Nikon Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI Review

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Introduction

May 2008

The 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor's have been a favorite lens by a lot of portrait photographers since the release of the first 105m f/2.5 for the Nikon F mount in 1959. The 105mm(10.5CM) lenses actually date further back, all the way back to Nikon's rangefinder cameras in 1953. From the serial number on the Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI it dates between 1966-71. As with a lot of earlier Nikkor lenses it has a yellow/brown color to the front element. Later versions of this lens have a reddish brown color to the front glass. This is yet another Pre-AI lens, and needs to be converted to fit most of today's cameras. I've heard so many good things about this lens over the years, that I thought it was time to see how it performs.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 5 elements in 3 groups.

Picture Angle: 23°20 (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 1.2m / 3.5ft

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HS-4

Included accessories:

Size: 66mm dia. X 78mm length (2-19/32 in. X 3-1/16 in.)

Weight: 435g (15.3 oz)

Diaphragm: 6 straight blades.

Price: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Performance. Overall Color performance is awesome.
• Build quality. Usual MF Nikkor quality, built to last.
• DOF/IR markings. Lens has the usual Depth Of Field and Infrared markings.
• Second hand price. I bought mine for 46 USD.

Drawbacks

• Discontinued. The only 105mm's left in Nikon's line-up is the Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 and the 105mm f/2.0 AF DC.
• IR. Hot-spots @ f/8, not really a problem un till f/11 tough.
• Pre-AI, needs to be converted to be used on most of today's cameras.

Verdict

The Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 is yet another of the old great MF Nikkors. The performance of it is rather amazing. Great sharpness can be seen at f/2.5, focusing correctly is crucial tough. This lens also show amazingly good contrast. The lens also has a beautiful Bokeh(the appearance of out-of-focus areas) The lens has the usual Manual Focus Nikkor feel to it, it's built to last. The Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI does hot-spot on Infrared, not really a problem until you hit f/11 though. This lens is defiantly a Nikon classic, and I highly recommend trying one out. It is for sure one of those old gems you just should have in your lens collection.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR: $899.95 USD

Nikon AF DC Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D. From: $1,019.95 USD

Sigma AF 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. Price: $479.00 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 27, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.