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Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI Review
Nikon Nikkor-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI  
Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)
features
performance
IR
build
value
 
Positives
Drawbacks
Verdict
Alternatives
Sample Pictures

Introduction

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.

Alternatives

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR: $739.95 USD

Nikon AF DC Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D. From: $799.95 USD

Sigma AF 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. Price: $399.00 USD

Sample Pictures

Although I don't consider any of these pictures as works of art, they are still my pictures. Please do not reproduce any of these images. Please check out my copyright page for more information.

 




Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI @ 1/4000sec f/2.5
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 105mm
Exposure 1/4000sec f/2.5
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI @ 1/1000sec f/2.8
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 105mm
Exposure 1/1000sec f/2.8
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor Auto 105mm f/2.5 P
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 105mm
Exposure 1/500sec f/4
   
Camera Nikon D3 nikon D3, Nikkor 150mm f/2.5 @ 1/1000sec f/5.6
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 105mm
Exposure 1/0000sec f/5.6
   
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 @ 1/500sec f/8
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 105mm
Exposure 1/500sec f/8
Home  
Camera Nikon D3 Nikon D3, Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 @ 1/250sec f/11
ISO 200
Picture control Vivid
Focal Length 105mm
Exposure 1/250sec f/11
   

 
© 2008 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.