a fast maximum aperture of F1.4, this lens excels in low-light conditions and provides an impressive depth of field. Images produced are exceptionally sharp from the center to the edges, even at wider apertures. The lens incorporates Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to combat chromatic aberration, resulting in cleaner, contrast-rich images.

The bokeh quality is another highlight, delivering creamy backgrounds that isolate the subject beautifully. This aspect makes it popular for portraiture, as the out-of-focus areas are rendered smoothly, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the shots.

Autofocus System

The autofocus system is generally fast and accurate, thanks to Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). It allows for quiet focus adjustments—an asset when shooting in tranquil settings or at events. However, in low-light scenarios, some users may find the autofocus can struggle a bit, leading to missed focus if not scrutinized carefully.

Compatibility and Use

While optimized for full-frame cameras, the lens performs admirably on DX-format bodies as well. However, on DX cameras, the field of view translates to approximately 157.5mm, making it an excellent option for portraiture but not as versatile for wider landscapes or street photography.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness across the frame
• Stunning bokeh for beautiful portraits
• Robust build quality with weather-sealing
• Fast and quiet autofocus system
• Great performance in low light due to the F1.4 aperture

Cons

• Weight can be an issue for some, as it is relatively heavy compared to similar lenses
• Higher price point may deter budget-conscious photographers
• Autofocus can falter slightly in low-light conditions

Verdict

Overall, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED is a phenomenal lens that excels in portrait photography, offering remarkable optical performance and build quality. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the positives far outweigh them, making this lens an excellent addition to any serious photographer's kit, especially for those who shoot in both portraiture and low-light environments. If you’re looking for a high-performance lens and don't mind the investment, this lens is certainly worth considering.