Mark Ellington
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E Lens
Introduction
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens is a premium lens designed for Nikon DSLR cameras, particularly suitable for portrait photography. Renowned for its exceptional imaging capabilities, this lens allows photographers to create stunning, high-quality portraits with beautiful bokeh effects. The renewed version offers an opportunity for users to acquire this high-performance lens at a more affordable price without compromising on quality.
Product Overview
Manufactured by Nikon, a leading name in imaging technology, the AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens belongs to the category of telephoto lenses. Its primary intended use is for portrait photography, where capturing minute details and achieving smooth background blur are crucial. With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens excels in low-light situations, making it a versatile choice for various lighting conditions.
Appearance and Design
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E lens boasts a sleek and professional aesthetic, featuring a predominantly black exterior with subtle branding. The build quality is robust, constructed with high-grade materials that ensure durability while remaining lightweight for ease of handling. Noteworthy design elements include the Nano Crystal Coating, which significantly reduces ghosting and flare, and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm that contributes to the appealing bokeh quality.
Key Features and Specifications
- F-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.13x
- Internal Focus
- Manual Focus Override
- Nano Crystal Coating
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Part Number: 20064-cr
- Model: 20064-cr
- Warranty: 90 days limited warranty
- Color: Black
User Experience
In real-world usage, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E lens truly shines in portrait photography. The f/1.4 aperture creates a stunning shallow depth of field, allowing the subject to stand out sharply against a beautifully blurred background. Whether shooting in natural light or controlled studio settings, this lens consistently delivers vibrant colors and exceptional detail. The autofocus is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture spontaneous moments without missing a beat.
Additionally, the lens performs admirably in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to shoot without the need for a flash. The internal focus mechanism ensures that the physical length of the lens does not change during focusing, which is a great advantage for maintaining balance when mounted on a tripod or handheld. However, it is worth noting that due to its telephoto nature, careful handling is required to avoid camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional image quality with stunning bokeh
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Excellent low-light capability with f/1.4 aperture
- Durable and high-quality build
- Nano Crystal Coating minimizes ghosting and flare
Cons
- Higher price point, albeit lower for the renewed option
- Weight may be a concern for prolonged handheld use
- Requires careful handling to avoid camera shake
Conclusion
Overall, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens (Renewed) is an outstanding investment for photographers seeking to elevate their portrait work. With its superb optical performance, durable construction, and versatile features, this lens is a valuable addition to any Nikon DSLR owner’s kit. While it does come with a higher price tag, the quality and results it provides justify the cost. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens will help you capture stunning portraits that truly stand out.
