It was only days ago now that news broke that a few images of a new, and very special Nikon lens had surfaced, and as of this morning we can confirm that it was all accurate almost down to the dollar; Nikon has officially confirmed the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, and, it’s available for pre-order right now.
Of course, we now know some more detail about the super 105, which, no doubt, seems set to already become a cult classic. Here are the product highlights:
- F-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- Three Extra Low-Dispersion Elements
- Nano Crystal Coating
- Silent Wave Motor AF System
- Internal Focus; Manual Focus Override
- Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism
- Protective Fluorine Coating
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- The lens is designed for full-frame cameras, but used on crop DX Nikons will render a pleasing 157mm equivalent focal length
In addition to that it has a minimum focusing distance of 3.3 feet, and the 105 has a fluorine coating, which, in a way, is like RainX for your lens, helping it stay free of dust and dirt and smudges This will be greatly welcome for the shooters of this lens which seems quite squarely aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts.
That said, given the kind of soft background and dreamy focal length, it isn’t hard to imagine this will be a go-to lens for just about anyone into portraiture, and also seems like it would be a great street photography piece. But it does come at a price, and that price is as was suggested in the leak, $2,196.
I’m sure we’ll be getting this lens in to review sooner rather than later, but there doesn’t seem to be much to argue with. If you want one you can pre-order it here, as we do expect a queue.
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From some of the samples and MTF charts this lens looks amazing. I’ve not been a fan of Nikon’s 1.4g series of lenses, for the price the image quality just wasn’t up to par with offerings from Sigma, or even Zeiss. If their claim that they can finally controll abberations to an acceptable standard then I might have to buy this lens, being one of those “bokeh fanatics.” The 105 1.8 ais produces some amazing bokeh, it’s filled with abberations, but still, an amazing old lens.. and probably the best insight into what the 105 1.4 will produce (only better, I hope).
You know Stephen, the charts look great. And it’s interesting how you drop Sigma in there with Zeiss, it just sort of made my smirk given we wouldn’t have had that conversation 5 years ago. I think Nikon’s G series has always been brilliant, they just hadn’t evolved with the pace of the others…perhaps this is a sign of the times.
Can I assume that this isn’t designed as a Macro like the 105mm f2.8? I ask as I am looking at that lens (or Sigma version) for the 1:1 ratio etc? Thanks……Dave
Specs from the B&H link:
Minimum Focus Distance 3.28′ (1 m)
Magnification 0.13x
Thank you!
I’ve used the 135DC & it was excellent if heavy and for me just a little too long..
as RR says in comment the below.. if the 105DC is nudged down in price that would be an excellent addition to my bag.
I’d like to see a “Bokeh’off” of the DC twins & this new 82mm upstart..
Other than not being thrilled about the 82mm filter size this sounds like a great lens, though at that price point they can keep it. To me, the most exciting thing about this news is that the 105 DC may come down in price (though, honestly, I doubt it). Fingers crossed.
I’ve only spent a little time with the 105 DC, and it was spectacular. frankly I think the only reason i didn’t buy it was to play with the 135 DC which never happened. Seems like a good time. And i hope you’re right about the price.
As I mentioned on your previous post about this new 105 f1.4, I am puzzled why Nikon would launch this. For portraits I would rather stick with my 85mm and 70-200mm combination, and I already have a great micro lens.
Two reasons come to mind:
1) There’s a large and growing ‘bokeh fanatic’ camp of enthusiasts. These are the folks who eye-rollingly complain that a lens isn’t pin sharp at f/1.4 with “Why would you have an f/1.4 lens and not shoot it wide open”?
2) Canon doesn’t offer such a lens. This is a distinctive feather-in-the-cap sort of lens that Nikon can argue for a greater premium than if they tried to compete for cost head to head against Canon’s 85 f/1.2L II.
Kishore — one typo. Your last two bullet points are just one thought. (Confused me at first.)
I might sell my 85 1.4 and get this instead!
I don’t think you’re alone there I love he 85 and I would be happy having this over the 85 1.4, but keeping the 85 1.8, which is still such a brilliant lens and possibly some of the best value around.
Exactly what I’m thinking. I’ve got the 85 1.8 variant too which is fantastic. I went ahead and pre-ordered the 105, anyone want an 85 1.4??